Old magic
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, Part 1
Director: David Yates
Cert. 12A — this film is not suitable for children
Anyone hoping to enjoy this first part of the finale to the Harry Potter series, would be well advised to review all that has gone before to clue into this film. The world of wizards continues to descend into darkness, as the evil Voldemort gathers his powers, and Potter nears the end of his quest to defeat him.
A huge improvement on the previous instalment, Part 1 proves that the decision to split the story into two films hasn’t just paid off financially, but in terms of storytelling also. The characters are finally given room to breathe, so even those unfamiliar with the books can relate to them, and enjoy the warm dynamic between the main trio.
Many Christian’s have problems with the Harry Potter stories, and there is just as much witchcraft and wizardry in this film as the others. What makes this perhaps more objectionable, however, is a surprisingly graphic intimate scene between two of the young leads. Granted, it is presented as a mental projection imagined by one of the characters, and is masked by special effects, but such a moment can’t help but be more gratuitous on screen than in writing.
One of the main strengths of the series has always been its straightforward morals: good is good, evil is evil. Whatever one might think of spells and cauldrons, and the effect that such themes might have on children, at least on some level they are prompts to consider the existence of the supernatural.
More than entertaining, this first really emotionally satisfying Harry Potter film is a definite success. The story concludes when the final part is released in July 2011.
