Three high-spirited, clear-eyed kids populate the center of the movie. Daniel Radcliffe plays Harry Potter.

The movie opens in modern-day England, on the small rural lane of Pivet Drive, where 11-year old Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) dwells with his aunt, uncle, and cousin. Harry has lived with his mother's sister's family since shortly after birth, when his parents were murdered by the evil wizard Voldemort. Voldemort tried to kill the infant Harry as well, but failed, leaving the boy undamaged except for a scar on his forehead. After that incident, Voldemort vanished, never to be heard from again. Now, on his birthday, Harry is visited by the imposing Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane), who has come to bring Harry to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he will study to fulfill his true calling as a

After a trip with Hagrid to buy supplies (including a wand, a snowy owl, and a cauldron), Harry arrives at wizard. Hogwarts. There, he meets classmates who will become close friends, such as red-haired Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and bossy Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), and antagonists, such as the arrogant Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton). Then there's the headmaster of Hogwarts, the venerable wizard Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris), and his staff - Professor Minerva McGonagall (Maggie Smith), who teaches Transfiguration; Professor Quirrell (Ian Hart), whose course is Defense Against the Dark Arts; Professor Flitwick (Warwick Davis), who teaches Charms; and Professor Snape (Alan Rickman), master of Potions. For Harry, however, there's more to attending Hogwarts than studying, as he begins to suspect one of the teachers of being in league with a dark force lurking in the forest. Arry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is a rigorously faithful adaptation of the novel. With the exception of

occasional details, short scenes, and a poltergeist, everything in the book is in the movie. And at least 75% of Steve Kloves' dialogue is lifted directly from the text. For Harry Potter fans looking to see how their favorite scene appears on screen, this is a boon.
 
The well-developed characters are superb. Radcliffe, perfectly cast as Harry Potter, gives depth to the boy wizard. Harry, as in the books, is the hero of the film. He’s courageous, moral, and kind. Hermione and Ron are also likable and have richly drawn personalities. Although Hagrid’s huge stature seems intimidating, he’s really gentle. Harris plays Dumbledore with warmth and authority.