We couldn’t wait to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 and we weren’t disappointed.
From the off, though, you’re left in no doubt that this is going to be the darkest episode yet – there are menacing overtones, and some near-heart-stopping moments. And of course, lots and lots of magic.
Much of the film follows Harry, Hermione and Ron as they search for the Horcruxes, and Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint are all superb. There are some very bleak scenes, but there’s also a particularly brilliant animated sequence, and a lovely dance between two of the main characters (I won’t spoil it for you, but it’s just lovely). Plus of course spectacular special effects. There are brilliant cameos, too, particularly from Bill Nighy, Rhys Ifans and Helena Bonham Carter.
This film, even more so than any of the others, in my opinion, grips you from the beginning and doesn’t let go until the closing credits. In terms of pace and story-telling, it’s probably the most perfect episode to date. But be warned, some of it is quite harrowing, and for that reason I wouldn’t recommend it for younger children.
Seeing the penultimate film in a much –loved series is always going to provoke mixed emotions. On the one hand you know that soon you’ll be saying goodbye to favourite film characters; and on the other you want to see what happens next. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 leaves you wanting more, but it also prepares you for the end. We gave it 5 stars – but I’d love to know what you thought.
written by Liz Jarvis