The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Synopsis:
Young Dorothy Gale finds herself transported to a magical world where she embarks on an extraordinary adventure along the yellow brick road. In this enchanting land, she befriends three unforgettable companions: a Scarecrow seeking a brain, a Tin Man longing for a heart, and a Cowardly Lion in search of courage. Together, they journey to meet the mysterious Wizard of Oz, hoping he can grant them what they miss most in their lives and help Dorothy return home. However, their quest is threatened by the dangerous Wicked Witch of the West, who stands as the only obstacle between them and their dreams. With the guidance of the good witch Glinda, Dorothy and her friends must find the strength within themselves to overcome the challenges ahead in this timeless tale of friendship, courage, and the true meaning of home.
Where To Watch: The Wizard of Oz
Parental Feedback
The Wizard of Oz balances whimsical fantasy with moments of genuine peril as Dorothy navigates a magical world filled with colorful characters and memorable musical numbers. Parents should expect a classic adventure that shifts between lighthearted song-and-dance sequences and darker scenes featuring the menacing Wicked Witch of the West. The pacing moves steadily from Kansas to Oz and along the yellow brick road, with themes of courage, friendship, and the meaning of home woven throughout the journey.
Why Kids Should Watch The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz offers several valuable lessons wrapped in an imaginative adventure that has captivated families for generations.
The story celebrates the power of friendship as Dorothy teams up with the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion, each seeking something they believe they lack. Their journey together demonstrates how companions support one another through challenges and discover strengths they already possessed.
The fantasy setting sparks creativity and wonder, transporting viewers to a vibrant magical world complete with talking animals, good witches, and a mysterious wizard. The yellow brick road adventure encourages imagination while presenting a clear quest that young viewers can easily follow.
Musical elements make the experience engaging and memorable, with songs that reinforce the story's themes and emotional beats. These musical moments provide natural breaks in the action while advancing character development and plot.
The film's ultimate message about appreciating home and family resonates across ages, teaching children that sometimes what we're searching for has been with us all along. Dorothy's realization that "there's no place like home" offers a comforting conclusion to her extraordinary adventure.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch The Wizard of Oz
Despite its family-friendly rating, The Wizard of Oz contains elements that may trouble sensitive or younger children.
Margaret Hamilton's portrayal of the Wicked Witch of the West can be genuinely frightening for small children, with her green skin, cackling laugh, and threats toward Dorothy and her friends. The witch's attempts to harm the protagonists and her flying monkey minions create sustained tension throughout much of the story.
Certain scenes may prove intense for preschoolers, including the tornado sequence that separates Dorothy from her family and moments when the witch appears suddenly or threatens violence. The imagery of the witch melting and her crystal ball visions can be disturbing to young viewers.
The overall length of nearly two hours may challenge the attention span of younger children, particularly during slower-paced sequences. Some children might become restless during the extended journey along the yellow brick road or the scenes in the Emerald City.
Verdict: Parent Approved
The Wizard of Oz earns its status as a family classic with timeless themes of friendship, courage, and home, though parents should gauge their child's sensitivity to fantasy villains before viewing.
What Parents Should Know About The Wizard of Oz
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, Dorothy and her companions demonstrate loyalty, kindness, and perseverance as they help each other overcome obstacles and work toward their individual goals. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, Dorothy's separation from her family during the tornado and her encounters with the threatening Wicked Witch of the West may frighten or upset younger viewers. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the Wicked Witch of the West's cruelty and attempts to harm Dorothy ultimately lead to her downfall when she melts after being doused with water. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the four travelers consistently support one another, share their unique abilities, and work as a team to overcome the challenges they face on their journey. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the story emphasizes that we often already possess the qualities we seek and that there's no place like home and family. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally regard The Wizard of Oz as an essential family viewing experience that introduces children to classic cinema while delivering meaningful lessons about friendship and self-discovery. Many families appreciate the film's blend of fantasy adventure and musical entertainment, noting that the colorful characters and memorable songs create lasting impressions. However, parents consistently advise caution with younger or more sensitive children due to the Wicked Witch's frightening presence and certain intense sequences. Most agree that children around age six and older can better handle the scarier elements while still enjoying the magical journey. The consensus suggests that with appropriate preparation and parental presence during viewing, the film's positive messages and imaginative storytelling outweigh concerns about its occasional dark moments.
Official The Wizard of Oz Trailer
Why Kids Love The Wizard of Oz
Dorothy's journey down the yellow brick road turns into a wild adventure when she teams up with three unforgettable friends—a floppy Scarecrow, a clanking Tin Man, and a hilariously jumpy Cowardly Lion. Each character brings silly moments and physical comedy, from the Scarecrow tumbling off his pole to the Lion's over-the-top scared reactions that make kids giggle.
The bright, colorful world of Oz dazzles with its vivid landscapes and magical surprises around every corner. Glinda arrives in a shimmering bubble, while the Wicked Witch of the West swoops in with green skin and cackling threats, creating exciting face-offs that keep the action moving. Dorothy and her loyal team must outsmart danger and work together to reach the Emerald City.
Catchy songs and dancing fill the screen as the characters skip along their quest, making the whole adventure feel like a musical celebration. The group's teamwork shines when they help each other through scary forests and tricky situations, proving that friends can accomplish anything together. Every twist brings new challenges that Dorothy and her crew tackle with courage and plenty of laughs.