Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

2009 Fantasy

Adolescent wizard-in-training Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts for another year of schooling and learns more about the dark past of the boy who grew up to become Lord Voldemort in this, the sixth installment of the film series that originated from the writings of author J.K. Rowling. There was a time when Hogwarts was thought of as a safe haven, but thanks to Voldemort's tightening grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds, that simply isn't the case anymore. Suspecting that the castle may even harbor an outright threat, Harry finds his investigation into the matter sidelined by Dumbledore's attempts to prepare him for the monumental battle looming ever closer on the horizon. In order to discover the key to Voldemort's defenses, Dumbledore enlists the aid of resourceful yet unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, who may have a clue as to their enemy's Achilles' heel. Meanwhile, teenage hormones cause the students at Hogwarts to lose focus on their true mission. As Harry and Dean Thomas clash for the affections of the lovely Ginny, Romilda Vane attempts to woo Ron away from Lavender Brown with some particularly tasty chocolates. Even Hermione isn't immune from the love bug, though she tries her hardest to suppress her growing jealousy and keep her emotions bottled up. But there is one student who remains completely aloof from the romance blossoming all around, and he intends to leave a dark impression on his classmates. With tragedy looming ever closer, it begins to appear as if peace will prove elusive in Hogwarts for some time to come. more..

Director: David Yates

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, Helena Bonham Carter

Reviews

  • This film is the sharpest since "The Prisoner of Azkaban." It is the most emotionally satisfying, blending spot-on comedy and adenoidal sexual tension, with scenes of gutsy vulnerability.

    - The San Francisco Chronicle

    27 May 2013

  • But the story is, still and all, only a pause, deferring an intensely anticipated conclusion. And it's in that exquisite place of action and waiting that this elegantly balanced production emerges as a model adaptation.

    Lisa Schwarzbaum - Entertainment Weekly

    27 May 2013

  • This one-of-a-kind film cycle has become as comfortable and reliable as an old shoe, providing a degree of dependability that's becoming increasingly rare.

    Kenneth Turan - Los Angeles Times

    27 May 2013

  • Getting lost in the hypnotic Half-Blood Prince is what gives the movie its haunting power.

    Peter Travers - Rolling Stone

    27 May 2013

  • One of the series's best, with spectacular effects, nuanced performances and witty dialogue.

    Claudia Puig - USA Today

    27 May 2013

Awards

  • Top Box Office Films

    ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards (2009)

  • Best Achievement in Cinematography

    Academy Awards (2010)

     
  • Best Costume

    Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (2010)

     
  • David Heyman

    Art Directors Guild (2012)

  • Best Production Design

    BAFTA Awards (2010)