The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Directors: Victor Fleming, King Vidor

Starring: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger

Young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others’ wishes.

Ah yes, we’re off to see the wonderful Wizard of Oz! The film that made Judy Garland a household name. Even if you’ve never seen ‘The Wizard of Oz’, you’ve surely heard of it if you’re into movies!

Dorothy (Judy Garland) lives on a farm in Kansas. One day during a storm, Dorothy is knocked unconscious when she hit her head against the windowsill. In her subconscious state, the house – with her and her dog Toto inside – is sucked up in a twister and transported to the magical land of Oz. Dorothy’s real life is shown in monochromatic colours – almost sepia – while the world of Oz is bright and colourful.

Arriving in Oz, she accidentally kills the wicked Witch of the East when the house falls on her. The Good Witch and the Munchkins (who live in Oz) immediately hail her as a hero. But the wicked Witch of the West – the wicked witch of the East’s sister – is out to avenge her sister.

Dorothy just wants to go home, but in order to do so she needs the help of the Wizard of Oz in the Emerald City. All she has to do, is to follow the yellow brick road. Sound simple? But what if the road forks? And what if there are obstacles?

On her journey, she makes friends with interesting characters in the form of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. Scarecrow wants a brain, Tin Man wants a heart, and the Lion wants courage. So Dorothy invite them to join her to see the Wizard, whom she is certain will be able to help them. (Note how the characters in Oz are similar to the characters from her life.) Toto the dog is just adorable!

‘The Wizard of Oz’ must have been a marvel of a movie back in 1939. The film has an incredible production design, fantastic costumes, and good visuals (especially the storm sequence). It is a wonderful story with great characters, clever dialogue and lyrics. ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is a remarkable film that has stood the test of time, and still looks incredible even by today’s standards. This is pure entertainment for young and old!

‘The Wizard of Oz’ received 27 award nominations, winning 13 including Oscars for Best Original Song and Best Original Score. It also received Oscar nominations for Best Film, Best Art Direction and Best Special Effects.

Would I watch it again? Yes.