Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 - The Hunt Begins

The movie starts off with Rufus Scrimgeour, Minister of Magic declaring, “These are dark times, there's no denying” It seemingly fit into the mood of the film. The film is darker visually, figuratively and emotionally. The film is slow paced in the middle but the underlying fact is Yates, for the first time has constructed the characters. Well, I forgot to give my warning- If you haven’t read the book, expecting a visual extravaganza filled with unparalleled CG’s and looking for any flashback/references to the previous movies so that you can catch up the plot- Please skip this movie.

HP: Heavily Packed- Emotions

The film moves away from what kids are expecting. The three lead characters are in adolescent stage and Yates treats the viewers with admirable depiction of the protagonists growing up. Few may complain the film isn’t about discovering the Horcruxes, the unfinished and daunting task set to the trio by Professor Dumbledore, if they need to kill Voldemort and they find themselves lost with no clues how to progress, none to guide them. One can draw line from this to the emotional imbalance of the trio- they find themselves gloomy, lost that leads to enmity and how they rediscover back their friendship. Ron grows suspicious of Hermoine’s affection for Harry and finds himself distanced from them. On the other side with no Dumbledore to guide him at his mission, Harry is aggravated as all stones are left unturned. Hermoine, who is always good for the two is torn between them, to take up whose sides and struggles to come up with Ron’s absence. The days pass by with long silences. There is a beautifully shot scene, when Harry calls Hermoine and starts dancing together that give a picture of mental struggle Hermoine is going through without Ron and Harry’s search for levity in a desolate world.  This is the movie where Daniel, Rupert and Emma get the chance to act and Yates clearly pushes the visual effects to backseat. The viewers can experience the jealousy (Ron), frustration (Harry) and despair (Hermoine) of the characters. If not properly construed, the impatient viewers may find the middle of the film stretches tiresomely.  

HP: Hilariously Plain- Humor

This is the first movie to come out of Hogwarts and so the humor is dry in the absence of Quidditch, Professors and Draco’s group.  If you are put in a congested room, a whiff of fresh air provides you a needed relief. I guess this might be the reason Ron’s one-liners clicked in an otherwise ominous movie. One of the decoys wearing a brassiere, A lady kissing Ron who transformed as her husband, Ron’s expression at Xenophilius Lovegood’s house for the Deathly Hallows tale evoke few chuckles and how can one forget Weasley’s Saint-like holy liner ? 

HP: Hastily Placed- Characters 

It’s nice to see the favorite supporting characters back on screen, but few give a rushed feeling. It’s accepted given the time constraint and limitations for a movie but I couldn’t avoid feeling sorry for missing Kreacher’s tale on RAB, Longbottom giving an ‘I am too there, count me in’ appearance. The ever cruel Bellatrix and lovable Dobby deliver a prominent performance. The final scene of Dobby is moving and tugs your heart string. There is not much scope for Severus Snape and Voldemort (terrifying in his restricted screen time at the introduction) so I anticipate they have an important role in the second part as the novel offers so. The editing is crisp though few scenes start/end abruptly like the follow-up scenes after escaping from Bill-Fleur wedding and the ending looked like suddenly interrupted (I was wondering whether the projector isn’t working). They could have made it look better.

HP: Heap Praise- Technical/Visual aspects

The detractors can say with the advancement in technology, CG’s get better and better for every film. There is no denying of the fact that the movie is technically and visually superior but it just blends with the screenplay. They don’t feel like shoved into the pace for sake being and its beautiful to look at. 8 different Harrys in a perfect 360* shot is astounding and the animated sequence of ‘The tale of Three Brothers’ is jaw-dropping and mesmerizing to watch. Even the action scenes are choreographed intensely, in particular, the trio infiltrating the Ministry of Magic and escaping subsequently.  Not to forget, credits to the cameraman for canning exquisite landscapes, forests and course a lot darker.  

HP: Handed Perfect- Closing Thoughts

The movie cannot be claimed as one of the best of all time, but it is the best series so far until the release of next part. The movie has its cons but the reviewer’s prejudice is compromised a little for being a Potter fanatic. It’s daring to move away from cheesy clichés and trying to give the movie a mature look.  This could be the best adaptation of novel which was missing in the last three movies.

Well, well, well, look what we have here. It's Harry Potter. He's all bright, and shiny, and new again

Mr. Critic 5-Star: ***.5

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PS: I know a little late for a review but made sure to write on second viewing.