Harry Potter review
Many Harry Potter fans categorize the books and movies as two completely different things. The books are the core of the series with the movies being yet another outlet for fans to celebrate their love for the series. This separation of the books from the movies has been well placed for Harry Potter movies one through six, but Harry Potter 7: The Deathly Hallows breaks the trend.
This is the first movie since the Sorcerer’s Stone where a majority of the dialogue was pulled directly from the book. The movie felt as though the director, writers and producers had sat down with the book and turned it page by page to write the script.
As a die hard fan of Rowling’s novels, I can say with confidence that Deathly Hallows was by far the most accurate Harry Potter movie I have ever had the chance to see. However, viewers beware: The film was most definitely made for those who have already read the series.
The plot of Deathly Hallows is not a simple one, nor is it easy to understand. Those who have read the books even confess to having to read the book multiple times before truly understanding all of the aspects of the complex and overlapping plot. The same applies to the movie adaptation.
The movie follows Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) as they journey around the world trying to find the remaining of the seven horcruxes, pieces of Lord Voldemort’s soul. If there is any hope to defeat Lord Voldemort, each of the seven horcruxes must be destroyed, leaving no trace of Voldemort’s soul.
However, finding the remaining horcruxes, not to mention destroying them, proves to be an incredibly difficult task that involves diving into subplots within subplots. Those who have read the book will understand and thoroughly enjoy the constant flashbacks and the accuracy of each secret uncovered by the trio.
On the other hand, those who have not read the book may be confused and overwhelmed by the constant stream of information, names and secret symbols being forced upon them. Furthermore, the information within the subplots all significantly tie into the fate of the trio, so if the viewer becomes lost within the subplots, there is a very slim chance that the main plot will ultimately make sense. The confusion won’t ruin the movie for someone who hasn’t read the book, but questions will need to be answered for a completely understanding.
Even if the viewer finds themselves dazed and confused within the theater, the cinematography of the movie can still be appreciated. Unlike some of the Harry Potter movies preceding Deathly Hallows, the colors of the movie are warmer and beautifully toned. The contrast between the blue tinge in the Order of the Phoenix and the green hues in Half Blood Prince and the warmer, more normal tones of the new movie is clearly visible.
The warmer tones in Deathly Hallows definitely help illustrate the strong ties and friendship between Harry, Ron and Hermione. Furthermore, the lack of incredibly dimly lit scenes that strain the eyes help the viewer remember that although the world is on the verge of being destroyed by a very angry evil wizard, friendship is still a power to recon with.
Throughout the movie, the relationships between the trio are the focus. Thankfully, each of the young actors have finally completely grown into their characters. Watson’s acting isn’t terribly strained and is a strong presence as the brains of the group. Radcliffe takes his role as the Chose One in stride and mixes angst, determination and fear into the exact character that Rowling created. Grint truly shines in this film and I left the theater in awe of his performance. His anger, hopelessness and occasional humorous relief makes the stand out of group.
Furthermore, the three actors are able to illustrate the friendship, whether devoted or strained, perfectly. They have truly embraced their roles over the years and left their mark in part one of a final performance that will be impossible to forget.
Overall the film had an overwhelming feeling of finality. It is obvious that this is truly the beginning of the end. For many those of us in high school, this is end of an era and a symbolic end of our childhood. We have grown up with these characters and fought the Dark Lord along side Harry, Ron and Hermione for over a decade.
Harry Potter is like the Beatles. The series has changed the film industry, culture and the world. It will never be forgotten and this start to the finale absolutely fulfills fan expectations and presents a story that can be enjoyed even by those who have not read the book.
As a fan, I humbly believe that no Harry Potter movie will ever fit the definition of perfect. I do, however, believe that the director, David Yates, pulled off a film that was as close to perfection as I could ever ask for.
