Logo

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Duration: 2:32
Rating
7.7/10
A young orphan named Harry Potter discovers his true heritage when he receives an unexpected invitation to Hogwarts, a school of magic. As he immerses himself in this whimsical and awe-inspiring world, Harry learns that he is not an ordinary boy but the famous “Boy Who Lived,” known for surviving a deadly curse cast by the dark wizard, Voldemort. With new friends, Ron and Hermione, Harry explores the enchanted halls of Hogwarts, mastering spells and potions. However, danger looms as whispers of Voldemort’s return grow louder. As Harry uncovers the mysteries of his past and the hidden secrets within the school, he confronts dark forces in a thrilling quest to protect the coveted Sorcerer’s Stone, a magical artifact with the power of immortality. Can Harry and his friends thwart the evil that threatens their world?

Directors

Direction: Chris Columbus

Script: Steve Kloves, J.K. Rowling

Main cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson

Ticket office

Budget: $125 million

Box office: $1026.4 million

Synopsis

In the aftermath of a profound defeat, the dark wizard Lord Voldemort vanishes after a mysterious rebounding curse leaves his intended target, a young Harry Potter, alive but orphaned. With only a lightning-bolt scar as a memento of the night his parents perished, Harry is left in the care of his stern and unloving relatives, the Dursleys. Unknown to him, they conceal his magical heritage, leading him to a mundane and often grim existence in a cupboard under the stairs.

As Harry approaches his 11th birthday, peculiar letters addressed to him begin arriving, much to his uncle's chagrin. Desperate to avoid their haunting persistence, Uncle Vernon attempts to outrun the inevitable by hiding in a remote island hut. It is here, on the eve of his eleventh birthday, that Harry encounters Hagrid, a gentle giant who introduces him to his extraordinary legacy—he is to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. With awe, Harry embarks on his passage to the magical world, exploring the enchanting alleys of Diagon Alley and catching his first glimpse of Hogwarts.

On the train to Hogwarts, Harry bonds with his future loyal companions Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Upon arrival, the Sorting Hat—an embodiment of tradition and wisdom—places this budding trio into Gryffindor House, setting them at odds with the brash Draco Malfoy from Slytherin. As Harry acclimates to this wondrous world, he becomes a celebrated Seeker for the Gryffindor Quidditch team, even as whispers of danger begin to surface.

A mysterious break-in at Gringotts Bank and a chance encounter with a three-headed dog guarding a secret, fuel Harry's curiosity. Halloween at Hogwarts reveals further danger when Harry and Ron bravely confront a troll, rescuing Hermione and cementing an unbreakable friendship. Yet behind the scenes, suspicion brews against the ominous Professor Snape, especially after a near-fatal incident during a Quidditch match. A cloak of invisibility, a relic from his father, propels Harry deeper into the shadows of Hogwarts as he uncovers the legend of the Sorcerer's Stone and its connection to immortality.

Driven by these revelations, Harry and his friends delve into a quest to protect the mystical stone believed to be coveted by nefarious forces. Convinced of Snape's dark ambitions, they devise a plan to obstruct him and uncover layers of magical defenses laid by Hogwarts staff, which challenge their newfound skills and courage. In a twist of fate, Harry faces a startling truth deep within the school's secret corridors, where an unexpected adversary awaits.

In a gripping confrontation, Harry's extraordinary legacy is illuminated by the echoes of his mother's love, a potent force that shields him from ultimate evil. Dumbledore reveals the magic within Harry is a testament to his parents' sacrifice, a truth that strengthens his resolve and reassures him of his place within the magical tapestry of Hogwarts. As the academic year concludes, a final celebration sees Gryffindor crowned champions, acknowledging the bravery and unity forged in adventure and adversity.

Argument

The film "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" presents a narrative that challenges our understanding of fate, legacy, and the choices that shape our destiny. At its core, it tells the tale of a young boy, Harry Potter, who symbolizes the triumph of good over the enduring shadow of evil epitomized by Lord Voldemort. Through a meticulously crafted storyline, the movie argues that the journey of growth, friendship, and bravery can illuminate even the darkest pathways.

In the aftermath of Voldemort's attempted assassination of the infant Harry Potter—with a curse that backfired, destroying his own corporeal form—the narrative embarks on a profound exploration of Harry's life. Despite this near-miraculous survival, the cost is devastating, as Harry becomes an orphan, his parents having been mercilessly slain by Voldemort. Left with only a lightning-bolt scar, Harry's journey is underscored by the absence of the family he never knew. This event sets the stage for an argument on the nature of heroism, suggesting that true courage is derived from loss and resilience.

Abandoned on the doorstep of his negligent and cruel Muggle relatives, the Dursleys, Harry's existence is one of hardships and obscurity, further compounded by their deliberate concealment of his magical heritage. The Dursleys' actions bring forth a critical narrative critique of the refusal to acknowledge and celebrate differences, a societal malaise that diminishes the richness of one's potential. Here, the film contrasts the mundane and oppressive world of the Dursleys with the vibrant and magical reality awaiting Harry, suggesting that true identity is insuppressible.

The narrative takes a pivotal turn as Harry approaches his 11th birthday. A series of seemingly unstoppable letters indicate an invitation to Hogwarts, a world previously unknown to him. This relentless communication illustrates the inevitability of destiny and the power of truth against suppression. The persistence of the Hogwarts letters, despite the Dursleys' attempts to destroy them, serves to argue that truth cannot be easily buried, as it will always find its way to the surface.

