[Y Review] Wonderful and intense...'Wicked' at the pinnacle of musical films

Wicked Poster ⓒ Universal Pictures

Advantages of musicals and advantages of movies, is it possible to catch both rabbits? The movie 'Wicked' is a work that presents exemplary answers to these questions.

The musical "Wicked," which was based on the film, depicts the story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), who has not yet discovered her true power, and Glinda (Ariana Grande), who has not discovered her true nature, and the unexpected crisis and adventure that two completely different characters face while building a friendship.

Since the Broadway premiere in New York in 2003, the musical has been watched by 60 million people around the world and has recorded a box office income of $5 billion (6.98 trillion won).

In particular, based on the original world view, attractive stage design, costumes and makeup, and outstanding songs, acting, and choreography of the cast are considered the charms of the original.

In this way, the movie goes beyond inheriting the advantages of the original musical. Beyond the physical limitations of the performance stage, it succeeds in giving the audience a phenomenally colorful visual and overwhelming and intense experience.

Wicked Steel Cut ⓒ Universal Pictures

The world of "Wicked" embodied on the screen is filled with ecstasy that cannot be seen anywhere while having a sense of reality without a sense of heterogeneity.

The actors' performances on this wider stage are also excellent. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, two actors who played Elphaba and Glinda, show off their potential and capabilities to the fullest and generously provide audiovisual pleasure and emotion.

Despite the difficulty of showing a comprehensive performance of singing, dancing, and acting every moment, the two actors move forward without a hitch.

In some musical films, music or dance scenes often interfere with the flow of the narrative due to the nature of the genre, but in the case of "Wicked," it is located in the right place to feel that all gods are smoothly connected. Therefore, it works fully functionally without wasted or unnecessary gods and continues the audience's immersion until the end.

Wicked Steel Cut ⓒ Universal Pictures

In addition, the universal themes of the message in the work, such as the confrontation between good and evil, social prejudice and gaze that judge only by appearance, and stories in which talents become curses and curses become talents, also draw sympathy and interest from the audience.

Wicked, which plays a role as a comprehensive art without missing anything, offsets the shortcomings and maximizes the merits of musical films, and feels like a work that clearly shows that there can be explosive synergy when the musical stage moves to the screen.

As the enthusiastic popularity of the original film is also solid, the movie "Wicked" is expected to magically bring a new wind to the theater at the end of the year.

The movie 'Wicked'. Directed by John Chu. Actors Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, quantum mirror, Jeff Goldbrum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater. a total audience Running time of 160 minutes. Released in theaters on November 20, 2024.