4 Magical Lessons From the Land of Oz
Wicked: For Good debuted in theaters around the world. The fantasy film explores the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda as their paths diverge, stepping into the roles of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.
After defying the Wizard of Oz, Elphaba fights to protect the rights of animals from a hideout in the forest and encourages them to fight the Wizard. Glinda takes on the role of spokesperson for the Wizard and is engaged to Fiyero. He’s been appointed Captain of the Gale Force and searches for Elphaba.
The fantasy film is packed with captivating musical numbers, dazzling costumes, and a dramatic plot that takes viewers on a journey through the world of Oz. But the movie also offers meaningful life lessons that go far beyond the magical land, according to TIME.
The Cost of Scapegoating
Elphaba is on a mission to let the people of Oz know the Wizard’s real intentions and takes steps to free the animals he has allowed to be enslaved, but her efforts don’t go as planned. When Elphaba attempts to write a message in the sky with her broom, “The Wizard lies,” Madame Morrible alters it to “Oz dies.” Still, Elphaba always tries to do the right thing, even though Glinda takes all the credit. This shows why it’s important not to blame others without understanding the full story.
Good and Wicked Are Not What They Seem
While Elphaba goes to great lengths to save the animals, she’s painted as a villain in Oz. Underneath his charm, the beloved Wizard of Oz is also deceptive, The Guardian reports. The movie illustrates that Elphaba’s perceived evil is really just society misreading and vilifying her for being different. It proves that while people are often judged by appearances or assumptions, it’s their actions that truly define them.
The Power of Friendship
At the heart of Wicked is a lesson on the power of friendship, according to Refinery29. The bond between Elphaba and Glinda shows how friendship can heal and change what you thought you knew about yourself and life itself. Their story reminds us of the magic that friendship can carry into our own lives.
The Capacity of People to Change
The film shows that people can change for the better. Glinda starts out as self-serving, and also works with Madame Morrible to help the Wizard maintain his illusions. However, she later becomes a force for good. At the end of the film, Glinda no longer wants to live in a world filled with deception, according to The Queen’s Journal. She finally steps up and saves the day, with the people of Oz embracing her.
It’s a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to grow, embrace goodness, and make a positive impact in the world. Through its valuable lessons, Wicked: For Good is an invitation to approach the world with courage, compassion, and an open heart.