Enter Hagrid, who bursts into the Dursleys' desperate retreat on a remote island, re-introducing Harry to the magical world and revealing a destiny intertwined with greater forces. Hagrid's delivery of Harry's invitation to Hogwarts represents the reclamation of Harry's true heritage and the start of a transformative journey. The narrative argues for the discovery of self and the acceptance of one's origins as both empowering and liberating.

As Harry ventures into this enchanting world, first in Diagon Alley and then to Hogwarts aboard the iconic train from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, he encounters allies in Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. These friendships form the cornerstone of his evolution from an uncertain child to a courageous young wizard. Harry's burgeoning relationships argue the timeless truth that companionship strengthens our resolve and enriches our experiences.

The film intricately develops the contrast between the contrasting houses at Hogwarts, notably between Gryffindor and Slytherin, as personified by Draco Malfoy. The tension between Harry and Draco illustrates the age-old conflict between humility and arrogance, inclusivity, and elitism. As Harry is sorted into Gryffindor where valor and integrity reign, the narrative champions the virtues of bravery over ambition.

The movie then delves deeper into the mystery of the Sorcerer's Stone, introducing its lore through the figure of Nicolas Flamel. The existence of a Stone that enhances life eternal challenges ethical boundaries, presenting an argument about the perils of desire for immortality and the human tendency to override natural limits. Through Harry, Ron, and Hermione's discovery of the danger surrounding the Stone, the narrative frames the Stone as a symbol of the temptation to control and defy death.

Throughout the school year, the characters undergo tests of their growing abilities and moral fiber. Harry's unexpected prowess on a broom and subsequent recruitment onto the Quidditch team demonstrate his untapped potential, yet another element of his newfound identity. However, the real trials arise through the Maze of mysteries within Hogwarts, led by their suspicions of Professor Snape's malevolent intents. The actions surrounding the Quidditch matches and the Halloween intrusion of a troll further emphasize the narrative's questioning of appearances and the true nature of deceit.

Fusing elements of misdirection and alliances, the narrative crescendos into a climactic confrontation with Professor Quirrell, whereby the truth of intentions unravels, shifting suspicions away from Snape. Here, the movie compellingly argues the theme of redemption and false perceptions. The battle against Quirrell represents a profound exploration of courage facing overwhelming fear and the profound resilience requiring both bravery and belief.

The film culminates in a reflective denouement, with Dumbledore unveiling the sacrificial love of Harry's mother, which has imprinted upon him an ancient protection. This connection poignantly argues that love is the most potent magic of all, a force that transcends life and death and becomes a bulwark against evil's advances. It is a testament to the enduring power of love and selflessness.

Ultimately, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone" masterfully shapes an epochal tale about self-discovery and the essence of true courage: the bravery to confront one's fears, recognize one's unalterable destiny, and find strength in the bonds of friendship. As the GPA tallies are reversed, awarding Gryffindor the House Cup for their bravery, the narrative reaffirms the belief in rewarding valor and integrity, closing its first chapter with the promise of hope and the anticipation of future adventures.

Cast

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe

Harry Potter

Rupert Grint

Rupert Grint

Ron Weasley

Emma Watson

Emma Watson

Hermione Granger

Richard Harris

Richard Harris

Albus Dumbledore

Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith

Professor McGonagall

Robbie Coltrane

Robbie Coltrane

Hagrid

Saunders Triplets

Saunders Triplets

Baby Harry Potter

Fiona Shaw

Fiona Shaw

Aunt Petunia Dursley

Harry Melling

Harry Melling

Dudley Dursley

Richard Griffiths

Richard Griffiths

Uncle Vernon Dursley

Derek Deadman

Derek Deadman

Bartender in Leaky Cauldron

Ian Hart

Ian Hart

Professor Quirrell

Ben Borowiecki

Ben Borowiecki

Diagon Alley Boy

Warwick Davis

Warwick Davis

Goblin Bank Teller

Verne Troyer

Verne Troyer

Griphook

John Hurt

John Hurt

Mr. Ollivander

Richard Bremmer

Richard Bremmer

He Who Must Not Be Named

Geraldine Somerville

Geraldine Somerville

Lily Potter

Multimedia

Mv5bzdjknjkwzjqtytc3zi00zjuylwewn2ytngyzoge1mjy2ogiyxkeyxkfqcgc@
Mv5bzdjknjkwzjqtytc3zi00zjuylwewn2ytngyzoge1mjy2ogiyxkeyxkfqcgc@
Mv5bmji2njk1mjm0m15bml5banbnxkftztgwnduwmteymji@
Mv5bmtkymdm1nda5mv5bml5banbnxkftztgwmze0odaxmti@
Mv5bmtc1mdg0mdgzmv5bml5banbnxkftztcwotiznjuwna@@
Mv5bnzq4ndy2ndyynf5bml5banbnxkftztcwnzizndc3mw@@
Mv5bmja5nzu2mdyzmf5bml5banbnxkftztcwodizndc3mw@@
Mv5bmty3mdgynziwov5bml5banbnxkftztcwmdmzndc3mw@@
Mv5bmtmznzy4ndgzml5bml5banbnxkftztcwmtmzndc3mw@@
Mv5bmtq0otc0ntg2nv5bml5banbnxkftztywntm0ntg3
Mv5bmjaymtuwmtq4ml5bml5banbnxkftztywotm0ntg3

Be part of the club

Subscribe to receive weekly news and the latest recipes

Logo
PopcornCritics 2024. All rights reserved