But for the first time since Potter stepped foot on the grounds of Hogwarts, the trio find themselves beyond the reach of their friends and family with no one to rely on but one another.
Harry and his friends have been protected by their teachers and loved ones for six films now, clutching the robes of far more experienced wizards, half-giants and mysterious benefactors. The Deathly Hallows' first volley isn't quite as poignant as The Half-Blood Prince - it is, after all, only the first half of a far grander endgame - but as a self-proclaimed "road film," Yates' penultimate Potter powerhouse is pure magic. On the run from Voldemort's minions, Harry, Hermione and Ron race to find a way to defeat the sinister wizard gunning for Potter's head, infiltrate the Ministry of Magic for clues, wander across a barren wilderness, and fight to stay together despite insurmountable odds. Trust is a precious commodity though, and the trio are soon separated from the adults - Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane, The Brothers Bloom), Mad-Eye Moody (Brendan Gleeson, Braveheart), Remus Lupin (David Thewlis, Kingdom of Heaven) and Molly Weasley (Julie Walters, Mama Mia), among others - who've helped them thus far. Within minutes of setting the stage, the Ministry of Magic falls to the Death Eaters, the Minister of Magic (Bill Nighy) is murdered, the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is commandeered by Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes, The Reader) and his lieutenants, and Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) are left with little choice but to go into hiding. As such, I'll do my best to avoid spoiling the circumstances that have brought Hogwarts to the edge of destruction, but those who have yet to watch The Half-Blood Prince should proceed with caution. Thrust into the world with no one to rely on but each other.Įven penning a basic synopsis of The Deathly Hallows, Part 1 risks revealing key events from Yates' previous Harry Potter films. Needless to say, it isn't the Harry Potter most expect, nor the Harry Potter readers and filmfans of all ages first fell in love with more than ten years ago. This is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1, director David Yates' unsettlingly bleak, unmistakably cinematic, exceptionally moving seventh chapter in the soon-to-be-complete saga. She departs, as does Harry, and sets off to join Ron on a perilous journey the once-rosy cheeked babes never dreamed they would one day be forced to take. She raises her wand, whispers "obliviate," and erases all traces of her existence from her parents' minds and the photographs adorning the walls. With tear-kissed eyes, Hermione moves behind her parents and wishes them an unspoken goodbye. Hermione Granger lingers in her bedroom, Harry Potter watches from a dingy window as the Dursley family flees their home, and Ron Weasley stares at the setting sun, unsure of what the future will bring. remains strong." An explosion of flash bulbs interrupt his speech as reporters press in.
"Our world has perhaps faced no greater threat than it does today." Fear threatens to run rampant for the briefest of instants before the Minister of Magic composes himself. "These are dark times, there is no denying." His voice wavers, his eyes reveal the uncertainty looming just behind the facade of a veteran politician. Bill Nighy's face fills the frame weary but stern, frightened but resolute. Suddenly, as quickly as it came, the dissonant roar gives way to unnerving silence. Insects stir in the dark, metal scrapes against metal, rending iron and crackling rust erupt in an unholy chorus, and a familiar music box tune struggles to bleed through the chaos. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 Blu-ray ReviewĬan the 'Potter' saga get much better? If David Yates has anything to say about it, absolutely.