What Do The Critics Say
"The fact that there's a heart behind all the digital wizardry is a testament to how far the series has come, and how well Yates knows the world that, in the end, he will have helped create as much as Rowling. We'd love Harry's newest adventure no matter what, but thankfully, this one earns our devotion. By far one of the best of the series, and absolutely the funniest and most human."
Katey Rich CINEMABLEND
"The sixth installment of the hugely successful Harry Potter franchise comes to the big-screen. It starts in the real world and starts in London but then of course goes to the world of Hogwarts and wizards. I think the film really sets up the next two installments of the franchise nicely."
AT THE MOVIES
"You'll know right from the beginning the sixth film in the series is far less fantasmical and far more steeped in real world drama than its predecessors. The look and texture of the film really stand out. Grittier and much more realistic than any of the others. Meets expectations."
Ben Mankiewicz TURNER CLASSICS
"Teen desire and romance hits Hogwarts like a contagious virus in the sixth Harry Potter film, and goes a long way to providing lightheaded contrast to the skullduggery being perpetrated by Severus Snape, Draco Malfoy, and three supernatural Death Eaters that swirl around the story like exterminating angels of the apocalypse. The most balanced Harry Potter film to come along."
Cole Smithey DAILY RADAR
"The franchise's best so far, blending rich drama and easy camaraderie among the actors with the visual spectacle that until now has been the real star of the series."
David Germain ASSOCIATED PRESS
"As someone who has not been previously wowed by the Harry Potter franchise and have found the films a bit and miss, this was a very pleasant surprise. Visually this is a stunning movie that David Yates has approached more like a painting than a movie, he’s built this up layer by layer and created a composition. supporting cast are again first class but how can they not be? The cast list reads like a who’s who or British acting excellence. The jewel in the Potter crown."
Simon Thompson HEART 106.2
"Director David Yates and his cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel set the tone right at the start, with a brilliant opening scene that shows evil sweeping into the normal world in explosive black trails of smoke, creating dark storms over London and destroying the Millennium Bridge. There is a fair amount of humour as Harry and his pals discover that life isn’t only about saving the world, it’s also about girls, and star-crossed love. Ron (Rupert Grint), pursued by the amorous Lavender Brown, is given a knowing line in teenage disillusion. For fans this is an elegant addition to the canon."
Sarah Crompton DAILY TELEGRAPH
"Yates and cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel construct shots of pure cinema, leisurely pulling us into settings and increasing the suspense from the romantic foibles to the revelations of what’s behind Malfoy’s nervous schemes and Snape’s interest in him. A film that stands on its own, The Half-Blood Prince is the purest example of virtuoso storytelling we have seen all summer and maybe all year."
Erik Childress EFILMCRITIC
"What Yates brings to the series is an affinity with the actors that allows them to all do the best work they've done so far. The adult cast is equally impressive.The main new addition this time is Jim Broadbent, and he's absolutely amazing. I've said for years that everything's better with Broadbent. This is absolutely the best of the Harry Potter films so far."
Drew McWeeny HITFIX
"There are really two story strands here. One involves the close working relationship of Dumbledore and Harry on the trail of Voldemort. The other involves everything else: romance and flirtation, Quidditch, a roll call of familiar characters I admired this Harry Potter. It opens and closes well, and has wondrous art design and cinematography as always, only more so."
Roger Ebert ROGER EBERT.COM
"It is the most emotionally satisfying of them all, blending spot-on comedy and adenoidal sexual tension (Hermione pines for Ron, Harry pines for Ginny) with scenes of gutsy vulnerability. In appearance and tone, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is much more stylishly gothic than the earlier films. It oozes doom. Violins shimmer dissonantly; storm clouds gather ominously; Hogwarts, for once, looks like the gray and forbidding castle it always was. There's added satisfaction in the maturation of the cast itself."
