Why the Lowest Rated Harry Potter Movie Is Secretly the Best

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For every Harry Potter enthusiast, there’s a particular hill to stand on firmly, and this is mine: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1. Often overlooked as a gem within the franchise, it faces criticism, but I believe its legacy is tarnished unfairly. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has been given a relatively low rating of 77%, the lowest among all films in the series, and the complaints are predictable. “It’s too slow. It’s too grim. It’s too brooding. There’s not enough Hogwarts or action.” I’ve heard it countless times. However, these so-called flaws are precisely what make Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 my preferred film in the entire Wizarding World series.

It’s a Road Movie, Not a Magic Show — And That’s the Point

As “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” approaches, we’ve already watched seven films in the series. We’ve enjoyed Quidditch games, magical cars, hidden rooms, dragons, Yule Ball celebrations, and a plethora of shimmering spell effects. However, this film takes a different turn. It ventures beyond Hogwarts’ walls and even dares to be peculiar.

This film is essentially a journey along the road, as straightforward as that. It’s like “The Fellowship of the Ring,” but without hobbits and with an overwhelming sense of tension. Instead, we follow Harry, Ron, and Hermione who are lost not just geographically, but emotionally too. There’s no adult to guide them, no school routine to fall back on, no protective bubble around them. For the very first time, they’re entirely independent – and it’s evident in their struggles.

The unease and purposelessness are key aspects here, meant to be disconcerting. I find it authentic, unpolished, and true-to-life. It’s about teenage camaraderie in a survival situation. They’re not performing grandiose deeds to save the world. Instead, they’re struggling to stay together amidst adversity.

The Moodiness Is -Chef’s Kiss-

If you’re looking for light-heartedness and delight, I can see why this film might not be your preference. It’s quite dark. Just the color grading of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 might have lowered its rating on Rotten Tomatoes by five points. Mostly blue and gray tones are used, the forest scenes seem endless, and at one instance, Ron experiences a hallucination where he sees Harry and Hermione kissing amidst a glowing mist. It’s… quite intense.

For me, that level of intensity seems fitting. It’s dark because the situation is grim. Voldemort has emerged. The Ministry has collapsed. Lives are being lost. There’s no room for leisure at The Three Broomsticks. The ambiance aligns with the gravity, and surprisingly, the wizarding world feels more like a battlefield than a theme park. It appears we’re truly in a war zone now.

Afterward, you’ve got the moving, enchanting score that Alexandre Desplat created for the series. Particularly noteworthy is the track called “Hermione’s Parents,” which evokes deep sadness when Hermione removes their memories from them.

Yes, It’s Slow. That’s Why It’s Brilliant

A frequent critique of the film is that “nothing occurs within it.” However, one could argue that a lot takes place inside the tents – growth, conflicts, and raw emotions unfold there. This movie provides an unprecedented opportunity for the golden trio to develop as genuine characters, allowing them to truly come alive on screen.

In a more straightforward and engaging way: The hidden feelings of Ron, Hermione, and Harry are revealed as they face their emotions without the usual bustle of Hogwarts. We experience their fatigue, their frustration, and their unwavering devotion.

The dance scene between Harry and Hermione, exclusively created for the film, conveys a deeper understanding of friendship and sorrow than any magical incantation could. It’s understated, somewhat uncomfortable, heartfelt, and essential to the storyline. This movie is where we moved beyond hearing that Harry is the “Chosen One” and instead experienced why it’s tough to truly be the Chosen One.

The Intimacy Makes It Personal

Primarily, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 carries a profound sense of personal connection, not just for me as a spectator, but for the characters. The wizarding world is no longer viewed from afar; we’re immersed in it, stripped of grand battles and stirring orations. Instead, we witness a heartrending struggle between three young souls and an insurmountable reality, their unity serving as the last vestige of their dwindling strength.

Perhaps that’s why I adore it so deeply. It’s because real life seldom provides grand finales or neat conclusions. Instead, it often revolves around mere survival and persistence, even when one feels fragmented and broken apart. The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 captures this essence perfectly.

Opt for enjoying other titles like the “Goblet of Fire” dragons or the “Half-Blood Prince” romantic turmoil if you prefer. Meanwhile, I’ll be immersed in the contemplative, complex masterpiece that is “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1“. Not every film with lower ratings is necessarily weak; it may simply be the most underappreciated in this instance.

You can stream all eight of the Harry Potter movies on MAX.

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2025-04-20 19:40