Wicked is a legendary musical that took Broadway by storm and continues to be beloved worldwide. I first discovered its magic through the hit TV show Glee, specifically the powerhouse anthem "Defying Gravity." Ever since then, it was on my bucket list. Recently, during a trip to New York, I finally had the chance to witness it on Broadway. The experience was nothing short of fantastic. The music was soul-stirring, and just being in a Broadway theater was overwhelming. Most of all, I found the story surprisingly deep and intriguing.
Fast forward to today, Wicked has been adapted into a major motion picture featuring stars like Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, and Michelle Yeoh. Although I watched it via OTT rather than in a cinema, the quality far exceeded my expectations.
For those who don't know, Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, telling the untold story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Born with emerald-green skin, Elphaba has faced discrimination her entire life, while Glinda is the quintessential popular girl. The two meet at Shiz University and form an unexpected friendship, eventually uncovering the dark secrets of Oz. The film brilliantly flips the script on what we thought we knew about the "Wicked" witch—even suggesting that her infamous death at the hands of Dorothy might have been a clever ruse.
Prequels can sometimes feel bland when the original source material is a masterpiece like The Wizard of Oz, but in my opinion, Wicked is even more engaging. Perhaps it’s because I’ve always harbored a childhood fascination with the world of Oz. The transition from stage to screen was seamless. Thanks to modern CG, the visual richness surpassed the stage production, and the cast's vocal performances were stellar. When "Defying Gravity" reached its climax, I felt that same swell of emotion I had in New York.
If I had to nitpick, some of the connections to the original Wizard of Oz felt a bit forced. However, if you view it as a standalone piece, it’s a much more natural and enjoyable experience. As a fan of musical films, I loved every minute of it. While some might find it slow-paced if they aren't into the genre, I highly recommend it to any music lover. And if you ever get the chance, go to New York and see it on Broadway. Some emotions simply cannot be fully captured on a screen.
[The Korean Insight]
South Korea has a uniquely strong passion for musical and music-centric films. From the indie success of Once to the blockbuster phenomenon of La La Land, Korean audiences consistently show up for stories told through song. Recently, the demand for live musicals in Korea has also skyrocketed, with Wicked being one of the most sought-after tickets in Seoul.
Furthermore, Ariana Grande enjoys a very positive and "lovely" image in Korea; her casting as Glinda was met with great enthusiasm. This combination—a beloved pop star and a nation’s deep-rooted love for musical cinema—makes Wicked a significant cultural event for Korean fans.
