Harry Potter e o Enigma do Príncipe

If you don't know the book (like me), but watched the trailer before you watched the movie, you could be excused for feeling a bit cheated. The trailer actually promises something that doesn't really happen (real world). But try to free your mind of that. I was a bit confused, but it didn't really throw me off the movie.

Of course, it goes without saying that you should watch the other Harry Potter movies before you watch this. While there is pretty light humor to be found here (and some love stories), it all gets spiced up, by some really dark undertones and some things that happen. I wouldn't say that Harry Potter is getting into an adult phase, but he definitely gets wiser with every movie. Which can't be said, for all his friends. But then again, some are there for comedic relieve, which is pretty obvious. And not a bad thing at all. The effects are great (not that you should have expected less) and the story moves along "fast" (the running time doesn't seem to be a problem or a drag). Of course some might say that he is still too childish (or the whole feeling is childish), but that would be beside the point. The movie does not hide what it's intentions are ...

Darker than ever, Lord Voldemort has been revealed in the 'Order of the Phoenix'. The forces of darkness are gathering strength. Fear has spread throughout the wizard world. Harry Potter is now investigating Voldemort's plans through his old teacher Professor Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent).

Director David Yates returns and will for the remainder of the series. It has a more serious tone. The teenage love drama is heating up especially for Hermione and Ron. It comes to a head in this one in a satisfying melodrama.

The reveal of Voldemort's plan is a bit confusing. More effort is needed to explain what a Horcrux is. A scene with Voldemort creating one of the Hocrux would solve the problem. For the big death climax, the action is rather lacking. It needs more drama. I'm reminded of 'Empire Strikes Back'. In that movie, the big scene gets the most iconic treatment. Something like that is needed here. But it still works while following the book. That's probably more important.

Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince sets a couple of milestones in the film series. Harry and sidekicks Hermione and Ron are coming a bit late into puberty which is understandable considering all the adventures they've had. But they're now starting to see what the opposite sex is all about.

Helping them along is an old colleague that Dumbledore has brought back to the Hogwarts one Professor Slughorn, a new character into the Potter saga played by Jim Broadbent. Slughorn (how I do love J.K. Rowling's use of Dickensian names in the Harry Potter series) is a master of potions and of course when you talk potions, it's love potions that are most in demand. But they do have only a short term effectiveness and at least one of the trio gets overdosed on it. And the cure almost kills as well.

The Half Blood Prince also provides us with some insight into the life of the younger Lord Voldemort back when he was a Hogwarts student named Tom Riddle. Broadbent and he bonded back in the day and that's why Dumbledore wants him back.

The Half Blood Prince keeps up the high standard of film making that the Harry Potter series is known for. It even got a nomination for Cinematography from the Academy. Broadbent is a nice addition to the Hogwarts stock company even if only for the two remaining films in the series.

No sense telling you to see it, you probably have and enjoyed same.

In a cinematic universe that thrives on magic and wonder, *Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince* emerges as a masterful alchemy of adolescence, heartbreak, and the looming shadow of destiny. This sixth installment of the iconic saga deftly intertwines the whimsical joys of young love with the stark realities of an encroaching darkness, both within and outside the wizarding world.

From the very first frame, the film casts a spell on its audience, transporting them back to the hallowed halls of Hogwarts, now tainted by a pervasive sense of unease. Director David Yates crafts a visual tapestry rich in foreboding, with shadowy corridors and vibrant landscapes that pulse with life. Each scene is an exquisite spell, conjuring emotions that resonate deeply, giving viewers a taste of both nostalgia and impending doom.

The performances in this installment shine brighter than ever. Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) conveys a raw vulnerability as he navigates the tumultuous waters of adolescence and the burden of being the Chosen One. Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) and Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) complement one another brilliantly, their friendship tested and strengthened through the lens of burgeoning love and jealousy. The addition of Jim Broadbent as Professor Slughorn introduces a delightful complexity, embodying a character who is both endearing and morally ambiguous.

At its core, *Half-Blood Prince* explores themes of love, loss, and the intricacies of choice. The budding romance between Harry and Ginny is portrayed with a tenderness that reflects the awkwardness of young love, while the heart-wrenching moments of loss serve as poignant reminders of the stakes at hand. The film courageously delves into darker territory, revealing the consequences of choices made, foreshadowing the epic battles that await.

The cinematography deserves a particular shout-out; each shot is meticulously crafted, as if the frame itself were a potions master, brewing a concoction of visuals that mesmerize and captivate. The stunning visuals are further enhanced by Nicholas Hooper's haunting score, which echoes the film's emotional highs and lows, weaving a spell that lingers long after the credits roll.

*Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince* stands as a remarkable chapter in a beloved saga, daring viewers to embrace the complexities of growing up in a world rife with both magic and peril. It's a film that promises not just to entertain, but to invite reflection on the nature of love, sacrifice, and the inevitable march toward fate. This jewel of the Harry Potter franchise is not merely a bridge to a climactic finale; it is a rich, emotional potion that captivates the heart and soul, inviting us to believe in the enduring power of friendship and love, even in the darkest of times.

HP6 is a dark and emotionally thrilling masterpiece. It combines magical awes that appeal mostly to children as well as mature and dark themes that appeal to almost everyone. It discovers the dark and mysterious past of you-know-who and leaves the audience aching for more as its two and half hours run time go by in a flash. The film contains dazzling visuals and terrific cinematography. It is indeed a satisfying experience that will please just about everyone. One thing is for certain though: in resemblance to the Rowling novels, the film series seems to get darker and more mature with every passing film while keeping an incredible PG rating (in the exception of HP4 & 5). This film not only has some bangs and booms but also explores the theme of teenage love as the three protagonists find themselves tangled in teenage romances. Overall a top notch film worth seeing over and over. Cant wait for the arrival of the Deathly Hallows.