Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I (2-Disc/Special Edition) Blu-ray

15 reviews for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I (2-Disc/Special Edition) Blu-ray

1. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   J. Putnam – July 25, 2025

   5.0 out of 5 stars

   The Darkest (and Most Hopeful) Film in the Series Reaps the Most Reward

   Hope verb \ˈhōp\ – to want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true.-Merriam-Webster DictionaryYou hope for the things you don’t have. You can’t hope for love, joy, friendship, and safety when you have them. You can only hope for what you don’t have. Hope is not found in times of fulfillment and joy, but rather in darkness, despair and discontent. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I is a film about hope, and as such, it is consistently dark and bleak as it pushes its characters to the edge of their limits. Yet even during the darkest of times it allows its characters the ability to hope. This success makes it not only the best in the series, but also one of the greatest cinematic feats of the past decade.The Deathly Hallows Part I comes seventh in what might be the most famous film series of this generation. After a revolving door of directors, David Yates picked up the series from The Order of the Phoenix and on, and has done a phenomenal job of putting the darker elements of the books on display. It may come as a surprise to many readers to see J.K. Rowling listed as a producer – the person ultimately in charge of both the business and creative aspects of the film. It’s great to see an author take such an active role in a film, and it certainly has an excellent payoff in the first part of Harry and the gang’s final adventure.Within the first five minutes of the film, two fan favorites are pushed to their limits. Thus far, no Harry Potter movie had taken the audience to such an extreme place of despair so quickly. Of course, with great risk comes great reward, and the Deathly Hallows Part I is full of reward. While Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint do a great job supporting Watson, she is truly the focus of this film. I won’t ruin anything, but I can say that Watson effectively uses a wide range of emotions early and often. While Harry and Ron appropriately lose their minds through various points in the film, Hermione works as the glue that holds the whole thing together. While this can be seen earlier on in the series, it is not done as effectively and as potently as in the Deathly Hallows Part I.The film also succeeds in capturing darkness and hope in its cinematography. This film is dreary and bleak throughout, and yet it is mysterious and beautiful at all time. This can be seen pouring out of the cinematography and is extremely effective in emphasizing the tone and message of the film. And I won’t spoil the hopeful moments for you, but I will say it’s worth the crap Harry, Ron, and Hermione are put through. Between all this, an excellent supporting cast, and a more than experienced crew, The Deathly Hallow Part I takes this series to the next level!All this isn’t to say that the movie is perfect. There are a few minor flaws. Although the last book was split into two films – which paid off artistically despite its financial motivations – the writers didn’t find time really honor all the great minor characters in the series. Hagrid, in particular, was given just one line of dialogue that, which despite Robbie Coltrane’s best effort, didn’t amount to much more than a giant piece of corn.While it was great seeing the film hone in on the main trio, it was a shame to see such a wonderful supporting cast of characters wasted. Another disappointment was seeing Ginny built up as Harry’s love interest in the first third of the film, only to be dropped for the entirety of the second and third acts. This ultimately paid off, as it allowed Harry and Hermione to explore their friendship more fully, but it still would have been cool to see all of Harry and Ginny’s sexual tension go somewhere.Despite a lack of screen time for its great supporting cast, The Deathly Hallows Part I is nothing short of phenomenal in capturing hope amongst darkness and showing that this film series has grown up with its horde of followers and reluctant protagonists. To put it bluntly, this is an adult film. This film feels more like the Bourne Trilogy, the Dark Knight Trilogy, Rise of the Planet of the Apes or Skyfall than a movie based on a fantasy book series for kids, and that change in tone and style work perfectly.Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I isn’t just a film for Harry Potter fans. If you just love great films, here you are! The Deathly Hallows Part I is an incredible cinematic experience that reminds audiences that there is always hope amongst the darkness, as well as reward in taking great risks.

   7 people found this helpful
2. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   J. Putnam – July 25, 2025

   5.0 out of 5 stars

   The Darkest (and Most Hopeful) Film in the Series Reaps the Most Reward

   Hope verb \ˈhōp\ – to want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true.-Merriam-Webster DictionaryYou hope for the things you don’t have. You can’t hope for love, joy, friendship, and safety when you have them. You can only hope for what you don’t have. Hope is not found in times of fulfillment and joy, but rather in darkness, despair and discontent. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I is a film about hope, and as such, it is consistently dark and bleak as it pushes its characters to the edge of their limits. Yet even during the darkest of times it allows its characters the ability to hope. This success makes it not only the best in the series, but also one of the greatest cinematic feats of the past decade.The Deathly Hallows Part I comes seventh in what might be the most famous film series of this generation. After a revolving door of directors, David Yates picked up the series from The Order of the Phoenix and on, and has done a phenomenal job of putting the darker elements of the books on display. It may come as a surprise to many readers to see J.K. Rowling listed as a producer – the person ultimately in charge of both the business and creative aspects of the film. It’s great to see an author take such an active role in a film, and it certainly has an excellent payoff in the first part of Harry and the gang’s final adventure.Within the first five minutes of the film, two fan favorites are pushed to their limits. Thus far, no Harry Potter movie had taken the audience to such an extreme place of despair so quickly. Of course, with great risk comes great reward, and the Deathly Hallows Part I is full of reward. While Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint do a great job supporting Watson, she is truly the focus of this film. I won’t ruin anything, but I can say that Watson effectively uses a wide range of emotions early and often. While Harry and Ron appropriately lose their minds through various points in the film, Hermione works as the glue that holds the whole thing together. While this can be seen earlier on in the series, it is not done as effectively and as potently as in the Deathly Hallows Part I.The film also succeeds in capturing darkness and hope in its cinematography. This film is dreary and bleak throughout, and yet it is mysterious and beautiful at all time. This can be seen pouring out of the cinematography and is extremely effective in emphasizing the tone and message of the film. And I won’t spoil the hopeful moments for you, but I will say it’s worth the crap Harry, Ron, and Hermione are put through. Between all this, an excellent supporting cast, and a more than experienced crew, The Deathly Hallow Part I takes this series to the next level!All this isn’t to say that the movie is perfect. There are a few minor flaws. Although the last book was split into two films – which paid off artistically despite its financial motivations – the writers didn’t find time really honor all the great minor characters in the series. Hagrid, in particular, was given just one line of dialogue that, which despite Robbie Coltrane’s best effort, didn’t amount to much more than a giant piece of corn.While it was great seeing the film hone in on the main trio, it was a shame to see such a wonderful supporting cast of characters wasted. Another disappointment was seeing Ginny built up as Harry’s love interest in the first third of the film, only to be dropped for the entirety of the second and third acts. This ultimately paid off, as it allowed Harry and Hermione to explore their friendship more fully, but it still would have been cool to see all of Harry and Ginny’s sexual tension go somewhere.Despite a lack of screen time for its great supporting cast, The Deathly Hallows Part I is nothing short of phenomenal in capturing hope amongst darkness and showing that this film series has grown up with its horde of followers and reluctant protagonists. To put it bluntly, this is an adult film. This film feels more like the Bourne Trilogy, the Dark Knight Trilogy, Rise of the Planet of the Apes or Skyfall than a movie based on a fantasy book series for kids, and that change in tone and style work perfectly.Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I isn’t just a film for Harry Potter fans. If you just love great films, here you are! The Deathly Hallows Part I is an incredible cinematic experience that reminds audiences that there is always hope amongst the darkness, as well as reward in taking great risks.

