Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
General Info
| Awards | BAFTA Award for Best British Film |
|---|---|
| Genres | Fantasy, Adventure |
| Music By | John Williams |
| Tagline | Let the Magic Begin. |
| Edited By | Richard Francis-Bruce |
| Film Name | Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone |
| Starring | Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane, Richard Griffiths, Richard Harris, Ian Hart, John Hurt, Alan Rickman, Fiona Shaw, Maggie Smith, Julie Walters |
| Languages | English |
| Directed By | Chris Columbus |
| Produced By | David Heyman |
| Budget in USD | 125 million |
| Release Date | 2001-11-16 |
| Running Time | 152 minutes |
| Screenplay By | Steve Kloves |
| Content Rating | PG |
| Distributed By | Warner Bros. Pictures |
| Original Title | Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone |
| Box Office in USD | 975 million |
| Cinematography | John Seale |
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
| Trailer Youtube URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKSB0gXl9dw |
| World Premiere Date | 2001-11-04 |
| Production Company Name | Warner Bros. Pictures |
| Production Company Website URL | https://www.warnerbros.com/ |
Overview
Guided by the increasingly protective half-giant Hagrid, Harry is ushered into a realm of enchantment and danger far beyond the grim walls of the Dursleys. He learns about his past, especially the dark wizard who killed his parents and left him with a lightning bolt scar, a sign of the powerful magic that saved him. After arriving at Hogwarts, Harry forms casual friendships with Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. He discovers his extraordinary prowess in Quidditch, a high-flying sport, as well as his connection to the titular Philosopher's Stone, which promises its owner immortality.
Marked by trials, tribulations and thrilling adventures, the film embodies a story of courage, friendship and the undeniable power of good over evil. We're really looking forward to the challenges that Harry and his friends will have to face and overcome in the coming years.
Trailer
Screenshots
Plot
During his first year at Hogwarts, Harry becomes best friends with Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. The trio embark on many adventures, from meeting a troll on Halloween to discovering a dark reality within the school. The trio's most notable discovery is the Philosopher's Stone, a magical artifact that can grant immortal life. The study of the stone and the hidden evil that seeks to steal it in order to achieve immortality becomes the focus of their first year at Hogwarts.
Meanwhile, Harry takes up the magical sport of Quidditch and begins to compete with Draco Malfoy, a boy from a dominant wizarding family. Later, Harry learns about the tragic death of his parents and its connection to the scar on his forehead. This peak of his closeted past comes at the end of an eventful and life-changing year at Hogwarts. The year ends with the trio successfully protecting the Philosopher's Stone from falling into alien hands, saving the school and its inhabitants from impending doom. The story, which integrates childhood fear, adventure and elements of dark fantasy, sets the stage for the upcoming trials that Harry and his friends will face in the coming years of magical learning.
Production
The search for the film was extensive. The team browsed the books and talked a lot with J.K. Rowling. She contributed heavily to the script and ensured that the cinematic rendition stayed true to the source material.
The film was mainly shot in the historic Gloucester Cathedral and Alnwick Castle. The iconic Hogwarts Castle was actually a combination of sets, models and digital effects. The crew designed the sets with the whimsical and magical elements of the story in mind. From the hidden symbols in the spellbooks to the heart-warming portraits that adorn the walls of Hogwarts, meticulous attention has been paid to detail. Casting was a big challenge. Thousands of children auditioned before joining the trio: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, whose electric chemistry brought the characters to life.
John Williams, famous for his work on Star Wars and Indiana Jones, scored the memorable score. From the haunting Hogwarts theme to the haunting tunes of the Forbidden Forest, music has become an integral part of the Potter phenomenon.
The production of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone set the precedent for subsequent films and ensured the franchise's iconic status in film history. It remains a testament to the power of creativity and the fantastic potential of cinema.
Release
Filled with charming characters, magical elements and a fascinating setting, the film became a global blockbuster. Not only did it appeal to existing Potterheads, but it also attracted new ones, adding to the series' massive global fan base that continues to grow to this day.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing $974.8 million at the worldwide box office. It has been nominated for numerous awards, a testament to the exemplary production, script and performances. The series' success spawned seven more films, making it one of the most successful franchises in film history.
The release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was a milestone in the film industry and set a high standard for future fantasy films. The success of the film undoubtedly highlighted the successful translation of literary art into the world of cinema. Memorable roles and compelling storylines are still enjoyed and enjoyed by fans around the world.
Reception
Helmed by director Chris Columbus, the film showcased a masterful blend of fantasy, mystery and adventure. The special effects have been admired for their ability to realistically depict the magical spells, creatures and environments described in the book.
The young actors, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, were praised for their performances. They have successfully embodied their characters and brought out the essence of their personalities. Their on-screen friendship was recognizable and contributed to the film's success.
Richard Harris and Maggie Smith, among other notable actors, gave the film a sense of gravitas with their seasoned performances. John Williams' immersive score added another layer of magic, creating an immersive cinematic experience.
However, there have been criticisms of the film's length and complex plot, which may confuse those unfamiliar with the book series. Nevertheless, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was a huge commercial success, creating a global phenomenon that would captivate moviegoers for over a decade.
Cultural impact
Children and adults alike were fascinated by the fascinating story of a young wizard's first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The film popularized fantasy films and books, revived the genre, and inspired many copycat fantasy series. It has become a staple of modern culture, with phrases like "You're a wizard, Harry" and "Platform 9 ¾" permeating various media platforms and everyday speech. The film also reinforced a certain Harry Potter aesthetic. From the distinctive Hogwarts uniforms to Harry Potter's own iconic round glasses, these items have become recognized symbols of the franchise, widely used in themed parties and fan art. The film's iconic sets, such as the labyrinthine corridors from Hogwarts to the mysterious Forbidden Forest, became the starting point for theme parks and studios that still attract millions of visitors to this day.
Incidentally, the film also played a formative role in promoting British culture and celebrity internationally. The film revived interest in British Gothic architecture and turned places like King's Cross Station and Alnwick Castle into major tourist attractions. Also, the film changed the paradigm in the children's film market. It proved that children's films could be serious and imaginative pieces of cinema and encouraged the industry to invest more in quality, challenging content for children.
All in all, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone leaves a great legacy. Its cultural impact is undeniably significant, reverberating across generations and fueling a passionate fan base that thrives today. Indeed, she has occupied a unique place in modern pop culture.