Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

 

Director: David Yates
Writer: J.K Rowling
Released: 2010
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Brendan Gleeson, Richard Griffiths, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Alan Rickman, Fiona Shaw, Timothy Spall, Imelda Staunton, David Thewlis, Julie Walters
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What a fantastic film! But of course I would say that; it’s based around time travel. So if you enjoyed the Prisoner of Azkaban, you’ll enjoy this.

Every Potter film before this has been increasingly dark – this is no exception – it is evil and horrific as we continue our ten year journey with Harry potter in order to defeat Lord Voldemort and we are almost at the final fight.

This film is getting closer and closer to the muggle world as the famous three have more dealings with people outside of Hogworts. Despite it’s scary themes and shocking circumstances, it certainly doesn’t lack its tension-diffusing  humour.

Particularly within the first chapter where everybody who’s helping to protect Harry takes Polyjuice potion enabling everyone in the room to look identical to Harry – a very clever and interesting behind-the-scenes piece regarding how they did this scene on the double disc version.

There are sudden deaths which may be disappointing for some fans, but the challenges and interdependence you discover between the main characters makes the story deeper and less about Harry. It’s a journey of discovery in more ways than geographically. As we flit from place to place we meet more and more people, unable of who to trust.

I’m still not convinced about the unorthodox chemistry between Harry and Ron’s sister, Ginny. No matter how many movies, it just doesn’t work for me… However, Ron and Hermione have a more realistic relationship including somewhat hilarious disagreements.

Not long ago I reminisced and watched the first Potter film. It was then that I realised how far we had come technology-wise and this series has documented it.

Deathly Hallows  has spectacular audio and music as well as flawlessly creepy flashbacks. My favourite scene is when Hermione tells the story of the Deathly Hallows and the relevance of the Elder Wand, Resurrection Stone and Invisibility Cloak. It is so cool – like you’re in the room listening toit, it’s the atmosphere of the film that makes it so real.

This is my favourite film of the series. By far. It is the mystery and the huge journey we go on emotionally and geographically, yet somehow it doesn’t seem so far fetched. A very exciting, yet occasionally humourous watch!

Jodie’s rating: 9/10