Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – 2001 | 152mins | Fantasy, Adventure | Colour

Plot Synopsis

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the film adaptation of the first of author J.K. Rowling’s popular children’s novels about Harry Potter. Adapted by screenwriter Steven Kloves, and directed by successful family film director Chris Columbus, the film remains faithful to Rowling’s plot. The cast features some young unknowns, and a plethora of talented English character actors including Robbie Coltrane, Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, Julie Walters, Maggie Smith and John Cleese.

Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), an unwanted foster child, lives in Pivet Drive with his awful Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon. On his eleventh birthday, Harry is visited by the imposing Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane), and learns that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards murdered by the evil Lord Voldemort – and possesses unique magical powers of his own. He is summoned to fulfil his true calling as a wizard by becoming a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, an English boarding school for wizards. There, Harry befriends chess whiz Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and bossy know-all Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), who become his closest allies and help him discover the truth about his parent’s mysterious deaths at the hands of a powerful adversary.

The production design is stunning and the film is solid enough, but much of the book’s subtle humour is discarded. Even though perhaps running half an hour too long, the film will undoubtedly entertain both the young, and young at heart, who flock to see it.