Harry Potter and the Half-Blood PrinceWe would all like to think that we know the greater purpose our actions produce, and believe that our best efforts have an intention with focus and a clear objective. It is difficult to discover that although we may carry out the roles bestowed upon us and feel that we serve that "greater purpose", trust is the only real motive that gives our choices--especially those against our nature--any kind of legitimacy. Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe)--and others--must make very difficult choices, and they are not always his own to make.
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Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the sixth entry in the series, and heralds the coming of the conclusion of the grand series of films about the development of a young apprentice into a somewhat older--and more world weary--young wizard, and the war already raging between him and his nemesis, the "dark lord", Voldemort. Harry's summer has been one preoccupied with trains; coincidentally, Harry's path through this story is one which is fundamentally on rails--that is, he is guided from the start to actions he would not have independently pursued by his mentor, Dumbledore (Michael Gambon). Harry is not alone in having his actions more closely controlled; his rival--the infamous Slytherin bully, Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), is inducted into the Death Eaters in the wake of his father's fall from grace. Although Harry only suspects Draco's recruitment, he is decidedly quick to accuse Draco of being behind several uncommon events and other mysterious circumstances, like an unfortunate incident with a hexed necklace, letting his own seething contempt for the Malfoys color his perception. In a rare turn, Draco is surprisingly taciturn throughout the film, as opposed to his thoroughly obnoxious, usual self. It would be safe to say that the idea of being a member of such an order as the Death Eaters carries grim realities which the young man is ill-equipped to handle. Whether Draco has any inkling as to his true role in the events to unfold remains unclear, but what is clear is that he is scared of it all. His only immediate ally is Severus Snape (Alan Rickman), whose murky allegiance throughout the series has made him a perpetual wild card. Harry is in the awkward position of trusting Dumbledore and distrusting Snape, as he is maneuvered in this metaphorical large-scale match of "wizard's chess", with he, Draco, and more as pawns. Dumbledore uses Harry to ply at the trust of his newest recruit to Hogwarts, Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent). No, not as the professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts--although Snape takes that role--but as the master of potions, in whose class Harry discovers a neglected book on potion crafting, marked with note after note, claimed by someone calling himself the "Half-Blood Prince". Within the compelling tome, Harry discovers not only exemplary potion making techniques, which allow him to snag a prized vial of liquid luck, but also the knowledge of a new--albeit vicious--attack spell. But in a key moment, Harry discovers the cruelty inherent in the spell he has discovered, and comes to the conclusion that this book is like glass--clarifying, sharp, but capable of pain and suffering when misused.
In terms of tone, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince fluctuates wildly between moments of teenage romance--often gone wrong--and spikes of violence and tension. Harry's trust in Dumbledore is unwavering, even in the most trying of circumstances, because he knows that the wise headmaster has not only been there for him in the most dire of circumstances, but has always looked out for the young man, much like a father would. Dumbledore clearly tells Harry that he must ingratiate himself with Professor Slughorn, because Slughorn was the favorite teacher of Voldemort--then Tom Riddle (Frank Dillane)--and Slughorn could disclose key information unto Harry about what it was that made their academic bond so strong. Compare this with Malfoy's manipulation at being the vanguard for the Death Eaters in their attempt to sink their talons into Hogwarts, and it becomes clear that the two boys are no longer acting as much out of self-interest as that of their elders. They have become inducted into a world where their individuality is less important than their contributions to the cause. It is a sobering thought, but one which should come as an unquestionable reality in the life of an adult. Grown-ups go to work everyday, and at work they may be an employee, representing a brand. They vote in elections on party lines, because people they trust tell them why it is important. Though adults have convictions, sometimes they fall by the wayside in the service of that "greater good". This message is made abundantly clear when Harry pieces enough together--in his eyes, at least--to accuse Malfoy of being responsible for a series of attacks and curses. Malfoy is not the sneering brat he has been, but he is on the verge of an emotional breakdown, crying to himself, the weight of his role heavy on him, detestable though it may be. Harry's rage is one of almost zealous fury; he does not invite conversation with Draco--he goes right on the attack, and Draco assumes as much--leading to a tense, destructive exchange of spell blasts. This is not the great confrontation between these two schoolchildren which has been building from day one; this is a puppet show, their attacks no different than an exchange of diametrically-opposed ideologies--they are but the proxies in a battle larger than themselves. Harry and Draco's decisions throughout the film illuminate a truth: trust is a powerful, valuable thing; but even trust should never be offered up blindly, lest you lose your sense of identity in the process. This is also another painful adult lesson to learn, and it almost always comes too late.
Recommended for: Fans of a wildly varied mix of the thrills of young schoolyard drama--with a wizardly twist--including love potions and Quidditch matches, as well as the deepening conspiracies and tense confrontations between the evil wizards calling for Harry Potter's blood. Fans of the series should be satisfied by more than a few notable revelations.
In terms of tone, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince fluctuates wildly between moments of teenage romance--often gone wrong--and spikes of violence and tension. Harry's trust in Dumbledore is unwavering, even in the most trying of circumstances, because he knows that the wise headmaster has not only been there for him in the most dire of circumstances, but has always looked out for the young man, much like a father would. Dumbledore clearly tells Harry that he must ingratiate himself with Professor Slughorn, because Slughorn was the favorite teacher of Voldemort--then Tom Riddle (Frank Dillane)--and Slughorn could disclose key information unto Harry about what it was that made their academic bond so strong. Compare this with Malfoy's manipulation at being the vanguard for the Death Eaters in their attempt to sink their talons into Hogwarts, and it becomes clear that the two boys are no longer acting as much out of self-interest as that of their elders. They have become inducted into a world where their individuality is less important than their contributions to the cause. It is a sobering thought, but one which should come as an unquestionable reality in the life of an adult. Grown-ups go to work everyday, and at work they may be an employee, representing a brand. They vote in elections on party lines, because people they trust tell them why it is important. Though adults have convictions, sometimes they fall by the wayside in the service of that "greater good". This message is made abundantly clear when Harry pieces enough together--in his eyes, at least--to accuse Malfoy of being responsible for a series of attacks and curses. Malfoy is not the sneering brat he has been, but he is on the verge of an emotional breakdown, crying to himself, the weight of his role heavy on him, detestable though it may be. Harry's rage is one of almost zealous fury; he does not invite conversation with Draco--he goes right on the attack, and Draco assumes as much--leading to a tense, destructive exchange of spell blasts. This is not the great confrontation between these two schoolchildren which has been building from day one; this is a puppet show, their attacks no different than an exchange of diametrically-opposed ideologies--they are but the proxies in a battle larger than themselves. Harry and Draco's decisions throughout the film illuminate a truth: trust is a powerful, valuable thing; but even trust should never be offered up blindly, lest you lose your sense of identity in the process. This is also another painful adult lesson to learn, and it almost always comes too late.
Recommended for: Fans of a wildly varied mix of the thrills of young schoolyard drama--with a wizardly twist--including love potions and Quidditch matches, as well as the deepening conspiracies and tense confrontations between the evil wizards calling for Harry Potter's blood. Fans of the series should be satisfied by more than a few notable revelations.