Movie review on The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz was made 73 years ago, in 1939. But it still catches the eye and remains one of the most favorite films for kids and the whole families. It was one of the first colored movies in the United States. Lively plot and talented actors also contributed to its lasting popularity.
The film was produced by the media company Metro-Goldwyn Mayer. It was directed by Victor Fleming, who is also famous for one of the most romantic movies in the history of cinematography, Gone with the Wind. The film tells the adventurous story of Dorothy, a girl from Kansas, and her dog Toto. One day, a storm begins in the state and Dorothy, being unable to hide in the storm cellar together with her aunt and uncle, takes shelter inside the house. But the house is carried away by the tornado. After the house appeared on the earth, Dorothy and Toto find themselves in an unusual village. Dorothy meets Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, who informs her that the house killed the Wicked Witch of the East. The main Dorothy’s antagonist is her sister, the Wicked Witch of the West, who wants to possess magical ruby shoes of her dead relative. But shoes appear on Dorothy’s feet. The young girl wants to get back home and Glinda advises her to talk to the Wizard of Oz, ruler of the Emerald City. On her way along Yellow Brick Road Dorothy and Toto meet Scarecrow, who lacks of brains, Tin Man, who seeks for a kind heart, and Cowardly Lion, who wants to be brave. However, all new friends of Dorothy seem to possess all the virtues they think they lack. After escaping of several traps prepared by the Wicked Witch of the West, they finally get to the Emerald City. But the Wizard of Oz promises to grant their wishes only in case they bring witch’s broomstick.
Friends go to the castle of the witch. She is not able to remove the ruby shoes from Dorothy’s feet because they are protected with good charms. In the final battle the girl manages to melt the wicked witch with water. Characters return to the Emerald City to find out that Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion do not need any special tools or charms because they are already smart, kind and brave. It also appears that the Wizard of Oz is an ordinary man from Kansas. He promises to help Dorothy to get back home using hot air balloon. In the very last moment Toto runs away and the wizard leaves alone. Dorothy is very upset but here again appears Glinda and saves her saying that the girl can always get home only if she wishes to. When girl finds herself at home, it appears that the whole adventure was a dream. The main story line concentrated on Dorothy’s adventures, seeking for new friends and combat with the Wicked Witch.
The movie is represents a typical American citizen. Dorothy is considered to be the ideal American, with her family ideas, perception of friendship and attitude to enemies. Besides, she is practical and sensible, even though she is quite young. Besides, her adventure represents the idea of the American dream, when someone, who is smart and hardworking, achieves his or her goal after a series of misfortunes and sometimes with the help of one’s own luck and support of kind-hearted people. As for the historical point of view, Dorothy’s antagonist characters are interesting. The film was screened on August 25, 1939, right before the World War II began. Definetely, wicked witches are symbols of danger, which is caused by Nazi’s regimes. Besides, the title of the movie The Wizard of Oz is considered by several critics as an allusion to the President of United States.
For the modern audience the movie seems to be a little bit old-fashioned because it contains propaganda of pro-American ideas and lifestyle. Furthermore, special video and sound effects are out-of-date though they amazed viewers seventy years ago. Besides, it is aimed at children and family watching. But still, the story line is interesting because it contains all the elements of interesting film: cooperative team, a cute main character, unexpected plot and strong and powerful antagonist, who can be defeated only by using special techniques. In my opinion, the movie is worth seeing especially younger generation as it can be taught how to deal with difficulties with calmness and humor.
The Wizard of Oz is a great musical film with interesting plot and thought-provoking ideas. It had a great impact on American culture. Ruby shoes of Dorothy Gale are considered to be one of the most memorable movie accessories. Besides, the film contains many cultural and political allusions, which are interesting for those, who learn American history.