   7 people found this helpful
3. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   J. Putnam – July 25, 2025

   5.0 out of 5 stars

   The Darkest (and Most Hopeful) Film in the Series Reaps the Most Reward

   Hope verb \ˈhōp\ – to want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true.-Merriam-Webster DictionaryYou hope for the things you don’t have. You can’t hope for love, joy, friendship, and safety when you have them. You can only hope for what you don’t have. Hope is not found in times of fulfillment and joy, but rather in darkness, despair and discontent. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I is a film about hope, and as such, it is consistently dark and bleak as it pushes its characters to the edge of their limits. Yet even during the darkest of times it allows its characters the ability to hope. This success makes it not only the best in the series, but also one of the greatest cinematic feats of the past decade.The Deathly Hallows Part I comes seventh in what might be the most famous film series of this generation. After a revolving door of directors, David Yates picked up the series from The Order of the Phoenix and on, and has done a phenomenal job of putting the darker elements of the books on display. It may come as a surprise to many readers to see J.K. Rowling listed as a producer – the person ultimately in charge of both the business and creative aspects of the film. It’s great to see an author take such an active role in a film, and it certainly has an excellent payoff in the first part of Harry and the gang’s final adventure.Within the first five minutes of the film, two fan favorites are pushed to their limits. Thus far, no Harry Potter movie had taken the audience to such an extreme place of despair so quickly. Of course, with great risk comes great reward, and the Deathly Hallows Part I is full of reward. While Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint do a great job supporting Watson, she is truly the focus of this film. I won’t ruin anything, but I can say that Watson effectively uses a wide range of emotions early and often. While Harry and Ron appropriately lose their minds through various points in the film, Hermione works as the glue that holds the whole thing together. While this can be seen earlier on in the series, it is not done as effectively and as potently as in the Deathly Hallows Part I.The film also succeeds in capturing darkness and hope in its cinematography. This film is dreary and bleak throughout, and yet it is mysterious and beautiful at all time. This can be seen pouring out of the cinematography and is extremely effective in emphasizing the tone and message of the film. And I won’t spoil the hopeful moments for you, but I will say it’s worth the crap Harry, Ron, and Hermione are put through. Between all this, an excellent supporting cast, and a more than experienced crew, The Deathly Hallow Part I takes this series to the next level!All this isn’t to say that the movie is perfect. There are a few minor flaws. Although the last book was split into two films – which paid off artistically despite its financial motivations – the writers didn’t find time really honor all the great minor characters in the series. Hagrid, in particular, was given just one line of dialogue that, which despite Robbie Coltrane’s best effort, didn’t amount to much more than a giant piece of corn.While it was great seeing the film hone in on the main trio, it was a shame to see such a wonderful supporting cast of characters wasted. Another disappointment was seeing Ginny built up as Harry’s love interest in the first third of the film, only to be dropped for the entirety of the second and third acts. This ultimately paid off, as it allowed Harry and Hermione to explore their friendship more fully, but it still would have been cool to see all of Harry and Ginny’s sexual tension go somewhere.Despite a lack of screen time for its great supporting cast, The Deathly Hallows Part I is nothing short of phenomenal in capturing hope amongst darkness and showing that this film series has grown up with its horde of followers and reluctant protagonists. To put it bluntly, this is an adult film. This film feels more like the Bourne Trilogy, the Dark Knight Trilogy, Rise of the Planet of the Apes or Skyfall than a movie based on a fantasy book series for kids, and that change in tone and style work perfectly.Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I isn’t just a film for Harry Potter fans. If you just love great films, here you are! The Deathly Hallows Part I is an incredible cinematic experience that reminds audiences that there is always hope amongst the darkness, as well as reward in taking great risks.

   7 people found this helpful
4. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   J. Putnam – July 25, 2025

