Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Review: Rating 4.7/5 <Super Highly Recommended>
***************Genre: Fantasy / Magic / Mystery************
This review marks the start of something new on my blog—
I've been thinking about adding a category just for iconic series like this.
Because honestly, the Harry Potter series might just be one of the best stories I’ve ever experienced in my life.
It all started back in middle school, when I first picked up Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
That book sparked a lasting memory and a world of imagination I still carry with me today.
I actually read it for the first time in my English class. Our teacher used it as a textbook to help us learn English.
I was instantly hooked—and as a bonus, my English improved a ton because of it, haha.
Even now, the series remains globally loved and will probably continue to be for generations.
I figured, if I’m going to review something this legendary, it deserves its own category!
The Beginning of a Legend
It seems like there have been several revised editions released over the years.
But no matter the version, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone continues to transport readers into a magical world.
The story begins in the quiet suburb of Surrey, England, on Privet Drive.
Harry Potter, orphaned at a young age, lives with his unpleasant relatives—the Dursleys—
who treat him like an unwelcome guest.
His cousin Dudley bullies him constantly, and Harry grows up in a cupboard under the stairs.
But everything changes on his eleventh birthday.
That’s when Hagrid, a towering giant of a man, bursts into Harry’s life in a stormy seaside hut and
reveals that Harry is, in fact, a wizard.
He hands him an acceptance letter to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry—and with that, the adventure begins.
We also learn that Harry isn’t just any wizard. He’s the boy who survived an attack by the dark wizard Voldemort,
the same one who killed his parents.
Platform 9¾ — The Gateway to Magic
One of the most unforgettable scenes in the film is when Harry first enters the magical world—
running through Platform 9¾ to board the Hogwarts Express.
On the train, he meets Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and the three quickly become inseparable.
As they snack on chocolate frogs and trade stories about their lives,
It’s fair to say all three of them feel like main characters from the very beginning.
When I first read the book, I imagined what Hogwarts might look like—but the film exceeded those expectations.
Seeing Dumbledore, McGonagall, Hagrid, and Snape come to life on screen was truly magical.
The Sorting Hat & the First Year at Hogwarts
Another iconic moment is the Sorting Hat ceremony.
In the Great Hall, first-year students are sorted into one of the four houses.
Harry, anxious not to be placed in Slytherin, quietly begs the hat to choose Gryffindor—
and that decision becomes significant throughout the entire series.
Once sorted into Gryffindor, Harry begins to unlock his magical potential.
One standout skill? Parseltongue—the ability to talk to snakes.
We first see it at the zoo, where Harry accidentally vanishes a glass wall and frees a snake in front of the horrified Dursleys.
This power hints at Harry’s mysterious connection to Slytherin and Voldemort.
Mysteries Begin to Unfold
As the school year progresses, Harry and his friends begin to uncover a mystery surrounding the legendary Sorcerer’s Stone, rumored to be hidden somewhere inside Hogwarts.
They encounter suspicious behavior from Professor Snape, a terrifying three-headed dog named Fluffy,
and a magical mirror that shows Harry visions of his family.
There’s also tension with Draco Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle—
Slytherin students who play important roles later in the series.
And let’s not forget Quidditch—the high-flying wizarding sport played on broomsticks.
Harry becomes the youngest Seeker in a century and catches the Golden Snitch in his first match,
instantly becoming a school hero.
The Sorcerer’s Stone and the Final Battle
The Sorcerer’s Stone, created by legendary alchemist Nicolas Flamel,
can produce the Elixir of Life and grant immortality.
When Harry and his friends realize Voldemort is after the Stone, they risk everything to protect it.
One of the most intense scenes is the life-size chessboard trial,
where Ron bravely sacrifices himself so Harry and Hermione can continue.
It's a moment of courage and friendship that defines their bond.
Eventually, Harry confronts Professor Quirrell in the final room—
only to discover that Voldemort’s face is hidden on the back of Quirrell’s head.
When Harry touches Quirrell, the dark magic burns him—a chilling foreshadowing of their future confrontations.
Dumbledore later explains that it was Harry’s mother’s love that protected him.
Final Thoughts
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone perfectly captures the wonder of stepping into a magical world for the first time.
The movie stays true to the tone of the original book, and the cast—
especially Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson—delivered memorable performances.
Alan Rickman as Snape, with his unique presence and gravitas, left a particularly strong impression.
Even watching it again now, it doesn’t feel like a movie just for kids.
It’s a magical experience that transcends age—a timeless adventure that continues to enchant fans worldwide.
I can’t wait to review the rest of the series... but the more I think about it,
the more I want to include ALL the photos and maybe even some gifs.
(But I hear too many gifs ruin image quality and slow down loading times… sigh.)
Still—how could I possibly skip reviewing this masterpiece?