REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I

J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter book series is widely credited for its broad appeal, imaginative characters, and thrilling narrative.  Though the film adaptations of the series (the first of which was released in 2001) have sported a spot-on cast and brilliant visuals throughout, the majority of the movies have failed to fully grasp the depth and intricacy of the series’ storyline and emotional appeal.  When it was announced that the final Potter book would be split into two films in order to do the story justice, fans of the series rejoiced.  Harry Potter andthe Deathly Hallows: Part I (out on DVD this week) is by far the best Harry Potter movie to date, and is a testament to the benefits of giving a film adaptation time to fully explore its source material. 

 

This far into the film series, it would be futile to sum up previous events.  Suffice it to say Deathly Hallows: Part I continues to follow young wizards Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) in their fight against the evil Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes).  On the run from malicious forces, they leave their friends, family, and beloved school behind as they search for six objects that may hold the key to Voldemort’s destruction.  

  

The film plays catch-up in its first few scenes, rapidly introducing characters crucial to the plot that the filmmakers had neglected to introduce in previous movies.  However, this is done much more delicately than I had expected, the introductions scattered among reunions with beloved and familiar characters from throughout the series.  The plot flows seamlessly from that point on, striking an excellent balance between action and suspense.

It has been an incredible thing these past ten years to watch the three young stars of the series grow older and mature in their skills as actors.  Harry, Ron and Hermione spend much of the movie in hiding, cut off from the rest of the world as they plan their next course of action.  While a good deal of the character development in the previous films was driven solely by plot and action, Deathly Hallows: Part I focuses much more upon atmosphere and emotion, allowing Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson to build upon the relationships of their characters like never before.  For instance, the scene where Ron must confront a manifestation of his insecurities and nightmares is stunning in both its power and by how far the filmmakers were willing to go to visualize Ron’s worst fears.

The movie surpasses its predecessors in art direction and special effects, as well.  Having left the fantastical halls of Hogwarts behind, Harry’s magical battles for survival are all the more potent in their contrast with the realistic confines of London diners and alleyways in which he finds himself confronted.  CG characters Dobby and Kreacher are top-knotch, and an unexpected animated folktale narrated by Hermione toward the end of the film is spectacular in its visual simplicity.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I is the Potter film fans have been waiting for.  With it’s dark atmosphere, tight script, and talented cast, it is the first Potter movie that may actually surpass the quality of its source material.  If Part II can live up to this precedent, only time will tell.  I grew up alongside these characters with every new book release, and it’s going to be hard for me to say goodbye once the last movie has its run.  But for now, I’m content that one a much beloved series seems to be ending on a high note.