   5.0 out of 5 stars

   The Darkest (and Most Hopeful) Film in the Series Reaps the Most Reward

   Hope verb \ˈhōp\ – to want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true.-Merriam-Webster DictionaryYou hope for the things you don’t have. You can’t hope for love, joy, friendship, and safety when you have them. You can only hope for what you don’t have. Hope is not found in times of fulfillment and joy, but rather in darkness, despair and discontent. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I is a film about hope, and as such, it is consistently dark and bleak as it pushes its characters to the edge of their limits. Yet even during the darkest of times it allows its characters the ability to hope. This success makes it not only the best in the series, but also one of the greatest cinematic feats of the past decade.The Deathly Hallows Part I comes seventh in what might be the most famous film series of this generation. After a revolving door of directors, David Yates picked up the series from The Order of the Phoenix and on, and has done a phenomenal job of putting the darker elements of the books on display. It may come as a surprise to many readers to see J.K. Rowling listed as a producer – the person ultimately in charge of both the business and creative aspects of the film. It’s great to see an author take such an active role in a film, and it certainly has an excellent payoff in the first part of Harry and the gang’s final adventure.Within the first five minutes of the film, two fan favorites are pushed to their limits. Thus far, no Harry Potter movie had taken the audience to such an extreme place of despair so quickly. Of course, with great risk comes great reward, and the Deathly Hallows Part I is full of reward. While Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint do a great job supporting Watson, she is truly the focus of this film. I won’t ruin anything, but I can say that Watson effectively uses a wide range of emotions early and often. While Harry and Ron appropriately lose their minds through various points in the film, Hermione works as the glue that holds the whole thing together. While this can be seen earlier on in the series, it is not done as effectively and as potently as in the Deathly Hallows Part I.The film also succeeds in capturing darkness and hope in its cinematography. This film is dreary and bleak throughout, and yet it is mysterious and beautiful at all time. This can be seen pouring out of the cinematography and is extremely effective in emphasizing the tone and message of the film. And I won’t spoil the hopeful moments for you, but I will say it’s worth the crap Harry, Ron, and Hermione are put through. Between all this, an excellent supporting cast, and a more than experienced crew, The Deathly Hallow Part I takes this series to the next level!All this isn’t to say that the movie is perfect. There are a few minor flaws. Although the last book was split into two films – which paid off artistically despite its financial motivations – the writers didn’t find time really honor all the great minor characters in the series. Hagrid, in particular, was given just one line of dialogue that, which despite Robbie Coltrane’s best effort, didn’t amount to much more than a giant piece of corn.While it was great seeing the film hone in on the main trio, it was a shame to see such a wonderful supporting cast of characters wasted. Another disappointment was seeing Ginny built up as Harry’s love interest in the first third of the film, only to be dropped for the entirety of the second and third acts. This ultimately paid off, as it allowed Harry and Hermione to explore their friendship more fully, but it still would have been cool to see all of Harry and Ginny’s sexual tension go somewhere.Despite a lack of screen time for its great supporting cast, The Deathly Hallows Part I is nothing short of phenomenal in capturing hope amongst darkness and showing that this film series has grown up with its horde of followers and reluctant protagonists. To put it bluntly, this is an adult film. This film feels more like the Bourne Trilogy, the Dark Knight Trilogy, Rise of the Planet of the Apes or Skyfall than a movie based on a fantasy book series for kids, and that change in tone and style work perfectly.Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I isn’t just a film for Harry Potter fans. If you just love great films, here you are! The Deathly Hallows Part I is an incredible cinematic experience that reminds audiences that there is always hope amongst the darkness, as well as reward in taking great risks.

   7 people found this helpful
5. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   J. Putnam – July 25, 2025

   5.0 out of 5 stars

   The Darkest (and Most Hopeful) Film in the Series Reaps the Most Reward

   Hope verb \ˈhōp\ – to want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true.-Merriam-Webster DictionaryYou hope for the things you don’t have. You can’t hope for love, joy, friendship, and safety when you have them. You can only hope for what you don’t have. Hope is not found in times of fulfillment and joy, but rather in darkness, despair and discontent. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I is a film about hope, and as such, it is consistently dark and bleak as it pushes its characters to the edge of their limits. Yet even during the darkest of times it allows its characters the ability to hope. This success makes it not only the best in the series, but also one of the greatest cinematic feats of the past decade.The Deathly Hallows Part I comes seventh in what might be the most famous film series of this generation. After a revolving door of directors, David Yates picked up the series from The Order of the Phoenix and on, and has done a phenomenal job of putting the darker elements of the books on display. It may come as a surprise to many readers to see J.K. Rowling listed as a producer – the person ultimately in charge of both the business and creative aspects of the film. It’s great to see an author take such an active role in a film, and it certainly has an excellent payoff in the first part of Harry and the gang’s final adventure.Within the first five minutes of the film, two fan favorites are pushed to their limits. Thus far, no Harry Potter movie had taken the audience to such an extreme place of despair so quickly. Of course, with great risk comes great reward, and the Deathly Hallows Part I is full of reward. While Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint do a great job supporting Watson, she is truly the focus of this film. I won’t ruin anything, but I can say that Watson effectively uses a wide range of emotions early and often. While Harry and Ron appropriately lose their minds through various points in the film, Hermione works as the glue that holds the whole thing together. While this can be seen earlier on in the series, it is not done as effectively and as potently as in the Deathly Hallows Part I.The film also succeeds in capturing darkness and hope in its cinematography. This film is dreary and bleak throughout, and yet it is mysterious and beautiful at all time. This can be seen pouring out of the cinematography and is extremely effective in emphasizing the tone and message of the film. And I won’t spoil the hopeful moments for you, but I will say it’s worth the crap Harry, Ron, and Hermione are put through. Between all this, an excellent supporting cast, and a more than experienced crew, The Deathly Hallow Part I takes this series to the next level!All this isn’t to say that the movie is perfect. There are a few minor flaws. Although the last book was split into two films – which paid off artistically despite its financial motivations – the writers didn’t find time really honor all the great minor characters in the series. Hagrid, in particular, was given just one line of dialogue that, which despite Robbie Coltrane’s best effort, didn’t amount to much more than a giant piece of corn.While it was great seeing the film hone in on the main trio, it was a shame to see such a wonderful supporting cast of characters wasted. Another disappointment was seeing Ginny built up as Harry’s love interest in the first third of the film, only to be dropped for the entirety of the second and third acts. This ultimately paid off, as it allowed Harry and Hermione to explore their friendship more fully, but it still would have been cool to see all of Harry and Ginny’s sexual tension go somewhere.Despite a lack of screen time for its great supporting cast, The Deathly Hallows Part I is nothing short of phenomenal in capturing hope amongst darkness and showing that this film series has grown up with its horde of followers and reluctant protagonists. To put it bluntly, this is an adult film. This film feels more like the Bourne Trilogy, the Dark Knight Trilogy, Rise of the Planet of the Apes or Skyfall than a movie based on a fantasy book series for kids, and that change in tone and style work perfectly.Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I isn’t just a film for Harry Potter fans. If you just love great films, here you are! The Deathly Hallows Part I is an incredible cinematic experience that reminds audiences that there is always hope amongst the darkness, as well as reward in taking great risks.

   7 people found this helpful
6. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   Gma Jim – July 25, 2025

   4.0 out of 5 stars

   Edited version

   Was not full length version. Lot of missing scenes. We were disappointed.
7. 

   Rated 3 out of 5

   M. Secaur – July 25, 2025

   3.0 out of 5 stars

   Latest Potter installment excites yet mildly disappoints, and fails to be the highest point in the franchise.

