The story line is IMO the best of all HP movies so far adapted from the book-- and part of it has to do with the book separated into 2 movies. In this 1st half of the Deathly Hallows, the director is able to fine tune each important event that unfolds in the last book, and seems that every detail was thought of in each scene, i.e., you really get the sense of isolation and time passing slowly that Harry and Hermione experience when they are out in the wilderness. The fighting scene in the forest toward the end is frantic, chaotic, almost at a dizzying fury, which is probably fought at wizarding speed, meant to confuse the average muggle. And the new characters introduced couldn't have been cast more perfectly-- case in point, Bill Weasley. Seeing this character for the first time and I've already welcomed him as a long-standing member of the Weasley family, like I've seen him in every HP movie prior to this. I could write about this movie probably for the next hour, but if you are a true HP fan and have read all the books multiple times, you will be thoroughly satisfied and entertained. I have no doubt that the 2nd half released in July 2011 will be just as spectacular if it's the same director.