Movie report: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1

[Spoiler Alert!]

In her first scene in this movie, Hermione performs an action that is utterly logical and completely heart-breaking. Knowing that the bad guys will come searching for her and will stop at nothing to catch her, she erases all traces of herself from her parents’ memories. It is so poignant to see this girl, this child, remove her very existence from the people who love her most. To save them. To save her. Maybe.

That’s the kind of movie this is. The carefree days of fun spells and hijinks are gone. There are no quidditch matches in this movie, no scenes at Hogwarts at all. Voldemort and his minions have all the power and are all too willing to use it. Their coup of the magical world is complete, except for Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Mind you, the minions are not all happy about this situation. It’s clear that the Malfoys are wondering if it’s such a treat to be so close to someone who is absolutely evil.

This movie is all desperation. The three teenagers are on the run from Voldemort, but not to anything. They have no idea what to do – or even if there is anything to do – to defeat Voldemort. All they have are some vague clues that the late Dumbledore left. Some of them pan out, including one colossally brave plunge into the dungeons of the Ministry of Magic, but most of them don’t, including some devastating blunders with tragic consequences.

J.K. Rowling and the moviemakers have done an amazing job of minimizing the gee-whiz aspects of the magical world and revealing the humanity in this story of good vs. evil. These aren’t wizards and witches; these are people, suffering, dying, but striving to make the world right once again. In this world, good news means not hearing that a loved one has been arrested or executed.

This series of movies started with the three stars as cute children. They have grown up now, and faster than any child should have to.

Highly recommended, but you should really read the book first.

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