Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone-Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)

Directed by: Chris Columbus | 152 minutes | adventure, family, fantasy | Actors: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Rickman, Tom Felton, Saunders Triplets, Fiona Shaw, Harry Melling, Richard Griffiths, Derek Deadman, John Cleese, Sean Biggerstaff, Warwick Davis, Zoë Wanamaker, John Hurt, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Chris Rankin, Matthew Lewis

‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ is part one of the Harry Potter book and film series. The writer, JK Rowling, wanted to influence the film herself, so that it remained true to the book. But as is always the case with film adaptations, many things are not recorded. ‘The book is better’ is always heard, and in this case it is also true.

As in the book, Harry is first introduced and his situation and past. Columbus takes plenty of time for this, because it must also remain understandable for non-readers. Unfortunately, both don’t work, the momentum is gone and the non-readers will still not understand much of it, because the later events are severely cut short.

Once the long introduction is over and Harry has found platform 9 ¾ and is safely on the train, it’s time for the magic. Daniel Radcliffe is a worthy Harry Potter. He doesn’t have much acting experience yet, but that doesn’t matter. His friend, Ron Weasley, played by Rupert Grint, is a pleasant surprise. But Emma Watson as Hermione Granger is the biggest child star discovery. Tom Felton (from ‘Anna and the King’ with Jodie Foster, among others) as Draco Malfoy is the one with the most acting experience. Felton is cut out for the role as mean and shrewd Draco.

Then the adult cast. Robbie Coltrane is exactly as Rowling described Rubeus Hagrid. His raw looks and voice fit his character perfectly. Richard Harris has a kind, warm, learned and fair air, perfect for the role of Albus Dumbledore. Unfortunately, he was only able to make two films in this role, he passed away in 2002. The other teachers at Hogwarts, the school for wizards and witches, are also excellently cast, especially Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman.
Smith stars as Professor McGonagall, department head of Gryffindor (which includes Harry). She is strict but fair and Smith interprets her well. Rickman is Professor Snape, department head of rival Slytherin (which includes Draco). He hates Harry and his friends and everyone who isn’t with Slytherin. Malfoy is his favorite and that creates the necessary frustrating situations. Rickman is very convincing as the nasty, dark Severus Snape, an asset to the film.

All in all, the entire film is full of well-cast characters and Rowling can be proud of her first film adaptation, which only fueled the Potter hype. No wonder everyone is eagerly awaiting the sequel.