Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Part 1)

SPOILER FREE

Directed by: David Yates
UK/US release: 19 November 2010
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Alan Rickman, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Imelda Staunton



IMDB page

She said:

Readers of He said she said may not know this but I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan. I read the first book when I was 11 (that is 13 years ago now) and haven't shut up about how amazing the story is since. The thing that makes the series so fantastic is the depth and intelligence of the story itself and on the whole I think that Deathly Hallows Part One conveyed this well.

I have read very mixed reviews of this second-to-last installment of HP and I am not surprised at some of the more adverse reactions from non-readers. Deathly Hallows is the darkest book and, for the first time, we are taken away from the warmth and familiarity of Hogwarts and thrown into the unknown. This is the trio at war with a corrupt and oppressed wizarding world. In terms of tone and feel I think the film got this spot on; there is a very grey light throughout, perfectly conveying a sombre and very serious nature to this tale.

The best thing about the film for me was the development of Harry, Ron and Hermione. You really get a sense that both the actors and characters have matured a great deal. For example Emma Watson's eyebrows are much tamer in this film and there is a lot less sighing and a lot more emotional depth to her performance. I felt she was understated (which is perfect for Hermione in this installment) and was really the glue that held everything together. Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint also gave their best performances both very gently adding moments of tenderness and humour to this otherwise dark film.

I could go into a lot more detail including comparisons to the book but for He said she said I think I have said what I need to. This film is, in my opinion, the best made in the series. There is also a part which takes us away from the traditional style of the films into something all together different - but I won't tell you what! I give it {{{4.5 out of 5}}} - the extra 0.5 is being held back until I can judge Part One and Two together!

He said:

Unlike my wife and so many other fans of Harry Potter I did not grow up with Harry. I was first introduced to the wizarding world at the less than tender age of 22, while stationed in Germany with the US Army. I tore through the first four years of the series in a matter of three days with little of my attention anywhere other than Hogwarts. I have read all seven books and even enjoy the genre of music (commonly known as WROCK or Wizard ROCK.) I have seen each film with in the first week of it's release and have enjoyed each for the similar but very different stories they tell.

The Deathly Hallows part 1 is a fantastic adaptation of the novel. While there are scenes that I had pictured differently in my head they were much more familiar than a lot of the previous films altogether. As Helen says above the tone and even look of this film is the darkest of the series thus far. I think this choice by Yates and his production team reflects their respect for both the source material and the audience.

It has been nearly ten years since the first film was released world wide and the majority of the fans of that film have grown up along with these characters and films. Deathly Hallows is not the quintessential children film franchise it was nearly ten years ago. I think quite a few parents who still associate Harry Potter with their eleven year old children will be in for quite a shock when they discover not only has the cast matured so to has the material.

I really enjoyed this film and like Helen I am eager to rate both parts together this summer. I can not recommend this film enough, I give it [[[4.5 out of 5]]]

They said:

Despite being the darkest film in the series this also has some of the most heartwarming and giggle-worthy scenes of all the movies so far. Don't expect classroom high-jinx, jolly music and fireside chats in the Gryffindor common room but do expect to be blown away by a dangerous and lonely quest to defeat Lord Voldemort. We give this film {{{9 out of 10}}}

QUESTION FOR THE COMMENTS: Go on then.... are you a Harry Potter fan?