[8.75/10] Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I (2010)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:Part I (2010)

In the first installment of the two-film adaptation of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows", the long-feared war has begun and Voldemort's Death Eaters seize control of the Ministry of Magic and even Hogwarts, terrorizing and arresting anyone who might oppose them. But the one prize they still seek is the one most valuable to Voldemort: Harry Potter. Harry's only hope is to find the Horcruxes before Voldemort finds him. As he searches for clues, he uncovers the legend of the Deathly Hallows. And if the legend turns out to be true, it could give Voldemort the ultimate power he seeks. No longer just a boy, Harry Potter is drawing ever closer to the ultimate battle with Voldemort. "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" is certainly not about fancy magic tricks, light-hearted humor or Triwizard Tournaments, as it's the darkest, scariest, and most mature and intense installment in the popular franchise. David Yates sticks to the books much as possible, making sure he satisfies all desires of the hardcore Potter fans, as well as adding enough action, drama and suspense so that filmgoers from any age can enjoy this marvellous experience. The story is more serious and grim, yet emotional, full of hope, love and bittersweet moments. "Deathly Hallows: Part 1" is also well-edited and smoothly-paced, and although it drags a bit in the middle, it picks up nicely at the end. Acting-wise, this installment is probably the strongest of all. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have come a long way since the first film, and it shows that over the series, their acting skills developed vastly. They're all great as our three likable protagonists. Ralph Fiennes is very convincing and downright creepy as Lord Voldemort, Julie Walters is incredible as the delightfully evilicious Molly Weasley, Helena Bonham Carter delivers a show-stealing performance as the fierce and vicious Bellatrix, and Dobby, voiced by Toby Jones is adorable as always. All other supporting actors are very good as well, but special mentions go to Bill Nighy and Rhys Ifans. I wasn't really pleased with David Yates' direction and visual style in his previous two "Harry Potter" installments, but I have to admit, he really outdone himself this time, as technically and visually, "Deathly Hallows: Part 1" is absolutely outstanding! Yates provides both, fast-paced direction during action scenes, and some very subtle and sophisticated shots during its dramatic moments. The scenery is completely unbelievably gorgeous and David Yates himself is clearly aware of this, as he offers us countless spectacular shots from various difficult angles. His panoramic shots are as stunning and beautiful as his detailed close-up shots. Eduardo Serra's dark-toned cinematography defines the grim and 'creepy' look of the film, and despite its subtle, muted color scheme, "Deathly Hallows: Part 1" is always appealing and fascinating to watch. Although the action is not the main factor in "Deathly Hallows: Part 1", the action sequences are brilliantly-staged, superbly-shot, exciting, intense and heavily laden with eye-popping special effects. Speaking of special effects, the CGIs in this installment are absolutely flawless, perfectly-done and arguably the best in the series. The animated part, which tells the legend of the Deathly Hallows is nothing short of stunning, as it provides dark and grim, yet spectacular graphics and amazingly-compelling visual storytelling, that leave you breathless and thoroughly entertained. Darkly compelling, beautifully-executed and visually-striking, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" is by far the best of all three David Yates installments, and my third favorite "Harry Potter" film, ranking right behind the fantastic "Prisoner of Azkaban" and the action-packed "Goblet of Fire".