Rebecca's Rambles…

*** Please do not read if you want to watch the film (spoiler) ***

I have just got back from watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and I need to write a review.

The two and a half hour film has been long-awaited and the cinema attendance reflected this with all the seats filled. Everyone was eagerly sitting on the edge of their seats, screeching at glimpses of Harry Potter and the tension building as the advertisements came to a close.

The film instantly reminds us of the “dark” end we were left with in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. From beginning to end, the film focuses on the three main characters: Harry, Ron and Hermione. Voldemort is also given a larger role in this film and viewers are able to understand his impact on the magical world since the Half-Blood Prince. Voldemort is terrifying and does not fail to create further misery. With a world in ruins and a corrupt Ministry of Magic the trio must work together to combat the dark lord and his many followers.

The majority of the film follows the journey of the three characters trying to find and destroy horcruxes (pieces of Voldemort’s soul). After disguising themselves as members of the Ministry of Magic the trio retrieve one horcruxe. From then on the horcruxe’s power is emphasised. It is highly influential on the characters morals, attitudes and feelings, and similarly to the ring in Lord of the Rings, they each take it in turn to wear the “necklace”, (to reduce its power and control). The film frequently uses panoramic views and long shots to show the vast land surrounding the three characters and the feel of a “quest”. The majority of the scenes are filmed in a woodland (camping) and creates yet again, similar images seen in Lord of the Rings.

For a 12A I found a few scenes uncomfortable and I wondered whether the rating was really appropriate. A scene with Ron trying to destroy the horcruxe results in the evil force trying to control his mind and thoughts. The evil force takes the shape and form of Harry and Hermione, his two best friends, kissing and caressing. A very intimate and saucy scene. Hermione being tortured represented through the use of audio (cries of pain). I considered this film in comparison to the whole series to be the scariest yet, was this the director’s intention?

The subject of Harry and Hermoine’s relationship continues throughout the film and almost takes away the magic from Harry Potter. The magic missing is ‘the element of surprise’ and the ability to captivate and entertain the audience. The use of familiar characters we haven’t seen in a while, such as Dobby, makes you remember why you fell in love with the Harry Potter films. However, the films slow pace and sadness is not necessarily what we all expected. With a few laughs, tears and gasps, the film does leave you (the viewer) wanting to watch the next instalment. July 2010.

Overall I award this film with 6.5/10 – as it offered a cauldron full of excitement, adventure and quest but it was missing the magic ingredient to create a mind-blowing potion.

Questions to possibly ask:

Did this film really need to be made into two parts?

Did you get distracted by the love triangle?

What rating would you give it?