   Perhaps this stems from the fact that “Deathly Hallows” was kind of a bummer climax to a great book series, one that failed to meet my expectations as a fan, and failed to rank as 5-star reading, coming from an author that had astounded me in the past with her exceptionalism in the quality of her literary output. The novel was slow-moving, often dragging itself to a complete halt before starting itself up again on a lame footing, and then tumbling to an unexciting and open-ended finale.Not that I dislike the movie so much. It is merely that the film suffers solely from the problems of the book: an over-stretched and ridiculous plot (or lack thereof); a slow moving narrative, which took up over 700 pages when it easily could have used up only 300; and a ruthless extermination of nearly half the population of the Wizarding World in a single brutal sweep by Rowling herself. That being said, if you can disregard the seriously lacking storyline and nonexistent plot, “Hallows, Part 1” comes off as a fairly good film.I have really come to appreciate why the production team chose to split it into two halves. While the tone of the next film is ostensibly going to be full of more fast-paced, action-packed thrills with lots of heroics and explosions, this first part is slower moving, with a kind of stationary adventure taking place outside of Hogwarts, a first for the books and the films. It is easily the darkest of all the films, with bleak, somber scenery, and as dark a tale to match. The characters are more fully explored, particularly the three young heroes, and their depth adds another, more mature element to the story.Be prepared to shed a few tears, and to cover your eyes and your ears during some of the more horrific moments. I was especially creeped out by the scenes at Bathilda Bagshot’s house, and the sequence of Bellatrix torturing Hermione at Malfoy Manor. The gristle and gore is quickly apparent, with frightening scenes of blood and death almost from the get-go (all courtesy of J.K. Rowling’s book, I might add). But considering the film was created by a team made up mostly of men and born from Rowling’s imagination, I am thankful it wasn’t any worse. While the same bad stuff happens, its been toned down to suit a PG-13 rating, and the gruesome shots never last more than a few seconds.You do have to give yourself time to get used to being out of your element–like the book, you never get to see Hogwarts castle. Being a “road” picture, most of the story takes place during what seems like an extended camping trip. The main focus is the three kids and their quest to destroy Voldemort’s Horcruxes, though what they do accomplish in the stretch of two and a half hours is precious little. While an improvement from the book, I was surprised afterward how much time it took for so little to happen, even though it seemed like things were in constant motion. The action is spread over numerous campsites across the country, with bits of action, character development, and plot exposition thrown in. Not the most inspiring setting, but it works better in a movie than I thought it would.Regarding the script, Steven Kloves remained exceedingly faithful to J.K. Rowling’s story, with the Deathly Hallows still taking front seat, and everything else following, for better or worse. He is also equally as ruthless, sparing no one and leaving every death (all 6) in place that she put into what makes up the first installment. Even so, there are several changes which made for a great improvement to the plot. For instance, things move quicker leading up to the recovery of the first Horcrux. The pacing is shored up and sheared considerably from the book, where as I said before it dragged and dragged until it came to a complete halt. The film never stops moving, and often leaves you completely breathless. It is easily ten times more exciting than how it was written. To put it one way, I knew everything that was going to happen, yet I sat on the edge of my seat biting my nails the entire time. Little time is spent at either the Dursley’s or the Burrow; Harry’s birthday is completely skipped over; and Bill and Fleur’s wedding is also condensed considerably. The time within Grimmauld place is robbed of screen-time but loaded with tension; the few moments inside are as nerve-wracking as any taking place in the forest outside.The strained relationship between Harry, Ron, and Hermione felt monotonous and after a while unbelievable in the book, but because the acting of the three stars is so strong, it works in the movie. Amongst the discord, there is a sense of unity between the three friends. Harry doesn’t argue so much with the other two and is less belligerent. The fights between he and Ron have been paired down to one, and he seems to be more understanding of Hermione’s feelings in particular, making their special bond even more poignant. I really enjoyed several moments where he finally stands up and acts like a man, particularly the sequence where he comforts a downtrodden Hermione by dancing with her, a nice addition by Kloves that wasn’t in the original book.You can really see Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint coming into their own as actors. Watson is perhaps the best out of the three, carrying so many emotions at one time it’s hard to keep up. Grint does an equally commendable job with Ron’s conflicting emotions and his wavering faith in Harry, and often provides some well-timed comic relief. Radcliffe seems to be more comfortable in his role than the previous films, and as a consequence, Harry seems to have matured considerably, growing as a person and developing another layer of depth and complexity that adds even more interest to his character. For instance, after the face-off with Nagini at Godric’s Hollow, Hermione shows Harry the bits of his broken wand. Instead of blowing up at her and acting like an ungrateful prig as he does in the book, he acts far more accepting, actually thanking her for saving their lives instead of bawling her out.Even though many, many technical advancement have been made since the earlier movies, I found the special effects for this one a bit too cartoonish. Dobby and Kreacher’s faces looked far too human to be house-elves, and not quite as magical as in films 2 and 5. The shadow-puppet-like animation for tale of the Three Brothers was very odd, and I felt it detracted from the story too much.Of all of the alterations made to the plot, my one complaint was that Kloves chose not to spare Dobby, the poor, good-natured house-elf who gets mercilessly killed at Belltrix’s hands, an unnecessary moment from the book that really galled me. In the film, it was painful to watch Harry call out to Hermione to help him, and watch as she does nothing. Rowling frequently contradicts herself, and this was one of the worst. How is it Hermione could stop Ron from bleeding to death after he was splinched, or save Harry from a near-fatal snake bite, yet she can’t help a house-elf that was wounded with an ordinary dagger? It would have been such an easy change–I really wish the film had ended better.As a movie, I can’t complain. It had good acting, good cinematography, fairly good music, good visual effects, and a great production crew. It was a marked improvement from the book itself, and while maybe not as marked as I would have liked, it is nonetheless something I would consider re-viewing. If it lacks, it is in no way the fault of the filmmakers. They did the best they could with the material given to them. Let’s just hope the next time around (Part 2), will improve upon the source instead of slavishly adhering to it.

   5 people found this helpful
8. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   RMurray847 – July 25, 2025

   4.0 out of 5 stars

   A worthy build-up to the grand finale.

