The Wizard of Oz

In the classic 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz, directed by Victor Fleming, we are transported to the heartland of America, where a young and naive girl named Dorothy Gale lives on a farm with her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry. Dorothy's life is marked by routine and simplicity, longing for adventure and excitement. The story begins on a stormy day, where Dorothy and her dog Toto find themselves swept away from Kansas by a tornado. The family's farm is destroyed, and as the storm subsides, Dorothy and Toto land in the midst of a beautiful yet unfamiliar landscape. Upon emerging from the tornado's aftermath, Dorothy soon discovers that she is in the magical land of Oz. As she gazes out at the vibrant scenery, she meets a trio of colorful characters who will become her closest friends on an incredible journey. The Scarecrow, a comical and endearing wooden man, is desperate for a brain to compensate for his lack of intelligence. The Tin Man, a hollow but brave metal man, longs for a heart to allow him to experience emotions. And the Cowardly Lion, a mighty yet fearful beast, hopes to discover courage to protect himself and others. As they make their way through the lush Emerald City, guided by the yellow brick road, these mismatched companions stumble upon Dorothy, who is similarly on a quest. She hopes to find her way home to Kansas, missing the comfort and security of her own world. The group is wary of the evil Wicked Witch of the West, leader of the flying monkeys, who demands absolute allegiance and despises Dorothy, perceiving her as a threat to her reign. Upon arrival in the Emerald City, the group determines to request the Wizard's assistance in acquiring the things they lack. They pay their respects to the magnificent Wizard, who turns out to be a humbug, hiding behind a curtain. However, instead of criticizing him, the Scarecrow's brain, the Tin Man's heart, and the Cowardly Lion's courage are unveiled through the power of friendship and the value they found in one another along their journey. Their quest becomes a poignant exploration of identity, friendship, and ultimately, self-discovery. The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion were initially presented as hollow and lackluster characters, but through their experiences, they develop genuine emotions and values, ultimately proving that they possess what they'seeked within themselves all along. However, this journey is not without obstacles and setbacks. Misusing their innocence and trusting their luck, the friends rely heavily on circumstance rather than direct effort. They often face conflict within and without, struggling to cultivate internal strength and unity. Meanwhile, Dorothy struggles to comprehend the perils she has become involved in. Compounding her detachment, her desire to return home sees an acceleration in the sense of urgency as her isolation threatens to grow into despair. At the climax of the story, the Good Witch of the North, Glinda, grants Dorothy the means to reunite with her family, specifically her mother and father. It is also a reminder that Dorothy's place in the story, like she says twice - is in Kansas, emphasizing not just her memories but the material reality that ultimately awaits her. Before leaving, Dorothy helps the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion realize they got what they desired, after all. Upon returning to Kansas, the tornado that transported her away also resolves to return her home. Dorothy rapidly comes to realize her world has not fully changed for her; though still lost in the vastness of Kansas, she has the memories of the wonderful experiences she had. She says her goodbyes to Glinda, accepting that she found that there was a moment that held something so magical that in one frame in which she is suspended in space that moment in particular can be distilled down to this: if wished true, she would be transported from the place where she stood in her world beneath the sky to a place where friendship can grow without constraint, in a way, far away from what everyone expects to realize who you are.