“Wicked,” the Broadway musical, was first introduced to the world in October 2003. After 21 long years, the musical was transformed into a movie adaptation in 2024 that took the world by storm as Wicked fans awaited the release of the beloved musical, green and pink filled stores.
It has been a little over a year since the first Wicked movie was released, and “Wicked” continues to take over the internet due to the recent release of the second film, “Wicked: For Good.” After seeing both films, I can confidently say that I enjoyed the second film more than the first due to its emotional depth and relatable character growth.
As someone who has never seen the “Wicked” musical, I left the theaters last year feeling indifferent about the first “Wicked” movie. In all honesty, my expectations going into the first film were high, and I had no idea what to expect.
Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely adored the whimsy and nostalgia the first film brought. The cinematography was captivating, and I was astonished by the beautiful costume design. While I loved these things, a part of me was uncertain about the movie.
After watching it, I felt like the bond created between Elphaba and Glinda was rushed and insincere. As someone who has never seen “Wicked,” I felt like the plotline was rushed and like the directors were trying to put a year of character development into a two-hour movie.
Regardless of my thoughts on the first “Wicked” film, I was still eager to see the second. After watching “Wicked: For Good,” I walked out of the AMC theater, touched by the film and moved by how much I related to the character development.
The movie was not just filled with beautifully shot and breathtaking music, but the character development and relationship growth were nothing short of moving. Audiences not only got to see how each individual character developed, but also how relationship development had a role in that individual character’s growth.
The character and relationship development stood out to me specifically because it relates to me and so many other college students. College is a fresh start for young, impressionable adults, and it is where many people meet their lifelong friends. The beauty of college friends is how they change you and how they shape you during that impressionable time of your life.
A key moment in “Wicked: For Good” is when Glinda and Elphaba beautifully sang “For Good” when reflecting on their friendship. The song evokes emotion and makes both girls realize how much their friendship has changed them and made them into the people they are. As a college student, figuring out who I am, I often notice that I experience moments like Glinda and Elphaba when reflecting on how my friendships shape me into the person I have become.
The “Wicked” franchise has been rapidly successful and influential since its release. The first movie heavily focused on character introduction and aesthetics, while the second movie highlights universal emotions and the importance of friendship. The “Wicked” movies will always have a special place in my heart, but “Wicked: For Good” especially left a mark because I felt seen by the friendship and personal development.
In the three years I’ve been at college, all the friendships I’ve made have left me changed for good and shaped me into the person I am today.
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