   As always, I must start my latest HARRY POTTER review by stating that I have never read any of the books and thus cannot weigh in on their faithfulness. I enjoy the films, but have never enjoyed them so much that I want to read the books. I’ve been okay with the every year or two 2.5 hour dose of Harry and his friends.DEATHLY HALLOWS PT. 1 is the first half of the final chapter in the saga (as virtually anyone who draws breath knows already). And as the first 6 films can be said to be a build-up to the final chapter, this first part of that final chapter is a great deal of build-up with relatively little payoff. At least, from a pure plot perspective, not a lot fills up the 2.5 hours this time.But if you’re interested in the relationships, particularly between Harry, Ron & Hermoine, this is a very satisfying chapter. In fact, much of the film focuses almost exclusively on these three friends. Hogwarts is not glimpsed at all, and many of the recurring characters we’ve grown to know over the course of the series are scarcely seen (Snape, for example, appears in only one scene) or missing altogether (no Maggie Smith at all). The movie has a chilled, insular feeling to it.If you are unfamiliar with the basic story and plot of HARRY POTTER…I’m sorry, but I am not the best person to give you that kind of background. Presumably, if you’re interested in this film, you’ve got a familiarity with the story that has come before. If not, you need to go back to the very first film and start there. It would be a heck of a ride.In THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, we see that the world of magic is descending into a frightening political mess. The Ministry of Magic is turning into a fascist state, and “good” wizards and witches the world over are in hiding and being hunted down. It’s a dangerous time for all. And we also know that the evil Lord Voldemort is preparing to confront Harry and then move on to dominion over all. Times are bleak, and the film is literally dark throughout. In the early going, there are some “funny” moments (one in particular features all of Harry’s friends drinking a potion to make them look like him…there are some priceless reactions), but for the most part, the film is grim. Eventually, Harry and his two closest friends literally go into hiding from the rest of the world…traveling through desolate landscapes in search of a way to destroy a Horcrux (a talisman that holds, I think, a portion of the soul of Voldemort). They also seek more Horcrux’s…and other stuff too. I’m unclear on some of this, because honestly, the details of what all Harry and his buddies are trying to accomplish seem somewhat vague to me. I just kind of take their word for it.So as they run around the forest, or around lakes or other landscapes that look terribly windblown, these three face their own first truly adult arguments, hurt feelings, etc. As you may know, Ron loves Hermoine. Hermoine feels the same way, but hasn’t worn those feelings on her sleeve…so when she and Harry appear to grow closer…Ron feels alienated. He’s never been the bright one or the magically adept one in his group; now he feels totally useless, resentful and hurt. It’s perhaps too simplistic to say they’ve got a love triangle going…their feelings are a bit more complicated than that, given all the external stress they’re dealing with as well. In these scenes, which are infused with the sadness of friendships that are losing their childlike innocence, the three young actors (Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson & Rupert Grint) do some of their best work ever. This must come, at least partially, from the fact that these three kids have grown up together on the set of these movies. They have an ease together that they never achieve when onscreen with other performers. Many of the scenes have relatively little in the way of special effects going on. It’s just two or three kids, sitting in a tent, or in the woods, having whispered conversations. Depending on how much you enjoy this series for the character development of Harry, Ron & Hermoine will determine how much you enjoy DEATHLY HALLOWS PT. 1.If I make the movie sound small and contained, there are some BIG scenes that take place in the wonderfully rendered Ministry of Magic that nicely remind us that money is no object when it comes to these films. The movie isn’t skimping…the story just seems to be drawing in a deep, slow breath in preparation for all hell breaking loose.I look forward to the final movie. DEATHLY HALLOWS PT. 1 did a great job in building that anticipation (and contains a great final moment that practically makes you cry out at how badly you’re left hanging). It’s not the greatest movie in the series (it’s tough to say which film IS the greatest, but I might lean towards GOBLET OF FIRE, with it’s wonderful mix of the grand, the comical and the scary), but for fans, it is essential and rewarding viewing.

   One person found this helpful
9. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   snoogins4life – July 25, 2025

   5.0 out of 5 stars

   This Is Bigger Than You Harry.

   Oh how dimwitted yet incredibly intelligent Ron can be at times, as the above statement shows. He understands that the war that Voldomort has waged isn’t just about Harry. Yes, he is a huge factor; but not the whole reason. And this film really starts to show us just how big this “war” has become. Reaching so far as to take over the “secure” and “powerful” Ministry of Magic, and even taking over the sacred halls of Hogwarts itself.But, Harry is still a large part of the war. He is the figure that the good stand behind now that the thought to be immortal Dumbledore is no more. And with that knowledge, so this film begins. Dumbledore is dead, and Harry is left clueless as to what he is to do with the fragments of knowledge that were left to him. He knows he must destroy the remaining Horocruxes; magical items housing split pieces of Voldomorts soul, keeping him immortal. But what are these items, how do you destroy them, and most importantly how do you find them. This is the main focus of Part 1. After realizing that he is not safe anywhere he goes, Harry with his trusted friends Ron and Hermione go on the run to find these remaining objects and learn how to destroy them.Deathly Hallows is one of the most well structured films of the series to date. Many things that the amazing J.K. Rowling wrote in the novel would have weighed the film version down and made it feel disjointed, but Steve Kloves has done a magical job at finding the root story, and side stories that are relevant to this. He has also given us one of the most emotional scripts, delivered with true and powerful performances by all; particularly by our core three. Daniel, Emma and Rupert have truly become amazing actors/actresses. So many scenes in this film are very depressing and filled with tension and all three deliver. Small additions also make the film all that much more amazing. The dance that Harry and Hermione share after Ron abandons the cause, is truly heart felt and sweet.But the action and set design are also astounding. The opening chase sequence with the multiple Harry’s being chased by the death eaters through the skies and streets of London was amazing and intense. And the infiltration of the Ministry to steal one of the horocruxes is ingenious and while funny, very intense as well, and also gives us the chance to once again see the amazing Imelda Staunton as the ever nasty Dolores Umbridge. The chase between the snatchers and the trio near the end of the film is also very intense.Giving props to Daniel, Emma and Ron is commendable but the supporting cast is also amazing. Ray Fiennes as Voldomort is as always creepy and nasty as Voldomort. And Alan Rickman; although underused; steals every scene his character Severus Snape is in. But I must say that the stand out in this film to me was Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange who played the role with such cunning and murderous venom that she stole each and every scene she was in. Her torturing of Hermione was a terrifying scene to hear and behold.Death is also a major theme in this film, we loose several loved characters and many people are scene dead or worse in the film, so to all those thinking of taking their little kids, I’d say no. The film is very dark and morbid, and has a very forboding sense of dread hanging over it. This is not Chamber of Secrets or even Order of the Phoenix.I was immensely satisfied with this film, even if it was incomplete, but it is a step in the right direction. I have been, unlike some, very impressed with the last few films, enjoying the more mature and tense filled films.With Half Blood Prince being my favorite to date, even better in my opinion than this one. So if your wanting to see a truly gripping film than go see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1.

