The latest movie in the Harry Potter franchise, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince opened today all over China (even in “riot-bruised” Xinjiang). According to China Daily, it’s expected to be this year’s leading box office revenue raiser.
Shanghai Daily loved it, gushing that it was worth the two year wait and that its the best HP movie so far, “blending rich drama and easy camaraderie among the actors with the visual spectacle that until now has been the real star of the series.”
The hocus-pocus of it all nearly takes a back seat to the story and characters this time, and the film is the better for that. It doesn’t skimp on the Quidditch action, sorcery duels or occult pyrotechnics, but those are simply part of the show, not the main attraction.
Previous installments played out in a supernatural bubble bearing little connection to our ordinary little muggle world. “Half-Blood Prince” brims with authentic people and honest interaction – hormonal teens bond with great humor and there’s heartache that will resonate with anyone who remembers the pangs of first love.
Wow. Since we’re admittedly not real big Harry Potter fans, we guess we’ll have to take their word for it. But if you don’t mind the opening week crowds and absolutely MUST watch the movie NOW, it’s showing in 36 locations in Shanghai.
