Spoiler alert: This review will give significant plot developments away.
As the film starts, you will be able to sense strong themes of blackness and death. But just as I was immersed in a fierce fight with all of Harry’s friends disguised as him (through Polyjuice potion), the movie suddenly changed to finding the horcruxes. Too many clues and complexity of the names made it really difficult for me to understand the movie. Also, there were many internal thoughts from the main characters. Every time the main characters said a long name, I have to think about what character appeared in which movie and what was his role. This made my brain concentrate every minute of the movie. This was definetely not as relaxing as the previous six installments.
Unlike the previous movies where most of the setting was at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows was constantly changing its filming location because Harry was running from Voldemort’s crew. From the muggle world to mountains and plains then to forest, it definitely brought visual enjoyment to the viewers. There is also a scene where Luna’s father tells the main characters the deathly hallows story. This was presented in a shadow play, which I found fascinating.
The director putted two kisses in the film. The first was Harry and Ginny, who had her dress unzipped at the back. Then it was Hermione and Harry (in a fantasy scene) where they were half-naked and kissing. The second scene really made me speechless and I think this was definitely inappropriate for younger viewers.
The most depressing scene is when Dobby the house-elf saved Harry Potter and then died. The person right beside me actually took out a tissue to wipe her tears. Despite all that, this movie is a lot funnier than the previous movies, thanks to Ron. I guess in intense situations that Harry finds himself in this time, they need someone to lighten up the mood.
Overall, I find this movie not very exciting compared to 1-6, but I believe Harry fans won’t mind that since this is only the part one. I am really looking forward to the next movie which opens in July 2011.