   5 people found this helpful
10. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Ronald R. Allen Jr. – July 25, 2025

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    As with all the Harry Potter movies, outstanding

    OK. So. Here we are.I started into the Harry Potter phenomenon quite, quite late. Just about 6 months or so ago, in fact. I’m a Science Fiction fan, way more than fantasy or the “magic” genre. But.HP was such a big deal, that I got the books on my Kindle, more to just find out what the big deal was, more than anything. And read them. And they were so incredibly good and fun and disturbing, on so many levels, that I had to also see the movies.I’ve actually become quite a Harry Potter fan.So, let’s get down to it, shall we?You have to understand that the movies need to be evaluated separately from the books. They are just not 100% true to the books. They can’t be. You can’t tell a 600 or 700 page book in 2 or 2.5 hours of screen time, you just can’t.So, if we leave the “authenticity” issue to the side… this is another great film, in a series of great films.It really does, as all the Potter movies do, follow the basic story of the books. If you are an avid reader, you will see scenes you imagined in your head, acted out for you by the truly superb cast.But the films, by necessity, must be taken as a separate entity.This is another truly wonderful, excellent, superb addition to the Harry Potter film series.The one thing I really love is, the film makers, _knowing_ they would have to abridge and condense, are internally consistent with their version of Potter.I’ve become such a HP fan that I know the books well enough to, at least, go… “Wait, wait, wait… we missed a scene, didn’t we?”, or “Wait, that didn’t happen in the book, did it?”.But when you view the films and the books as separate entities… this film, as all the others, tells the true Harry Potter _story_ magnificently.All in all, I am, for myself, 100% thumbs up.

    26 people found this helpful
11. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Z Hayes – July 25, 2025

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    A stellar adaptation of HP and the Deathly Hallows

    Given that the concluding novel in the Harry Potter series covers so much in terms of plot and characterization, it is fitting that the movie was divided into two parts. I was quite wary about this latest installment in the HP franchise after some of the liberties taken with HP and the Half-Blood Prince (though I still loved it). I feel that HP and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 is one of the most (if not, the most) faithful adaptation of a HP novel to be brought to the silver screen. There is a perfect synergy of all the elements that made me fall in love with the story of HP as written in the books – great characterization made possible by credible and amazing acting; gorgeous cinematography; a score that perfectly captures the angst, tension, and drama of the unfolding story; and special effects that awe without overwhelming the audience or detract from the story.The only thing I’d like to mention and I feel is important is that this particular installment really does require prior knowledge of the Harry Potter novels. This movie takes it for granted that viewers will be able to fill in the blanks, like why does Hermione have to perform a spell on her parents which erases her existence from their memories? Throughout the movie, little snippets of Potter lore are sprinkled about which will delight any devoted fan but might confound and frustrate any newcomer to the series (which is why I would recommend starting from the first movie and working one’s way through the series, in order). To really understand all that is going on, and the significance of certain things unfolding during the movie, I would recommend reading the book (to be able to see a particular scene and think, “That’s exactly how I imagined it would happen!” or “Ahh, so that’s the significance of the …” was an enriching and immensely satisfying experience for me).I am not going to rehash the plot in detail – basically, this movie takes off some time after HP and the Half-Blood Prince ended. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) sends the Dursleys off to a safe spot as he prepares to go on his quest for the remaining Horcruxes which hold parts of Voldemort’s soul. He is joined by best pals Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint). Part One of Deathly Hallows traces the trio’s journey and sense of aimlessness (for they know not where the remaining horcruxes are); tension and strife between Ron and Harry; Hermione’s sadnesss at losing Ron briefly; the constant pressure of being on the run; and perhaps most significantly, discovering that each of them truly have a purpose, that it is together and not individually that they are able to gain advantage over the Dark Lord. The actors who play the leads have truly come into their own and it is just amazing to see these young actors mature into and inhabit each of their roles with credibility and assurance, playing their characters with great depth. It is even more amazing given that they have been playing these roles for more than a decade, yet never do they show that they are tiring of their roles or just doing it for the money – there’s real passion here.My only grouse is that Snape (Alan Rickman) does not get much screen time, but I’m sure that will be redressed in Part Two where he plays a more significant role. Helena Bonham-Carter was a hoot to watch as usual, playing the maniacal role of Bellatrix Lestrange with a fervor unmatched by any screen villainess in recent time (at least in my opinion). Ralph Fiennes portrays the Dark Lord with a credible sense of evil and malignancy, though his appearances in this installment are mainly via flashbacks and Harry’s connection with the Dark Lord’s thoughts.Three things that caught my interest (well, many things actually, but these three were unique): The dramatization of the tale of the three brothers, i.e. the Peverell brothers was done via animation, and it is gloriously done, with understatement yet is effective in conveying to the viewer the significance of this tale to Harry’s quest. Another was the controversial scene between Harry and Hermione (spoiler ahead!) – Hermione and Harry are shown in an intimate embrace during a confrontation with the Dark Lord’s soul and Ron who has been beseeched with doubts regarding their relationship flounders whilst the clock is ticking. This scene was tastefully done, and not explicit at all (except for kissing), so the PG-13 rating is safe! Finally, the scenes of persecution against the Mud-Bloods were so well-done and captured the hysteria that was so reminiscent of another time in the past, i.e. Nazi Germany during WW II.Overall, I feel this is a great set-up to the final installment in the HP series, and will especially please ardent fans of the novels. There is a perfect blend of drama, tension, bleakness, and even humor. Recommended!

    4 people found this helpful
12. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Mary Kate – July 25, 2025

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    The Magic Is Back!

