Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

can’t believe they cut out the most iconic scene: Harry marveling at watching Dumbledore’s cut bod and 8-pack abs swimming through the ocean

The teacher of Defense against Dark Arts must be changed every movie 😂
#HarryPotterFacts

The urgent tone of “Half-Blood Prince” is felt right from the first few seconds, when the Warner Bros. logo appears on screen, accompanied by a score that echoes John Williams’ classic themes but quickly turns sad and heavy. We see Harry, in a state of shock, being photographed by reporters (a continuation of the scene after Voldemort and Dumbledore’s battle in “Order of the Phoenix”), and the logo is set against a dark sky, foreshadowing what we’re about to witness over the next two hours.

“Half-Blood Prince” also has a much heavier atmosphere than any of its previous installments—and considering how things were already treated as urgent and dangerous in “Goblet of Fire” and “Order of the Phoenix”, that’s saying something. Just look at how the teenagers’ lives stray far from what’s considered normal for kids their age: we see a Harry suspicious of Draco Malfoy’s dangerous actions—and his curiosity leads to violent consequences early on.

Still, Steve Kloves’ consistently strong script gives the characters room to step away from the weight of Voldemort’s return and indulge in their natural teenage hormones. The movie is filled with scenes of people kissing in the hallways, which is totally normal for 16-year-olds. However, the real focus is on Harry and Dumbledore’s relationship, which is established early on in the film. And though more time could have been dedicated to it, it’s impossible to miss the authenticity in their interactions. Dumbledore shows how much he cares for Harry throughout, even while assigning him dangerous, difficult tasks, always recognizing Harry’s efforts and apologizing for “asking too much of him.”

Bruno Delbonnel’s cinematography, which was unfairly criticized, is exceptional. It not only illustrates the dark, heavy, and urgent tone but also creates a realistic, somber world for both the magical and Muggle realms—like when the Death Eaters destroy the bridge. Stuart Craig also outdoes himself with the production design, making the threat to the wizarding world feel incredibly real: just look at Diagon Alley, once a lively, colorful place, now empty, closed, and gray (the twins’ impecabble shop being the exception).

David Yates directs with confidence, sneaking his cameras through Hogwarts Castle, often focusing on characters from behind walls, adding to the immediacy of the tone. Personally, I really like the scene where the Burrow is destroyed (even though it’s not in the book), as it effectively builds tension. The confrontation between Harry and Draco is raw, and only falls short because the script doesn’t address any consequences for the act. In fact, the mystery hinted at in the movie’s title isn’t explored as deeply as it should be.

That said, Yates does a great job building the tension in key sequences, like when Dumbledore and Harry search by the ocean, which is simply amazing. And the tragic moment that defines “Half-Blood Prince” is, in my opinion, completely emotional in every way: the dialogue leading up to one of the most iconic “AVADA KEDAVRAs” in the franchise only amplifies the sense of helplessness and fear. Even fifteen years after the movie’s release, I still get choked up when we see that final image of Dumbledore alive. The only scene I’d cut is when Ginny feeds Harry a cookie (?) and when she kneels to tie his shoelaces.

As for the performances, I think Daniel Radcliffe has definitely grown over the years—especially considering how much more dramatic weight was placed on Harry, and he handles that pressure really well. Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, now given more focus than in “Order of the Phoenix”, are always comfortable portraying Ron and Hermione. This time, Tom Felton has a bigger opportunity to explore Draco Malfoy’s inner turmoil—his stance before the confrontation with Harry in the bathroom, for instance, is touching. And of course, Alan Rickman gets more screen time, which is always a treat, with his unique tone. Jim Broadbent also seems to enjoy himself as Horace Slughorn.

But I think the real standout is Michael Gambon, who brings a more weary energy to Dumbledore in “Half-Blood Prince”, which fits perfectly with the character’s journey in the film, gradually revealed as the story progresses. His more frantic behavior in some scenes, coupled with his shocked expression in others, is ideal for showing the audience that these characters are facing a truly menacing threat.

As a film (cinematically speaking, in terms of direction, writing, and production), “Half-Blood Prince” is a prime example of how to deeply explore characters in a tragic and devastating atmosphere.

No matter how many times I watch Harry Potter, this movie always makes me cry :(

it’s the best movie in the franchise

Draco Malfoy, the most misunderstood character in fiction history.

Brilliant sixth installment in the Harry Potter series. This is the part that really got me hooked on the story. It is very dark, very mature and it‘s got everything from humor to romance to one of the saddest moments in the entire series.

The Best Harry Potter movie so far!
great great movie loved it
A lot of scenes between harry and Dempeldor which loved them all
this movie is soo dark
and I was shocked that the half blood Prince was Snape
Every time The Death of Dempeldor at the end breaks my heart and makes me very sad

despite what many people say, this is actually my favorite harry potter movie.