Film Review
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – Entering a World of Magic
Credits:
• Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Family
• Director: Chris Columbus
• Based on the novel by: J.K. Rowling
• Lead Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint
• Release Year: 2001
• Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a fantasy adventure film that introduces audiences to the magical world of Hogwarts. The story follows Harry, an orphan boy who discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard. With the help of his friends Ron and Hermione, Harry learns about friendship, bravery, and his mysterious past, while facing threats linked to the dark wizard Voldemort. Key themes include identity, courage, loyalty, and the triumph of good over evil.
Chris Columbus directs with warmth, innocence, and a child-friendly sense of wonder. His style is faithful to the book, focusing on world-building and character development rather than fast-paced action. The cast of young actors—Radcliffe, Watson, and Grint—create memorable and endearing portrayals of the main trio. The screenplay remains close to the original text, preserving its humour and charm. Set in modern Britain and the magical realm of Hogwarts, the setting blends medieval architecture with contemporary elements. Technically, the film is impressive for its time, featuring costumes that reflect wizarding traditions, atmospheric cinematography, and iconic background music by John Williams. VFX sequences such as the Quidditch match and the troll fight successfully bring magic to life for early 2000s cinema.
Compared to later films in the series, this instalment is lighter in tone and more childlike in wonder. It remains a strong introduction to the franchise due to its faithful adaptation, engaging performances, and imaginative visual design. Overall, it is a delightful fantasy film that continues to charm audiences of all ages. I recommend it highly as a must watch not only for the Harry Potter fans but also all those who love a heart-warming film which gives us feel-good positive vibes.
Book Review – Novel
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – The Boy Who Lived
Factual Details:
• Title: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
• Author: J.K. Rowling
• Publisher: Bloomsbury
• Year of Publication: 1997
• Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult
• Star Rating: ★★★★★
The novel tells the story of Harry Potter, a mistreated orphan living with the Dursleys. His life changes when he learns he is a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, Harry forms friendships, faces challenges, and ultimately prevents Voldemort from returning to power using the Philosopher’s Stone.
Rowling’s world-building is one of the greatest strengths of the novel. Hogwarts is rich with magical details—moving staircases, enchanted feasts, and secret chambers. Characters are vividly written: Harry is brave and humble; Hermione is logical and determined; Ron is loyal and witty. The themes explore friendship, courage, self-discovery, and good versus evil. The plot is simple yet captivating, structured through school events and mystery clues. A memorable quote—“It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live”—reflects Dumbledore’s wisdom and the novel’s moral depth.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is an enchanting and timeless novel that shaped modern fantasy literature. With its imaginative world and relatable characters, it continues to inspire young readers and remains a classic of children’s literature. It’s a highly recommended book for the young readers as it helps them boost their creativity and imagination.