    I’m so very happy that I can recommend this one without any hesitation at all!The last couple Harry Potter films disappointed me in a myriad of ways. My disappointment didn’t cause me to hate them, but I did feel let down and I have to admit that I found Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince pretty forgettable. But, being a Potter fan, I still found myself rushing out to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I today. And to my great relief and happiness, I loved it – really loved it! Yeah!The chase of the Seven Potters by the Death Eaters and the trip to the Ministry of Magic are tense and exciting, the endless camping trip is just as effective at portraying the helplessness and frustration the characters are experiencing as it was in the book and the scene that gives us Hermione reading Beedle the Bard’s “Tale of the Three Brothers” is riveting and wonderfully creative – much, much better than I would have thought it could be. We finally get to meet Bill (and Fleur’s briefly-glimpsed wedding dress is gorgeous!) and the whipped cream on top of all this goodness is that the film is much more humorous than I expected. While not everything is included, of course, I didn’t come out of this film grumbling things along the lines of “How could they leave out _____?” or “Why did they add ________when it wasn’t even in the danged book?” – both comments I have been known to make after viewing some of the other films. Instead, I left the theater feeling like I’d seen a relatively faithful rendering of the “real” story. And there were even one or two things that I thought the film did better than the book, most notably the interruption of Harry & Ginny’s kiss. The not-in-the-book added scene of Harry and Hermione dancing was both amusing and incredibly poignant – a true highlight of the film for me.For some reason, the enjoyment this film gave me seemed to lift some sort of weight off me – which seems a very odd thing to say, I know. I think it returned a good deal of the joy I found in the earlier films – when seeing the characters and the places come to life on the screen was so magical. (That first glimpse of Hogwarts!) In a way, I feel like I’m back *in* – that I’m once again immersed in the film version of the story in a way that more closely echoes the effect the books had on me. While the films, IMHO, can never hope to match the books, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, Part I, let me feel the magic again. For that I thank everyone involved with it.I thought the acting by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson was better than it’s been in any of the Potter films – they really seem to have come into their own here. Helena Bonham Carter was freakishly perfect as usual, Jason Isaacs very good and Rhys Ifans as Xenophilius Lovegood a welcome newcomer. The film sounds good – the score is a mood-setting addition to the film (especially effective, I thought, were the screeching radio sounds during many of the camping scenes) – and it looks even better. The shots of the English countryside are beautiful but often seem almost overwhelmingly empty and lonely – perfect for the story.When it was announced that Deathly Hallows would be split into two films, I was glad because I hoped that by doing so the filmmakers would be able to do justice to the complexities of Rowling’s plot. And now, having seen Part I, I feel that they’ve succeeded in doing just that. After this, I can look forward to the last film, not with dread, but with pleasure. And I am incredibly thrilled to be able to say that.Very highly recommended!Some info and cautions on the products:PLEASE NOTE: Because there are reports of various versions of the DVD available from different sellers, I strongly suggest buyers check the packaging carefully to ensure the version they are considering contains everything they’re looking for.I purchased the 3-Disc Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy Combo Pack offered here on Amazon. The DVD included in this pack contains ONLY the film – no extras at all. This means that, in this pack, NONE of the extras are watchable without a Blu-ray player. For Blu-ray owners, however, the other two discs in this 3-pack contain the following extras:Additional Scenes- The Burrow’s Shed: Ron Discusses Radios with Mr. Weasley- The Dursley House: Harry and Aunt Petunia As They Leave House- The Dursley House: Harry and Dudley Shake Hands- The Granger House: Death Eaters Search Deserted Home- Ministry of Magic Lifts: Harry Tells Arthur He’s Being Tracked- Tent: Trio Discusses Destroying The Locket- Rabbit Chase in the Forest- Montage: Ron and Hermione Skimming StonesOther Extras:- Exclusive Sneak Peek of an opening scene from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2- Maximum Movie Mode: Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy) and other members of the cast and crew take viewers on an interactive journey through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1. Plus, revisit important moments from the previous films to prepare for the final battle that takes place in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.- Dan, Rupert and Emma’s Running Competition – While filming the escape scene from the Snatchers in Swinley Forest, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson engage in a little competition of their own. With commentary by director David Yates.- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1: Behind the Soundtrack- The Seven Harrys – See how Daniel Radcliffe recreated the personalities of the different characters that transform into Harrys during the escape from Privet Drive.- On the Green with Rupert, Tom, Oliver and James – Accompany Rupert Grint, Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Oliver Phelps (George Weasley) and James Phelps (Fred Weasley) for a round of golf and get a glimpse into their 10-year friendship that developed while making the Harry Potter films.- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Promotional Trailer – Join Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and other cast members from the Harry Potter films on their first visit to the Grand Opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida. (I was fortunate enough to visit the Wizarding World recently and enjoyed it immensely. Those responsible for its creation have done a terrific job in creating an atmosphere true to the books and films. I particularly enjoyed the many small and delightful details they took care to include. Harry’s youngest fans, though, may be disappointed that the rides are geared to older fans.)

    722 people found this helpful
13. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    Neil D. Donovan – July 25, 2025

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    Amazon and Warner Video Technical Errors

    This review is a technical review for two Harry Potter movies: 1)’Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1′ (Amazon ASIN: B001UV4XHY) and 2) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2′ (Amazon ASIN: B001UV4XIS).For Deathly Hallows Part 1, the product details on Amazon say that the Aspect Ratio of the movie is “2.40:1”. It is not. According to the Internet Movie Database, the Aspect Ratio is 2.35:1.On backside of the DVD case for Part 1, it says, “WIDESCREEN VERSION PRESENTED IN A ‘LETTERBOX’ WIDESCREEN FORMAT PRESERVING THE ‘SCOPE’ ASPECT RATIO OF ITS ORIGINAL THEATRICAL EXHIBITION. ENHANCED FOR WIDESCREEN TVS.” This is incorrect, thank goodness!The DVD is in fact an anamorphic DVD of the movie with an Aspect Ratio of 2.35:1. It is not Letterboxed! Warner Video’s use of the words “Enhanced for widescreen TVs” is probably their way of saying “anamorphic”. They should just say, “Anamorphic.”A true Letterboxed DVD of this movie would be a 1.33:1 image with a 2.35:1 widescreen image embedded and centered within it. The movie would have black bars showing above and below. It could be viewed on an older 1.33:1 TV without distortion. It could also be viewed on a 1.77:1 widescreen TV in 1.33:1 (Pillarboxed) Mode without distortion. Or is could be viewed on a 1.77:1 widescreen TV in Zoom Mode without horizontal or vertical distortion. On a widescreen TV, in Full Mode, the image would be distorted and would appear stretched horizontally.Again, this DVD is in fact *not* Letterboxed. If you watch this DVD on a 1.33:1 TV, the image is stretched vertically, hence it is anamorphic (which is good for those of us with widescreen TVs). On a widescreen 1.77:1 TV, you need to watch the DVD in Full Mode to view the movie without distortion. (Zoom Mode will not work well since the vertically stretched image will simply become bigger and remain vertically stretched.)For Deathly Hallows Part 2, the Product Details on Amazon say that the Aspect Ratio of the movie is “1.77:1”. It is not! The Internet Movie Database tells us that the movie is 2.35:1.On backside of the DVD case for Part 2, it says, “WIDESCREEN VERSION PRESENTED IN A ‘LETTERBOX’ WIDESCREEN FORMAT PRESERVING THE ‘SCOPE’ ASPECT RATIO OF ITS ORIGINAL THEATRICAL EXHIBITION. ENHANCED FOR WIDESCREEN TVS.” Again, this is incorrect!The DVD is in fact an anamorphic DVD of the movie with an aspect ratio of 2.35:1. It is not Letterboxed!So, the good news is the DVDs are fine. Amazon is a bit confused about the correct Aspect Ratios and Warner Video needs to learn the correct definition of ‘Letterboxed’.
14. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    webhawk50 – July 25, 2025

