Review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (2010) by Josh K — 22 Sep 2014

The decision to split the final book into two parts was the best decision. Trying to do it as one film around two and a half hours or even three hours wouldn't work out since it wouldn't do complete justice to the novel. While the film would need to be around five or six hours, two parts works perfectly because it not only brings a satisfactory conclusion to the series, but also allows fans and film goers more time with these characters. The result is outstanding.

Part 1 is more of a road movie, with an apocalyptic feel. Voldemort is attempting to take over the wizarding world, while Harry is moved by his friends so that he won't be found. After taking over the Ministry and the wizarding world, Harry, Ron and Hermione are forced to go on the run, while also choosing to find the final horcruxes: mysterious objects which Voldemort split his soul into. If all of the horcruxes are destroyed, Voldemort will be destroyed as well.

This film is still dreary, but at the same time more mellow than the previous ones. The trio isn't at Hogwarts, so they have to rely on their own which is interesting to watch, seeing how they have to make each decision.

David Yates returns as director, once again doing a good job. Yates really goes into the danger of the wizarding world, while also focusing on the hardships that await Harry, Ron and Hermione.

The cast is once again outstanding. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson wonderfully lead the film, working alongside each other terrifically. The supporting cast is also great, especially Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Brendan Gleeson, Jason Isaacs and Robbie Coltrane. Bill Nighy and Rhys Ifans depict two new characters. Nighy depicts the new Minister of Magic with a Churchill like feel, while Ifans depicts the father of Luna Lovegood. The Dursleys (Richard Griffiths, Fiona Shaw and Harry Melling) get a nice sendoff, even if the scene is a little too short.

Alexandre Desplat's score is dark and intimidating, while also featuring a new theme for this particular film. Eduardo Serra's cinematography is especially very dark, even darker than the earlier films of the series.

While the film ends on a cliffhanger, it has you waiting patiently for the Part 2.