OK for kids 12+
Excellent, epic saga continues to get darker, more intense.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the second-to-last installment in the epic Harry Potter movie saga is the darkest, most intense yet. It has the highest body count of any Potter film, including the deaths of several recurring characters -- some of which are particularly emotional and upsetting. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and their friends are bloodied, injured, and cursed. In one startling "jump" scene, Voldemort's giant killer snake bursts out of an old woman's body; there's also a particularly disturbing torture scene in which a major character is branded with an insult. Expect a bit of sensuality, including lots of longing looks and protective embraces between Ron and Hermione, a passionate snog between Harry and Ginny, and a scene of "ghost" versions of Harry and Hermione tormenting Ron with a sensual kiss (they appear to be nude, and you can see their torsos, but it's quite blurry/misty). Despite the amped-up angst and violence, the characters prove again and again that unconditional friendship, loyalty, and love can survive even the most harrowing of threats.
- Families can talk about whether this is an appropriate movie for younger kids, even if they've seen or read the books. Discuss whether your child is truly ready for this movie, which is very dark and disturbing at times. (And for more, check out our age-by-age guide to Harry Potter.)
- Why does Harry need help on his journey? What do Hermione and Ron offer him that no one else can? Can you think of other movie/literary heroes who require a lot of help on their life-or-death journeys?
- How does Ron's departure affect Harry and Hermione? How did the locket horcrux torment Ron, and what did it confirm about his self-esteem? Did he redeem himself by his return?
- If you've read the book, what parts of the novel were left out? Which were faithfully adapted? How did you feel about the characters who died in the movie?
The good stuff
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Messages: Positive messages include the idea that every hero needs help to defeat evil; that "blood status" (the magical equivalent of racial purity) isn't important; that all kinds of people -- magical and non-magical -- should be able to co-exist peacefully; and that some things, some battles are greater than one person. By defying his former masters, Dobby shows the importance of free will, loyalty, and friendship. Hermione's choice to stay with Harry even though she loves Ron is a good lesson in staying true to your word, while Ron's choice to come back is a great lesson in redemption.
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Role models: Harry, Hermione, Ron, and all the members of the Order of the Phoenix are positive role models -- they work together against the scariest villains and toughest of odds. Even though Voldemort's cronies have taken over the Ministry, the actions of the Order, the central trio, and Dobby are strong examples of how even the humblest creatures can do amazing things.
What to watch for
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Violence: The body count in this movie is the highest of all the adaptations to date. Several characters -- mostly recurring supporting players, but also a couple of newly introduced ones -- are killed, mostly via the Killing Curse. One beloved character dies after suffering a bloody knife wound. While on the run, the central trio is each injured -- Hermione is tortured, Ron's shoulder is severely hurt, and Harry nearly drowns while being choked by a cursed locket. A character loses his ear to a Death Eater (bloody wound visible). Muggle-born characters are shown being whisked away against their will -- toruture/mistreatment is implied. The good guys face down Death Eaters, Dementors, Snatchers, and, in one gruesome scene, a man-eating snake that bursts out of a dead body. Weapons include wands and fists in most of those fights.
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Sex: Ginny asks Harry to zip up her dress, and then turns around and exposes a strip of bare back (all the way down to her waist) to him. They then kiss. Lots of flirting and longing looks, as well as embraces between Ron and Hermione. An evil, ghostly version of Harry and Hermione torment Ron by embracing and kissing passionately while appearing nearly nude (their torsos are visible, but it's all very blurry/misty).
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Language: Frequent use of British slang like "bloody," "bleeding," and "git," plus "damn," "piss," "ass," "hell," and "oh my God" said once or twice. The insults "Mudblood" and "blood traitor" -- which are the wizarding world's equivalent of nasty racist terms -- are said several times as well.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Champagne glasses are magically filled at a wedding reception, and people eating at a large dinner table are shown with goblets in front of them, but no one is really drinking.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Best Adaptation of the Potter series by deejaynam
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 was brilliantly made. As much as I hate the fact that I have to wait SIX months for Part 2 to come out, I would almost say the wait is worth it.
You can clearly tell that Warner Bros., David Yates, and the cast went all out for the finale. CGI was perfect, acting improved immensely, and Hermione looked great. I do agree with many of the audiences that the movie was extremely slow - but at the same time, so was the book. Regardless of how slow the movie was, the scenes were so beautifully filmed that I was too busy admiring the cinematography (and Hermione).
I must say this though: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is NOT FOR CHILDREN! There were some major creepy scenes (and I'm talking about like Paranormal Activity creepy) and so many scenes had suspense that my *** crack started getting sweaty. So parents, please, HIDE YO KIDS.
5
Jumped right off the pages for me..... by lovestalentmoviefan
...thanks to Yates's vision for Harry,Ron and Hermione. This was really their movie,depicting how far they'd come in life,love,friendship and the realization of Harry's quest and duty. We all wish there could have been more about everything,I know,but for the time frame,I believe they got enough in to competently continue the saga,yet,as stated,concentrate on the trio and their journey. No criticisms. Loved the levity with the dance. Will see a couple more times and and excited,yet sad to see what happens in July.
5
The End of a Saga by lhanby49
Harry Potter: the Deathly Hollow did not disappoint this writer. It showed the kids growing up a bit. They had to get by on their own wits outside the comfort of Hogwarts. As would be natural, they were a bit disoriented, but given the events that let up to them going into hiding, this is natural.
Daniel Radcliffe did a commendable job of protraying the disappointment, heartache and sense of aloneness that he would feel given that he felt he was unprepared for the task he was given. It was even interesting to see a departure from the book in the dancing that Harry and Hermione did whilest Ron was gone. One of the things I find fault with in films that are based on books, is the fact that he don't stay true to the books (can we say Twilight), but with this film It seemed to make sense for Voldemort to get the wand at the end of this movie and, thereby, setting up the stage for the next film to unravel the remaining Horcruxes and the final battle.
See this movie and then see it again
5
HARRY POTTER!!! by samseasons
being an avid fan, i've always been excited to see each movie. but this time, it is a particularly ejoyable experience. the actors did well performing with very believable acting skills. it is dramatic but the plot stiched together quite well. overall, the movie, if it stands by itself, is stil very moving. it also carries the essence of the book really well.
4
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 by nancy-peterson
Very entertaining. As a Harry Potter fan I enjoyed the movie but had I not read the books I would not know what was going on. I DID NOT like the seen of Ron having the vision of Harry and Hermione kissing in the nude. It just made the young Harry Potter fan uncomfortable and quite frankly the nudity didn't make sense in a Harry Potter Movie. I wouldn't recommend it for the very young. There are a few very violent and bloody scenes.
5
Five Word Review by Amella21
THE BEST YET MUST SEE
3
had its good moments by standen89
Was good but nothing to get to excited over, kinda bummed especially the ending, I know there is a 2nd part but to end it where they did. Really??
3
Book by aimeejoe
As in all the Potter films, I have been a little disappointed, I am still sold on the books. They are much much better than any of the films. Perhaps a Peter Jackson type will someday get hold of the books and do the story justice.
5
deathly hallows by jedibob77
movie was terrific!! it lived up to expectations and pretty much stuck closely to the book. cannot wait for the finale in july!!!!
5
The gangs all back and just as good as before by Greattreasure
This is a must see for all fans of the genre. Much more action and fighting than previous films, but its all in context. Any one who had read the books will understand what's going on in this film.