The final movie instalment of JK Rowling’s wizarding adventure (well, the first half of it – Deathly Hallows is split into two parts due to the doorstop-size of the book on which it is based). Voldemort (Fiennes) has taken over the Ministry of Magic, and Harry (Radcliffe), Hermione (Watson) and Ron (Grint) are forced to go on the run to avoid Death Eaters and also find the Horcruxes (items that contain parts of Voldemort’s Soul) that will finally get rid of the slimy bad guy once and for all.
It becomes Three Go Camping as the trio tramp through the wilds to avoid detection and set up camp, and then becomes something else altogether when a Horcrux makes Ron jealous (he imagines Harry and Hermione are an item in a scene that will provoke sniggers) and a race against time begins as Voldemort searches for the most powerful wand in existence so he can get rid of Harry and rule the magical world.
There are some dramatic and impressive moments in the film (and some lovely scenery) – including the early scene featuring a whole host of Harrys to be used as decoys, and a finale escape that brings the death of a much-loved character – but this, the seventh movie, is also the dullest. There’s much plot exposition to get through, and not enough excitement (and no Hogwarts either!), though the final scene does set up interest for the last movie of all, Deathly Hallows Part II.
Is Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
The Harry Potter books and movies get less kid-friendly as they go on – note that this movie was rated 12A on its theatrical release. If you have a child under 10, there are quite a few scenes that will scare them, including:
Early in the movie, you see Voldemort torturing a woman and then using a Killing Curse on her. A gigantic snake then slithers towards the camera to have her for a snack.
Various appearances of the Death Eaters.
An old lady’s transformation into Voldemort’s snake.
Beatrix torturing Hermione.
Parents should also note that Ron imagines a naked (though not completely seen) Harry and Hermione kissing, something that will probably make the under-10s watching go ‘yuck’.
If you like this, why not try: The Golden Compass, I Am Number Four, The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe, The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring, The Witches,