Movies

The thrilling Harry Potter saga comes to a close in Deathly Hallows: Part 1, easily the most intense, emotional instalment yet... but also the cruelest.

It's cruel because this is truly only half a movie — the "part 1" is right there in the title. Prepare yourself for a film that cuts off just as it starts getting to the really good bits.

The story picks up in the wake of Dumbledore's (Michael Gambon) death, as Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) continue the quest to destroy what's left of Voldemort's (Ralph Fiennes) Horcruxes — basically leftover bits of the dark wizard's soul.

Meanwhile, Voldemort has tightened his grip on the wizarding world. Death Eaters are everywhere, forcing Harry and friends to go on the run as they discover the existence of three ancient magical weapons: the Deathly Hallows.

The nostalgia factor is kicked up to 11 here: half the joy of the movie is watching Radcliffe, Watson and Grint inhabit their roles. Their supporting cast is, as always, first rate. Familiar faces flit in and out, while Bill Nighy is a wonderful addition as a new Minister of Magic.

The big advantage of splitting Deathly Hallows into two parts is that it's not a rushed as its predecessors. While the plot cracks along and will make little sense to Potter newcomers, the movie doesn't waste time pandering to them — it has a real richness thanks to its extended run-time.

There are great scenes in Part 1 that almost certainly would have been cut had Deathly Hallows been one movie: the highlights include beautifully drawn character moments (one scene between Harry and Hermione which isn't in the book is especially lovely), and a stylish animated sequence that tells the Tale of the Three Brothers.

But the big disadvantage of splitting Deathly Hallows into two parts is that it's a long wait till the second instalment. Part 1 literally ends right in the middle of the story — without building up to any eye-popping climax or offering any closure.

Some fans will inevitably leave feeling disappointed — even cheated. But true Potter lovers will eagerly commence the countdown to Part 2, which is shaping up to be the most incredible cinema epic ever.