Amy Biancolli HOUSTON CHRONICLE
The Inside Story
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" not only represents a new chapter in the lives of Harry and his friends and foes, it is one that blends humor and heartbreak, romance and redemption, and the past and the present as never before. And in the wake of Lord Voldemort’s return, the choice between good and evil has never had more serious ramifications. "One of the central themes in the Harry Potter books is the choices we make are what ultimately define us. It’s also something we have explored and will continue to explore in the films. Each of the books, as well as the respective films, chronicles a different year in Harry’s life, and the sixth installment is no exception. In the last film, we were watching Harry at a difficult stage: tormented by dreams, questioning himself and beset by personal demons. Now he’s a year older and that brings a different set of issues and responsibilities," says 2004 BAFTA Children's Award winning producer David Heyman ("Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"). "For me, the films have always been about a loss of innocence," says Daniel Radcliffe ("The Tailor of Panama" & "December Boys"). "When Harry came into this world, it was all just amazing and brilliant and kind of pure. But as the films have gone on, that’s totally disintegrated, and he’s realizing that the wizarding world has just as many, if not more, challenges than the world he grew up in before." However, there are some challenges shared by teenagers in both worlds, whether wizard or Muggle. Producer David Barron ("Love's Labour's Lost" & "Sahara") acknowledges that there is no magic spell to evade the perils of adolescence, noting: "Romantic entanglements are never easy, at whatever age we are, but in adolescence they can be particularly difficult. I think Jo (J.K. Rowling) captured that wonderfully in the book and our remarkable director, David Yates, and our talented cast have brought it beautifully to the screen with both heart and humor." "Jo gave us the gift of these magnificent books and every one is a jewel. Her imagination never ceases to amaze me. Each Harry Potter book brings us new challenges and new opportunities, so coming into this movie, we were as excited as ever," Heyman ("The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas") stated. Director David Yates (TV'S "State of Play") had entered the world of Harry Potter with "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix", the fifth film in the series. "I had such a great experience on the last film and was thrilled to be asked back. I loved the sixth book. It is hugely entertaining, bringing more romance to Hogwarts than we’ve ever seen before combined with an intriguing uncovering of Voldemort’s past that has huge implications for the rest of the series." Returning to Hogwarts for another year of wizardy studies does present some problems for Harry, Ron and Hermione and their now hormonely challenged fellow students. "I really enjoyed exploring deeper aspects of the characters further with Dan, Rupert and Emma. They are really keen to push and be pushed in their roles because we all want these characters to grow and develop both with the unfolding stories and the audience," Yates offered. The cast has equal praise for their director. "David is a joy to work with," says Radcliffe. "I always looked forward to seeing him on the set because he has so much energy and enthusiasm, which is fantastic." "We all got on really well with David, so we were pleased he was coming back. Going through the script, he really listened to what we had to say about our characters, but he also offered a lot of help and guidance," says Rupert Grint ("Driving Lessons"), who plays Harry's best friend Ron Weasley.
Having scripted the first four 'Harry Potter' films, 2001 USC Scripter Award winning writer Steve Kloves ("Wonder Boys") returned to the franchise to write the screenplay for Harry Potter's latest adventure. "In this film, more than in the previous ones, there were a number of narrative threads to follow, so that was one of the great challenges. We were blessed to have another wonderful screenplay from Steve Kloves, who wove them all together brilliantly. And David Yates really made them gel. He is a formidable director. Apart from telling a good story, the humanity of the characters is so important to him and he continues to draw out new sides of our actors that even I had never seen before," says Heyman. Reprising the role of the venerable Professor Dumbledore, Michael Gambon remarked: "The relationship between Harry and Dumbledore in this film goes beyond headmaster and student. As Harry has grown from a schoolboy into an intelligent young man, their relationship has grown into more of a close friendship." "What we’re seeing in this film is Dumbledore preparing Harry to carry the mantle. As we have seen in the past, he is again a father figure to Harry, but no longer is Harry the child he was when the stories began. He is a young man and so Dumbledore deals with him on somewhat more equal terms," Heyman explained. Empowered by the return of the Dark Lord, the Death Eaters are attacking openly and at will, and even the Muggle world is not impervious to their reign of terror. As ominous dark clouds swirl over London, people look up, sensing an unfamiliar danger. Dumbledore recognizes the source of the danger and introduces Harry to the once popular Potions professor at Hogwarts, Horace Slughorn, who Dumbledore believes may have a connection to Lord Voldemort through one of his former students: Tom Riddle. "Slughorn is a social climber. He loves to know the best people and to name drop the celebrities of their world. He’s immensely proud that many of them had passed through his classes when he was a professor at Hogwarts, and that he can still call on them. It appeals to his vanity," Barron ("Othello" & "Hamlet") explained. 