Release Date: 06 July 2009 in Japan (Tokyo) (premiere)
Rated: Rated PG for scary images, some violence, language and mild sensuality.
Runtime: 153
Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery
Director: David Yates
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Michael Gambon, Dave Legeno, Elarica Gallacher, Jim Broadbent, Geraldine Somerville
On July 16, 2005 author J.K. Rowling released the sixth book in her popular Harry Potter series. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was an instant classic whose record sales were only eclipsed by the final book in the series. Now, as this story gets ready to hit the big screen, where fans will revel in special effects and surround sound it is important for those who have not read the story in four years to be reminded what this adaptation is really about. Only then, can the movie goers judge the film on its merits. It can only stand up on its own if it stayed true to the heart of the book. With that in mind, let’s look with intent at the novel itself.
The Half-Blood Prince is where the J.K. Rowling’s villains take center stage. Specifically, Lord Voldemort. His power in the present is supreme, wreaking havoc not only in the world of witches and wizards but also in the world of ordinary humans who are referred to as Muggle’s in the series. He and his minions leave only fear and terror in their wake, extinguishing all but the last vestiges of hope for our beloved characters and all they hold dear. This tale is about the darkness before the dawn, and it is brought together wonderfully.
But, this story is not just about Voldemort’s present power. This book chronicles his past transgressions with remarkable depth. The words that leap off the pages in this literary triumph capture the life of a boy who wanted nothing more than to be special and who would stop at nothing to live forever. It is in this book that readers finally have clarity regarding Voldemort’s purposes. We finally see that his chief aim was to live forever. Or more to the point, to overcome death and prove to all that he is greatest wizard of all time.
Overcoming death is a theme that runs throughout literature and movies, and remains one of the most popular paths for dark characters to travel down. Rowling’s vision is remarkable for not only its originality but also its humanness. In pop culture only George Lucas has made such a point to focus a character on such a lofty goal. However, Anakin Skywalker was seduced by power because at one point he wanted to use that power to save others. Voldemort never had such aspirations. Voldemort wanted power show others the proof of their inferiority. He was the ultimate bully.
It is this human perspective and the depths which this novel takes its reader that sets the stage for the ultimate triumph of Harry Potter in the final book. There would be no reason to rejoice over the triumph of love if the strength of hate wasn’t seen to be insurmountable. Sacrifice can only be seen as valuable if the good that is worth fighting for was being taken away. That is what makes this story so rich. A richness that cannot be fully mirrored on the big screen. But, it can be honored. It can stay true to the hard choices each character faces, the tragedy of suffering, and the bonds of friendship. If it does than the film can meritoriously stand on its own.
So, when you sit in a theatre somewhere, and you allow Hollywood to transport you to a world of stunning visual effects and sound, don’t lose the story that J.K. Rowling was trying to tell. Pride must be dealt with. Fear of death is not worth the destruction of your soul. But, love, even in great darkness, always paves the way for the coming of triumph over any enemy. No matter how presently powerful they might seem.
