Harry potter and the half blood prince full movie reddit

I was a late comer to the Harry Potter franchise, and always a reader; so when I fell for it, I fell for the books and not the movies. I'd seen the first few shows but they hadn't grabbed me, and had entirely missed seeing the last three Harry Potter movies.

What this means is that I finally saw the movie version of The Half-Blood Prince yesterday and am belatedly really angry about it. WTF. My favorite scene (Fleur/Bill/Mrs Weasley) didn't happen and worse--the entire BATTLE apparently didn't happen. That on TOP of the airy-fairy romances shoe-horned in--and the burning of the Burrow that never happened?

My dismay is years late!

I love all HP content. I love all 7 books, 8 movies, and enjoy the Fantastic Beasts movie. I'll never understand the hate from book fans for the HBP movie. The movie is not at all mainly focused on romance — it's focused on Harry obtaining the memory from Slughorn, his friendship with Dumbledore, and everything to do with Snape and Draco — people really exaggerate with the romantic stuff. The movie is from a technical standpoint is absolutely one of the best, up there with PoA and DHP2: the music, the cinematography, I personally like the look of the movie, and everyone is on their A game in acting. The character development in the movie for Harry, Dumbledore, Draco, Voldemort, Snape, and Slughorn is all so good! I love this movie like the resy of them, it's not my favorite HP film, but it's one of them (this is coming from someone who's favorite book is the Half-Blood Prince).

A mega-hit franchise film is not a usual subject for film discussion on this sub, but to analyze the contrast of the movies (specifically of the image) within the same set, you have to turn to franchises. Besides, there is merit in discussing the cinematography of the film in question as it was nominated for an Oscar notably, a rarity for such a film. Bruno Delbonnel (the cinematographer) has also shot Amelie..

The Half-Blood Prince is the most atmospheric film in the HP series. This is reflected in the distinct look of the film with a 'dream like' quality to it. The colors are muted and a filter of grey/brown hangs over the visuals throughout. This adds to the melancholic vibe the movie is aiming for. Combined with the massive budget of $250M, one of the most expensive movies of the time, which allows for some stupendous production design, The Half Blood Prince is the most aesthetically pleasing movie in the series, and a very unique looking picture in the blockbuster setting.

The sepia-toned look captures the eerie and foreboding nature of the film. A film where 3 dark characters are at the forefront. The titular Half-Blood Prince (who turns out to be Snape), the main villain's (Voldemort) origin & the fresh new recruit (Death Eater) Draco Malfoy.

It is also the last year for Harry and his friends at school before they set off alone on their final quest in the next film. So the 'hazy/cloudy' look of the scenes makes them appear as if they are making memories or realizing dreams, an interesting and apt choice I feel. The loss of innocence in some ways. It sells the tone of 'calm before the storm'. No wonder Bruno Delbonnel was nominated for an Oscar for cinematography.

Someone described the feel of this movie as 'dark academia'. Sometimes seen in anime. I cannot explain what it means, but it does seem to fit this movie. Hogwarts itself feels different here. Like it is hurting. It has already been infiltrated by the enemy (Draco Malfoy) and by the end, it loses its chief protector (the Headmaster).

From the Great Hall, to Dumbledore's office, to the Astronomy Tower & the Quidditch pitch, the jump in production quality is clearly evident. Then there is some beautiful imagery with the help of skillful CGI. The whole cave scene and subsequent damage to Hogwarts by the Death Eaters or the Quidditch Match are all good examples. I have linked a few of my favorite shots from dozens below:

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Just to see how the look contrasts with earlier films to reflect a more mature/darker tone, here are some examples of similar shots from HBP and Non-HBP movies:

Train 1, Train 2

Interior 1, Interior 2

Office 1, Office 2

There are some other positives I would like to mention. Jim Broadbent's turn as Horace Slughorn is delightful. He adds much needed lightness to the movie. The score of the film is great with one track in particular, 'Dumbledore's Farewell', perhaps being the most powerful music from the series. In fact the whole final act is elegantly directed.

Some people do criticize the books films for getting visually darker as they went on, but I think in this case it was an effective choice as it mixed well with the tones and themes of the stories told. Removed from the book, I think HBP is a gorgeous picture with many worthy moments and a well directed melancholic tone.

Some assistance from this article: https://www.diyphotography.net/harry-potter-half-blood-prince-cinematography-bruno-delbonnel

EDIT: One word.