Movie Wednesday: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
One of the most successful book series of all time, Harry Potter has enchanted several different generations and inspired millions.
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The books have all been adapted into an equally successful film series, beginning with the first one, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (links to digital edition).
Orphaned as a baby and living with his horrible aunt and uncle, Harry James Potter isn’t the happiest boy in the world… until a giant kicks down the front door and tells him he’s a wizard. Enrolled at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry’s life becomes quite literally magical. He makes new friends, Ron and Hermione, learns extraordinary spells, and discovers a secret hidden at the heart of the school. The teachers at Hogwarts are protecting something, and it may be in a lot more danger than they think…
You may well have seen it before, but the first Harry Potter film is still a marvelous experience for the whole family.
Discussion Questions
- If you’ve read the book, how do you think the film compares?
- A character arc is the “transformation or inner journey of a character over the course of a story.” How do you think Harry, Ron and Hermione change throughout the film?
- Is Hogwarts really a safe place for children, considering how many dangerous animals live in the grounds? Would you want to actually go there? Why or why not.
- Harry essentially kills Quirrell at the film’s climax, unlike in the novel. How do you feel about this rather dark alteration?
- When a series is loved by millions, as Harry Potter is, we can sometimes lose sight of what makes it so special to us. What does the story of Harry Potter mean to you personally?
Additional Resources
Potter Party Mania! – How to plan and execute a very Harry Potter party!
Harry Potter Crafts – A great resource for all things Potter crafts. Everything from knitting to food.
Harry Potter Recipes – 13 recipes every Harry Potter fan will love.
Learn language arts with the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Arrow!
The Arrow is the monthly digital product that features copywork and dictation passages from a specific read aloud novel (you purchase or obtain the novels yourself). It’s geared toward children ages 8-11 and is an indispensable tool for parents who want to teach language arts in a natural, literature-bathed context.