2002 Oscar ® winner Jim Broadbent ("Iris"), who was cast as Horace Slughorn, describes his role as "a fascinating and rich character. He’s passionate about his work and incredibly knowledgeable as a Potions master. He’s top-notch, but he’s also flawed. There is a dark secret in his past that weighs heavily on him. He has gone to great lengths never to reveal it: and that’s where Harry Potter comes in. Harry is the bait for Slughorn to return to Hogwarts." 1998 BAFTA Cymru Award winning costume designer Jany Temime ("House of America") had fun creating the wardrobe for the character she describes as "a bit of a dandy. Professor Slughorn is a rather eccentric English gentleman, who loves good wine, good food, good company and, of course, good clothes. We dressed him in tweed suits with big patterns and little bowties and he also has a lovely velour suit that he wears for his Christmas party. He looks extremely grand." "Jim is a delight," says Yates. "He has a tremendous capacity for both comedy and pathos and I knew he would bring so much to the table. Slughorn is also a real snob; he’s only interested in talking to the most important person in the room and ignores everybody else. I thought Jim could have some fun with that and he did." "We felt incredibly fortunate to have an actor of Jim’s caliber join our Harry Potter family," adds Heyman. "From the very first film, we have been so honored by the depth of the acting talent in our casts, he is one of the best. He was a warm and generous presence on the set."
Unlike previous editions, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" will be remembered for two things: it's lashings of humour and how it captures our teen years. One thing the young wizards will discover is that there is no magic formula to help them navigate their teen years, and the intertwining stories of romance, jealousy, crushes, unrequited love, and romantic rivalries. "For the first time we learn that Harry has feelings for Ginny Weasley, who is going out with Dean Thomas, much to the concern of her brother Ron, who has fallen head-over-heels for Lavender Brown, leaving Hermione, who is secretly in love with Ron, watching jealously from the sidelines, so she goes out with Cormac McLaggen, even though she can’t stand him, to make Ron jealous," says Barron, who notes that it's "Welcome to the normal life of a teenager." "These characters are usually facing such huge issues, like fighting evil, so it’s easy to forget that they’re just teenagers. For me, this film feels more like a romantic comedy than the others, in the sense that we get to see them coping with first love, jealousy and insecurity and all the usual things involved in dating," 2007 National Movie Award winner Emma Watson ("Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix") notes. Harry has discovered he is attracted to Ron's 'baby' sister, Ginny, who is now a lovely young woman. "Harry is starting to feel incredibly strongly about Ginny, but her brother is his best mate and he doesn’t want to jeopardize that. At the same time, he really does want to kiss Ginny so it’s a bit of a dilemma. I think it’s good fun and quite sweet," Radcliffe offered. Ron Weasley also gets his first official love interest. "Ron finally gets a girlfriend in this film," Grint says. "At the start, he thinks he’s quite the man. But after a while he finds her a bit overwhelming because Lavender is sort of over the top; she’s starting to scare him. She calls him 'Won-Won' and gives him jewelry, and Ron doesn’t know how to handle it. She’s driving him crazy." "Lavender is a force of nature. She’s a lovely girl but not at all reserved. She is all over Ron, who is not used to such a predatory female. But initially, he is rather enjoying it, and who can blame him? Their romance is a great source of humor and it really lets Rupert flex his comedic muscles, which is a treat," says Heyman. "Rupert is such a natural comedian," Yates affirmed. "He was always coming up with surprising little things that made us all laugh." For the role of the coquettish Lavender Brown, the filmmakers cast newcomer Jessie Cave, who describes her character as "bubbly and very physical, which is quite liberating. Her way of getting Ron is leaping on him and kissing him and practically strangling him with her hugs, but it leaves other people incredulous." "Jessie Cave is fantastic," Heyman states. "We saw a lot of girls for the part, but when we saw Jessie, there was no question: she was our Lavender Brown. here was also so much chemistry between her and Rupert." Lavender also gives Ron his first kiss. "It was sort of embarrassing because our first kiss was in a room full of people, not like Dan’s. We were both nervous," Grint confesses, "but once we got through a few takes, it was cool." One student, however, has no time for romance, fun and games. Draco Malfoy, played by Tom Felton, has been called upon by Lord Voldemort himself to carry out a mission of great importance and greater consequence. "He has always been envious of Harry’s limelight and his standing in the wizarding world as the 'Chosen One'. Now Draco has been given the opportunity to be the 'Chosen One', and he revels in it at first. I think this is his coming of age."