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    A wonderfully executed but darkening turn in the Harry Potter franchise

    With this next to last installment of the Harry Potter series, we have the beginnings of a major, but logical, turn of events. Deathly Hallows Part 1 leads us into that final reckoning with Voldemort that we all know has been coming, and, as such, a much darker take on that inevitability. All previous movies have really been about the training necessary to confront the boss; mere rehearsals for the final showdown. With these final two installments we get to the real heart of the matter and it must be darker. No, Hallows Part 1 (and for that matter Part 2 as well) are not as much fun as the previous movies. This one’s getting much more serious, as it should. These movies are so superbly crafted and executed that they are a testament to the near reverence held for the source material by Rowling. The directors have done an amazing job bringing Rowling’s books to life in a way that truly reflects their spirit. Needless to say it’s also a testament to the wondrous descriptive writings of Rowling which enabled this to happen in the first place.Also, as a movie, we watch as the character relationships between Ron and Hermione and Harry and Ginger come to fruition. The acting by all concerned in these films has been a delight to watch.I have only one negative, and that has to do with the 3D version of the film: it comes across as way too dark. When I watch the 2D Blueray version, it looks great, but for some reason, 3D is not nearly as enjoyable because of that darkness. I attempted to find some way to lighten it up, but couldn’t figure it out. My other 3D films, such as Avatar or Life of Pi, etc don’t have this problem, so I am wondering if it was simply a case of this particular version of the Deathly Hallows that has this issue. Part 2 has the same problem in 3D. I will continue to investigate and see if there is any solution to this. BTW: I have a 60″ LG “smart” 3D tv. I have had no other issues at all with other 3D films with this set.If you are a fan of the whole Harry Potter experience, Deathly Hallows Part 1 is a must and is yet another very worthy work of art in that franchise. Obviously, if you are not a fan, then there is probably little here that will compel you to seek it out. It is part of a piece and an essential component of the whole.

    10 people found this helpful
15. 

    Rated 5 out of 5

    J. Putnam – July 25, 2025

    5.0 out of 5 stars

    The Darkest (and Most Hopeful) Film in the Series Reaps the Most Reward

    Hope verb \ˈhōp\ – to want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true.-Merriam-Webster DictionaryYou hope for the things you don’t have. You can’t hope for love, joy, friendship, and safety when you have them. You can only hope for what you don’t have. Hope is not found in times of fulfillment and joy, but rather in darkness, despair and discontent. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I is a film about hope, and as such, it is consistently dark and bleak as it pushes its characters to the edge of their limits. Yet even during the darkest of times it allows its characters the ability to hope. This success makes it not only the best in the series, but also one of the greatest cinematic feats of the past decade.The Deathly Hallows Part I comes seventh in what might be the most famous film series of this generation. After a revolving door of directors, David Yates picked up the series from The Order of the Phoenix and on, and has done a phenomenal job of putting the darker elements of the books on display. It may come as a surprise to many readers to see J.K. Rowling listed as a producer – the person ultimately in charge of both the business and creative aspects of the film. It’s great to see an author take such an active role in a film, and it certainly has an excellent payoff in the first part of Harry and the gang’s final adventure.Within the first five minutes of the film, two fan favorites are pushed to their limits. Thus far, no Harry Potter movie had taken the audience to such an extreme place of despair so quickly. Of course, with great risk comes great reward, and the Deathly Hallows Part I is full of reward. While Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint do a great job supporting Watson, she is truly the focus of this film. I won’t ruin anything, but I can say that Watson effectively uses a wide range of emotions early and often. While Harry and Ron appropriately lose their minds through various points in the film, Hermione works as the glue that holds the whole thing together. While this can be seen earlier on in the series, it is not done as effectively and as potently as in the Deathly Hallows Part I.The film also succeeds in capturing darkness and hope in its cinematography. This film is dreary and bleak throughout, and yet it is mysterious and beautiful at all time. This can be seen pouring out of the cinematography and is extremely effective in emphasizing the tone and message of the film. And I won’t spoil the hopeful moments for you, but I will say it’s worth the crap Harry, Ron, and Hermione are put through. Between all this, an excellent supporting cast, and a more than experienced crew, The Deathly Hallow Part I takes this series to the next level!All this isn’t to say that the movie is perfect. There are a few minor flaws. Although the last book was split into two films – which paid off artistically despite its financial motivations – the writers didn’t find time really honor all the great minor characters in the series. Hagrid, in particular, was given just one line of dialogue that, which despite Robbie Coltrane’s best effort, didn’t amount to much more than a giant piece of corn.While it was great seeing the film hone in on the main trio, it was a shame to see such a wonderful supporting cast of characters wasted. Another disappointment was seeing Ginny built up as Harry’s love interest in the first third of the film, only to be dropped for the entirety of the second and third acts. This ultimately paid off, as it allowed Harry and Hermione to explore their friendship more fully, but it still would have been cool to see all of Harry and Ginny’s sexual tension go somewhere.Despite a lack of screen time for its great supporting cast, The Deathly Hallows Part I is nothing short of phenomenal in capturing hope amongst darkness and showing that this film series has grown up with its horde of followers and reluctant protagonists. To put it bluntly, this is an adult film. This film feels more like the Bourne Trilogy, the Dark Knight Trilogy, Rise of the Planet of the Apes or Skyfall than a movie based on a fantasy book series for kids, and that change in tone and style work perfectly.Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I isn’t just a film for Harry Potter fans. If you just love great films, here you are! The Deathly Hallows Part I is an incredible cinematic experience that reminds audiences that there is always hope amongst the darkness, as well as reward in taking great risks.

    7 people found this helpful