Film of the Day: 46
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001)
Today in 1997, one of the most successful novels in British history was released, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. It was the first of seven and it became more than a success, it became a phenomenon. It has been translated in over 67 languages, and the writing of the novels have been compared to that of Roald Dahl, Jane Austen and even Homer (the Ancient Greek story-teller).
Asides from the immense success of J. K. Rowling's novels, they also brought some controversy as a few religious groups have attacked the novel due to the fact that they feel the novels are pro witchcraft (yes... people like this still exist) which lead to the novels being banned in a few countries.
Although on the other hand some Christians believe that the novels have some important views such as the power of sacrifice and how our decisions affect our lives. It has also become a great addition to English literature as is not only a great read (for children and young teenagers mainly) but it also attracts youngsters to books. It is even used in sociological analysis and marketing techniques.
The first novel/film is about a young wizard (Harry) who's parents are killed by the evil Voldemort and left a lightning scar on Harry's forehead when he was a year old. After that he was taken care of by his uncle and aunt Vernon for ten years.
But just before his eleventh birthday, he begins to receive some mysterious letters which his uncle tears up before Harry can get his hands on them, but he eventually finds out what's going on. He discovers he is a wizard and has been accepted at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Then from King's Cross train station in London, we are taken aboard the Hogwart's Express and into the wonderful world of wizardry, where he meets his two new friends (Ron Weasley & Hermione Granger), a few enemies, Professor Dumbledore, Hagrid and many other characters. Amongst all the films I have seen of the series so far, this is my personal favourite, maybe because it is the first and we are shown this new adventurous world for the first time and also because we get to see where it all began. It's like The Wizard of Oz of today.
The novel itself has now sold over 120 million copies as of 2008 and as regards to film adaptations, the films have been exceptionally successful, even critically acclaimed (mainly the earlier ones). I think every child should read this book or watch this film as it is not only a great read, but it is an exceptionally terrific exercise for the imagination of a child's mind.
Click here for the trailer
Asides from the immense success of J. K. Rowling's novels, they also brought some controversy as a few religious groups have attacked the novel due to the fact that they feel the novels are pro witchcraft (yes... people like this still exist) which lead to the novels being banned in a few countries.
Although on the other hand some Christians believe that the novels have some important views such as the power of sacrifice and how our decisions affect our lives. It has also become a great addition to English literature as is not only a great read (for children and young teenagers mainly) but it also attracts youngsters to books. It is even used in sociological analysis and marketing techniques.
The first novel/film is about a young wizard (Harry) who's parents are killed by the evil Voldemort and left a lightning scar on Harry's forehead when he was a year old. After that he was taken care of by his uncle and aunt Vernon for ten years.
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| J. K. Rowling |
Then from King's Cross train station in London, we are taken aboard the Hogwart's Express and into the wonderful world of wizardry, where he meets his two new friends (Ron Weasley & Hermione Granger), a few enemies, Professor Dumbledore, Hagrid and many other characters. Amongst all the films I have seen of the series so far, this is my personal favourite, maybe because it is the first and we are shown this new adventurous world for the first time and also because we get to see where it all began. It's like The Wizard of Oz of today.
The novel itself has now sold over 120 million copies as of 2008 and as regards to film adaptations, the films have been exceptionally successful, even critically acclaimed (mainly the earlier ones). I think every child should read this book or watch this film as it is not only a great read, but it is an exceptionally terrific exercise for the imagination of a child's mind.
Click here for the trailer
Anybody that knows me well also knows that I've been obsessed with Harry for the last couple of months. As the last movie of the series is coming out in July, i decided to read all the novels before going to see it.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading Harry on my way to work, in my lunch break, on the toilet, in bed, while i waited for the bus / coffee / cash point... basically anywhere and everywhere i could. I even had Harry Potter dreams. I was surprised with myself, being a grown woman and avid reader, i didn't expect this strong reaction for what basically is a children novel.
When I first met Harry it was with my brother, who is much younger than me. We watched pretty much all the movies together, and he being a reader as well, he kept on raving about the books but i didn't think much of it. When a dear friend of mine also gave me a very positive feedback (and she is a tough crowd!) i decided to give it a go, and i'm really glad i did!
Harry is a remarkably unassuming kid who's got "hero of mythical proportions" written all over him. He's courageous, clever and resourceful and very, very humble. But most of all, as was hinted right from the start, he's got one heck of a destiny.
The main difference between the movies and the novels is the emphasis on the whole "magic" thing. In the novels, everything is more realistic and the relationships between the characters is more important then the spells, jinxes, potions and charms which, as my friend puts it, just happen to be there.
However i can't deny the vision that the movie gives us, and on that respect, i'm particularly fond of Hogwarts... Also the cast is amazing, they couldn't have picked a better Hagrid or Mrs McGonagall. Great reconstruction of the Quidditch game too: how cool is that sport?!?
Well, I could go on and on praising Harry or J.K.Rowling, I'm just glad i got the chance to get into it... If you haven't watched it or read it yet, you should definitely give it a go. If by the end of it you are not left with a lump in your throat and a tear in your eye, I suggest you switch to Tom Clancy. This is a modern classic that will be loved by generations to come.
Gotta admit I never liked Wizardry type films....they just don't do anything for me!
ReplyDeleteBut I'm intriqued about the phenomenal success of this Harry Potter. I have to see the original movie to see what the fuss is all about...must be something really magical or something for it to take off like that!
I will find out...hehe..