Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

In some ways, it is sad that this film series is no longer for children. Gone is the sense of innocence from Chris Columbus but it has been replaced by the drama of the original novel. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” is the best film in the series in my opinion. It is one of my top ten favorite fantasy films. The characters are more real than ever as the three main performers are no longer teenage actors. The change in the cinematographers that occurs with each David Yates Harry Potter movie gives each film its own unique feeling but at the same time, they still relate well to each other. Just like past Potter films, we experience a wide range of genuine emotions but the drama of this film feels more realistic despite its fantasy nature. The film also takes on timeless themes and references to world history in the tradition of other blockbuster sagas. This is one of the most unique films in the saga because it is a road movie. Our heroes are in unfamiliar territory and are wanted by the most evil wizard imaginable.

I choose to focus on the adaption of the story in this review, as is case with the other reviews of Harry Potter films that I have written. This film assists in setting up a huge conclusion to the whole series, as did “The Half-Blood Prince”. Unlike past films in the series however, we have much more time to see the book’s story portrayed on film. I am very happy that the final book was split into two movies because after ten years, we need the series to end on a very resolving note. This is not just about money as is the case with “Breaking Dawn” or "Mockingjay"; this is about ending a very popular series of films in the right way. It is impossible to conclude such a long film series in a resounding manner without spliting the last book into two movies. “Part 1” and “Part 2” have the freedom to portray everything necessary story-wise and that alone practically makes them the best Potter films. It is quite dramatic in the movie how Harry, as the most wanted man in the entire wizarding world, all of a sudden shows up in the Ministry of Magic to the surprise of all. I love the call back to “The Order of the Phoenix” as Harry chastises Umbridge for telling lies. I did not expect to cry in this movie but the depiction of Godric’s Hollow on Christmas Eve is still emotional for me. It is sad that Harry visits it at that time of the year because Christmas is a time of family. Hearing the faint church music and seeing the snow-covered graveyard was something that was very powerful. I like how the locket plays a similar role to the One Ring from “The Lord of the Rings Trilogy”. Its effects manipulate the thinking & feelings of our heroes and they separate momentarily. These horcruxes will do anything to prevent their destruction. I like the dancing scene that accompanies “O Children” because it is one instance where these characters feel real. Harry and Hermione’s plutonic friendship is so strong in this moment. The filmmakers were trying to tease the audience into thinking that a kiss was coming but they didn't fool me. One of my favorite lines in the film is when Hermione suggests to Harry that maybe they should give up and stay where they are, growing old. It is an intense thought and for a moment, we consider it. The reason why we do is because we care about these characters a lot and don’t want them to die. There is one part of the film that bothers me. It is when the horcrux manipulates Ron’s fear that Harry and Hermione are in love. I feel it is quite sensual for kids and inappropriate in this film series due to the partial nudity. It was a choice by the filmmakers that was not really necessary because they could have done without the nudity quite easily. There is some justification for it in that it is Voldemort’s horcrux after all. What did we expect: bunny rabbits and flowers? This scene will make it very hard for me to show the series to my future kids when they are young so that is a bummer. The depiction of The Tale of the Three Brothers is well created. It is a memorable sequence. I love how the movie leaves many mysteries unsolved such as the doe Patronus. Just like in all the Harry Potter films, we also see many events and actions that we may judge to be inconsequential at the time but will later be revealed as very important.

Many of the great movie franchises like “Star Wars” and “The Lord of the Rings” have classic themes and reference real world history. The Harry Potter books are no exception. “Part 1” however, more so than past Harry Potter films, clearly references a certain time and place in real world history: 1930’s Germany. I will explain this without being too specific as this subject is quite sensitive. Voldemort takes over the Ministry of Magic and then begins to use racial propaganda in his second attempt to rule the world. His initial rise and fall is representative of World War I while his second rise to power resembles World War II quite apparently. The propaganda books in the Ministry even resemble a 1930’s style. The trial and soldiers in that same scene also remind us of this time period in our own history. Later, we have a montage of our three lead characters as they make their way across the country. We hear the hand-held radio and vast images such as a damaged trailer park. I couldn’t get World War II-era Germany out of my head during these two moments as our heroes are on the run and very alone. The themes and references in the whole Harry Potter film saga are well done. The idea of racism was quite noticeable in “The Chamber of Secrets”. “The Deathly Hallows: Part 1” takes things to a whole new level however, a personal one for many I think. It is a bold but effective choice and I admire it. Back in 2010, racism-themed movies were not as common as they became a few years later so that is why this symbolize was effective as opposed to cliche. We can relate a lot more to the cinematic world we are watching.

I find other elements of the film entertaining. I loved how the first shot of the film was an extreme close-up of Bill Nighy’s eyes. To have Davy Jones himself in this movie was lots of fun. The tradition of superb actors in supporting roles in the Harry Potter films continues. It was also good to see John Hurt and Frances de la Tour reprise their roles. As mentioned, our three lead actors have matured into skillful performers. When Ron is hurt following the Ministry scene, Rupert Grint emulates pain so realistically. He seems genuinely in anguish. Grint best acting in the whole saga is in this moment and also his monologue about how he came back. It is quite emotional considering that Ron has been a source of comedy in past films. Another powerful acting moment is the torture of Hermione by Bellatrix. Emma Watson not only portrays sheer fear but terrible pain as well. Ron isn’t the only one angry and in distress as we the audience desire to intervene ourselves. The character of Hermione has always been a master of exposition as is Dumbledore and Watson reading of The Tale of the Three Brothers is wonderfully done. I like how Oscar-nominee Alexandre Desplat is the composer for “The Deathly Hallows”. I liked his work on “The Queen” and "The King's Speech". The special effects that create the house elves are now far more advanced since their appearance in “The Chamber of Secrets”. Dobby’s death scene on the beach feels so real. I also like the use of hand-held cameras as seen in the chase sequence with the Snatchers.

Probably the biggest legacy that this movie will have on Hollywood is the practice of adapting the final novel of a series into two cinematic parts. Unfortunately, this is rarely required in order to conclude a film story. Other franchises do not have the length of the Harry Potter film series and this practice is now solely about making money. I sort of wished that “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” would have been nominated for Best Picture. I felt that would be the greatest honor that the series at least deserves. At the time, I did feel however that it was unlikely. "Part 1" did receive nominations for Visual Effects and Art Direction and that makes me happy (I was kind of hoping it would win the latter). When it comes to my favorite film from 2010, it is very hard for me to decide between this show and "Toy Story 3". I award the honor to the latter film however because "The Deathly Hallows: Part 2" is easily my favorite movie from 2011. As I have said in another review, the story of Harry Potter is in my opinion the third greatest fictional story every told behind the story of Anakin & Luke Skywalker and the story of Frodo Baggins. This movie is evidence of my opinion. "Part 1" is very dramatic and demonstrates a good use of mood. We laugh and we cry. We have fear and anxiety. There is also a sense of hopelessness that the book exuded. Speaking of anxiety, at least we did have to wait long for “Part 2” to be released in theaters.

5 Stars out of 5