Blockbusters: Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Part 1: Story line

The story is that of a young boy, Harry, who's told that he's a wizard. He goes to a magical school and makes new friends. At this school he learns a lot about himself and his parents who were killed when he was a baby. He learns about Lord Voldemort who is the darkest wizard of all time and the murderer of his parents. The Philosopher's Stone is an elixir that provides the drinker with immortality and someone is trying to steal it from the school. With his friends, he tries to find out who this is and how to stop them. This is a very simple story that's easy to understand. 

It's a UK/US collaboration set in London which means it has aspects from both American and British culture but it doesn't include any details that are specific to Britain or America. This makes it easier for people all around the world to understand and relate to the story, making it more enjoyable for them. It's also different to other blockbusters because it's not putting America in the center of the world and giving them the power to save the world. This also adds to the appeal of the film.

In this film, Harry who is an innocent young boy is put face-to-face with a version of Lord Voldemort, the most powerful evil wizard to have ever existed. With the help of some his friends, Harry has to stop Voldemort from stealing the stone. This is a classic 'good versus evil' story and one that is very commonly used in blockbusters.

Part 2: Simple Characters






Harry Potter is an 11 year old boy. His parents died to save him when he was just a baby; he's lived with his aunt and uncle ever since. He learns that he's a wizard and goes to Hogwarts (school of magic). He's very brave and selfless.









Hermione Granger is a young witch with non- magical parents. She's very intelligent and one of Harry's best friends.






Ron Weasley is Harry's other best friend. He comes from a very big family of witches and wizards. He's not very brave or smart on a daily bases but when it comes down to saving his friends he's capable of pretty much anything.








Part 3: The 'look'

The Harry Potter movies use a lot of special effects and CGI. For example, they make it look like things are flying, there are explosions, 3 headed dogs, a basilisk etc.