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Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince tells the tale of the choosen one Harry Potter sixth year at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizadry. Harry is personally shown memories of Lord Voldemort so that he can gain a greater understanding of who he is actually facing. Harry grows increasingly close with Ginny and Hermione has conflictions as Ron begins to show interest in other girls. As the film progesses, the characters find themselves fighting for not only themselves but also for the ones they love the most in the world.
This film was surprisingly well made. From the beginning scene of Voldemorts destruction to the final emotional tribute to Albus Dumbledore, you cannot help but feel comfortable with how much these films have changed the face of the film industry. Harry Potter has revolutionized both the literary and film worlds. As we have seen the series progress we have scene a few blips on the map, especially with the last film The Order of the Phoenix. Also along the way we have seen some of our favorite characters transcend to the big screen, like Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, Albus Dumbledore and even the boy wizard himself Harry Potter.
The Harry Potter franchise is internationally known, many people cherish these books, and are faithful to the books. This film was for the most part faithful to its novel companion. Harry Potter finds himself dealing with love and death at the same time. Harry for the first time in his life, finds himself in love, while he sees the world around come to a crumbling halt. Harry finally sees the path that has been laid out before him. What really came to light in this film, was not Harry Potter being heroic like every other film, but Harry Potter realizing that the people around him are going to be hurt and killed along the way. Harry in this film comes to realize that friends and those who care are willing to give themselves for you.
As previously mentioned these actors have become extremely comfortable with who they are playing. Possibly none more than Rubert Grint. He was grown into Ronald Weasley so much. Ron's wise remarks, and his attempts to cover up how loyal and brilliant he really is have become something of pure brilliance in the films. Ron was always that lovable kid in the books, the one who wasnt exceptional in everything he tried, but was a good friend, one who would lay down for Harry and Hermione. Ron has become the best acted character in the series, second only to Sirius Black who is no longer in the films because he was killed in the last one.
Many people have been debating about the importance of the characters in the film. Was the burrow scene really needed? One will always have an opinion on this. Yes it was, Ginny really came into her own in that scene. Harry knew he wasn't alone, despite being the reason the death eaters would have attacked the Burrow, the Weasleys, Ginny especially didn't give up on Harry. Ginny was brave and stood up and would have died beside Harry Potter. One would say the kiss scene lacked, but no it didn't. Harry and Ginny's passion and almost forbidden love was captured to a tee. Harry being the chosen one and Rons best friend didn't want to to overstep the boundries, but he couldn't pass on the feelings of love.
Also another thing that many people are debating was the importance of Severus Snape and how he revealed himself. No the scene where he reveals to be the Half Blood Prince was well acted, well delivered and Alan Rickman was so cold and sincere it sent chills up the spine of everyone who watched. Snape did not reveal any of the major plot elements. Harry believed that he was about to help Dumbledore, and so he let it happen. Snape also knew that Bellatrix and the other death eaters would have destroyed Harry in an instant. Snape was as ruthless and seemed as ruthless as he needed to be.
There were two major surprises in this film that really made it better. The first already having been mentioned is how Bonnie Wright was able to go from secondary part to grown up mature Ginny Weasley. Bonnie was able to look and act all grown up in this film. She was able to look like a mature 16 year old girl, who finds herself in an awkward situation. The second surprise was the performance of Jim Broadbent as Horace Slughorn. Simply amazing. His expressions, his continued acts of guilt, his continued aversions to reveal the information he gave Tom Riddle. Broadbent captured the full brilliance of man who always gave to much information.
The thing that was probably the most impressive, was how each and every characer was well developed. All though, I couldn’t help but wish Richard Harris had have been playing Dumbledore, in his final scenes. Harris has the wise look about him. R.I.P Richard Harris, and kudos to Michael Gambon for stepping up and taking on a challenging role, and finishing with style and Grace.
This film was entertaining, the scenes were moving, especially the tribute to Albus Dumbledore, fallen hero and friend of many. The cast came together, each and every character with tears in their eyes, as they looked down at their fallen mentor. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince restored everyone’s faith in the series, and built up everyone’s anticipation for a thrilling two part conclusion that quite possibly could be the best of the series if done right.
9/10
