Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One
The books began thirteen years ago and in November 2001 Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released in cinemas. After nine years, we have reached part one of the finale of the Harry Potter movies. Saying goodbye to the series is also bidding farewell to a magical childhood in many cases. These films that have brought our favourite stories to life have lit up our screens year after year and they just get better every time. Deathly Hallows Part One is no exception. The boy who lived is all grown up and he stands before us as the young man who has been left a seemingly impossible task by Dumbledore. In order to kill Voldemort, Harry must track down the remaining horcruxes which all contain a part of Voldemort’s soul. This is the first film which does not feature Hogwarts and this lack of familiarity is something that adds to the tension of the film. As a viewer, we also miss the school; we are longing for the familiarity of the great hall, the professors, the classes and the quidditch matches. This longing adds to the atmosphere of the film and as the tag-line illustrates: nowhere is safe.
Harry, along with Ron and Hermione are left with only each other for comfort. Away from everyone and everything they have ever loved, their friendship is put to the test in this life or death quest. The film opens with a statement from Rufus Scrimgeour, Minister for Magic reassuring the wizarding world that everything is under control, they are putting up a fight against Voldemort’s forces. However, it is not long before the ministry falls and a real sense of chaos floods into the storyline. This panic and turmoil seeps into the entire plot of the movie. Like the book, the setting of the film is mainly on the road. The trio are always on the move; tensions run high and the action is very well paced. There are necessary changes which is inevitable when adapting such a book to the screen but the film stays faithful to the book in all of the areas that matter most.
Although the film is very chilling, a touch emotional and a little creepy, there are still moments of comic relief which ease this tension and stay true to the characters. An addition to this is a new scene in which Harry and Hermione dance. This was added to the film by director David Yates who said that individuals will either love it or hate it. He also picked it as as his personal favourite moment of the film. To me, this addition was one of the nicest moments in the film. Platonic relationships between guys and girls is a very underrepresented notion in this type cinema. Hermione removing herself from her parent’s memories is just mentioned in the book but features as one of the most emotional moments of the film.
Deathly Hallows Part One was originally planned to be released in 3-D but due to time restraints, this was not possible. I’m sure the prospect of pushing forward the release date of this film for the extra profit of a 3-D admission ticket was not worth the wrath of the Harry Potter fanbase. The best decision that they could have made was splitting the book in two to give the series the send off it deserves. We’ll be waiting with bated breath until summer 2011 for Part Two. Accio 15th July!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One is out on general release from Friday the 19th of November.
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Great review, so looking forward to seeing it on Friday!
Excellent review. Cannot wait to see it this weekend.
nice one i hope it lives up to the hype now!
no audio from the interviews you guys took? i saw you guys there!
Thank you for the replies, I hope you guys enjoy it!
@Niamh I wasn’t on the red carpet, not sure who it was, I’ll try find out for you.