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The long-awaited adaptation of the musical Wicked has finally arrived, and it doesn’t disappoint.
Directed by Jon Chu – known for Crazy Rich Asians and In The Heights – this cinematic
masterpiece transforms the beloved musical into a stunning visual and emotional experience.
Drawing its roots from L. Frank Baum’s 1900s children’s novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,
the film made me rediscover the enchanting World of Oz. With massive, carefully crafted sets
that transported me to Munchkinland and Shiz University, Wicked is a timeless tale of friendship and self-empowerment.
The Captiving World
The large sets created by production designer Nathan Crowley, immerse us into the World of Oz. One of the most striking visuals is one of the opening scenes of children running toward
Munchkinland through a vibrant field of tulips.
This enchanting moment was brought to life by planting 9 million tulips in Eastern England, a showcase of Crowley’s practical filmmaking.
Costume designer Paul Tazewell enhances the storytelling by reflecting the unique attributes of each lead character through their costumes. Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, wears a dress featuring swirling pleats and fiddle ferns embroidered onto her waistcoat. These details resemble the underside of mushrooms, representing her deep connection to nature and her role as an advocate for the Animals of Oz – capitalized to reflect their once-equal status in the World of Oz.
Glinda the Good Witch has an equally breathtaking costume, featuring a crown inspired by her bubble and circular patterns, paying homage to the iconic tall crown from the original Wizard of Oz movie.
From Rivals to Allies: A Friendship that Transcends Differences and Transforms Lives
Director Jon Chu beautifully captures the evolving friendship between the two lead characters Elphaba and Glinda – a bond that overcomes their initial differences and profoundly changes them both. While their journey begins on rocky ground, the Ozdust dance serves as a turning point.
Chu uses sound and a green lens to invite us to see the world through Elphaba’s
perspective as she bravely maintains her composure while being mocked by students. This
heartbreaking moment captures raw emotions that brought me to tears.
Through their relationship, Elphaba, an outcast because of her green skin, finally finds
acceptance and validation. Meanwhile, Glinda grows more empathetic, learning to see beyond superficial appearances.
This is a powerful story of how two very different individuals learn to look beyond surface
differences, to find common ground and understand each other’s struggles.
Elphaba’s Journey: Accepting Oneself and Defying Expectations
Elphaba’s transformation, as she fully embraces her identity and powers, serves as a powerful inspiration for anyone who has felt mocked or misunderstood for not fitting into rigid societal expectations. The final song, Defying Gravity, left me in awe as I watched Elphaba shatter the limitations imposed upon her, choosing to live authentically. Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba brings us an electrifying act by performing her own aerial stunts while singing live, creating a truly magical and unforgettable moment.
Elphaba’s rejects the status quo, demonstrating the immense strength and courage it takes to stand up for your beliefs. As she ascends into the sky by the end of the song, she breaks free from the rules that others have set for her, fully embracing her powers and claiming her destiny.
Corruption and Power: The Dark Side of the World of Oz
Similar to Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, Wicked questions the narratives created by those in power. Jeff Goldblum’s Wizard uses the Animals and Elphaba as scapegoats for Ozians’
problems, stating “The way to bring folks together is to give them a real good enemy” to
maintain his power.
This is an allegory for how leaders dehumanize marginalized groups and manipulate the public into perceiving them as threats. The rise of anti-immigrant rhetoric in Western countries emphasizes the relevance of this plot point, with marginalized groups often being scapegoated for broader societal issues.
What’s Next for the World of Oz?
With so many underlying themes, there remains a lot to be explored. After being left on such a high note, I will be highly anticipating the release of Wicked Part Two.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the musical or new to the world of Wicked, this story is far
from over, and one has to question who or what is truly wicked in the World of Oz.
The film is currently available in cinemas
Watch the trailer
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