The Verdict
"I don't think I've ever enjoyed a 'Harry Potter' movie as much as this one. I suppose that's because, over the years I haven't been wholey impressed by the film franchise. Having made that statement, I must point out that I could, however, appreciate the great appeal each film would have for Potter fans. I can only repeat: "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" really did win me over. And, judging by the audiences reaction, they were having just as much fun as I was. I say 'fun' because, while there are the obligatory 'dark' moments (including the spectacular opening segment), much of the film is taken up with the antics of the maturing Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry pupils who are trying to come to grips with, physical attraction. They are now at that age when hormones run wild and teenage eyes suddenly discover there is something different about the opposite sex. Yes, our three main characters and some of their classmates are coming to grips with feelings they haven't really experienced before. The resulting attractions and jelousy, make for some very humorous moments: all of which are sure to delight young teen fans. 'Half-Blood Prince' introduces audiences to new Professor: Horace Slughorn. The role went to acclaimed veteran British actor 2002 &'07 BAFTA and 2002 Oscar ® winner Jim Broadbent who gives a gem of a performance. This is one, very well balanced film. Very Recommended. 4 1/2 STARS."
Synopsis
 Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. To help unlock Voldemort's defenses, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Meanwhile, the students are under attack from a very different adversary as teenage hormones rage across the ramparts. Harry finds himself more and more drawn to Ginny, but so is Dean Thomas. And Lavender Brown has decided that Ron is the one for her, only she hadn't counted on Romilda Vane's chocolates! And then there's Hermione, simpering with jealously but determined not to show her feelings. As romance blossoms, one student remains aloof. He is determined to make his mark, albeit a dark, tragic one.
Who Plays Who?
Daniel Radcliffe
Michael Gambon
Jim Broadbent
Alan Rickman
Maggie Smith
Tom Felton
Rupert Grint
Emma Watson
Frank Dillane
Helena Bonham Carter
Robbie Coltrane
Matthew Lewis
Dave Legeno
Elarica Gallagher
Geraldine Somerville
Bonnie Wright
Julie Walters
Helen McCrory
Timothy Spall
Oliver Phelps
James Phelps
Freddie Stroma
Jessie Cave
Alfie Enoch
Evanna Lynch
Robert Knox
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Harry Potter
Professor Albus Dumbledore
Professor Horace Slughorn
Professor Severus Snape
Professor Minerva McGonagall
Draco Malfoy
Ron Weasley
Hermione Granger
Tom Riddle (16yoa)
Bellatrix Lestrange
Rubeus Hagrid
Neville Longbottom
Fenrir Greyback
Waitress
Lily Potter
Ginny Weasley
Molly Weasley
Narcissa Malfoy
Wormtail
George Weasley
Fred Weasley
Cormac McLaggen
Lavender Brown
Dean Thomas
Luna Lovegood
Marcus Belby
The Production Team
Director
Screenplay
Novel by
Producers
Original Music
Director of photography
Film Editor
Casting
Production Designer
senior art director
Set Decoration
Costume Designer
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David Yates
Steve Kloves
J.K. Rowling
David Barron & David Heyman
Nicholas Hooper
Bruno Delbonnel
Mark Day
Fiona Weir
Stuart Craig
Andrew Ackland-Snow
Stephanie McMillan
Jany Temime
Run Time 153 minutes
Rated M [AUST]
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