Somewhere over the Rainbow

I don't remember watching “The Wizard of Us” when I was a child. I've come to realize its valuable lessons only in my 30s. While working a full-time job in an office I read an article highlighting its importance and I was curious… I watched the movie, then saw the musical in London, and later played the film for my niece trying to introduce her to meaningful virtues. So, It is clear that this movie is both an oldie and new fave of mine. But why? Though I have encountered theories that the original book was an allegory for an economic system, my opinions are just based on the film, where I first, and still, learned from it.

My first memory is the unforgettable phrase at the end, “There's no place like home”. In our interconnected world where we have been lucky enough to travel easily, most of us will find home as the warmest place, where memories arise from a far place and the environment feels familiar. Yet, in this story, we realize this after Dorothy, our protagonist, experiences her dream where she faces threats and deceit but also discovers beauty and friendship.

Her fantasy adventure begins after her unfortunate argument with a neighbour about her dog. This woman who tries to take “Toto” away will be the infamous witch. Yes, the one who inspired the Wicked Musical and who is set to be the villain of the story even though she doesn't really accomplish any harm. This event will lead Dorothy to decide to leave home and seek out places where she feels understood and appreciated—to other lands with "big cities, big mountains, big oceans”.

Dorothy embarks her venture with three companions and all of them have a purpose. She wants to return home, the Scarecrow a brain, the Tin Man a heart and the Cowardly Lion courage. They all live in the land of “If I only had” or “If I only were” driven to find what they believe they lack. It was a long way which leads them to the Emerald City, home of the great wizard of Oz who has all the answers.Once there, they discover the only true: there’s no real wizard and these traits they sought are already inside themselves. Since it is shown through the path to this green place, when walking through life, we are all capable of showing a sense of belonging, empathy, intelligence and bravery.

Ultimately, Dorothy and her friends learnt that if they want to follow their heart they don't have to look outward. True virtues are not granted by papers, religions or intellect, they are cultivated through experience and connection. Dorothy, in a way led this group,she helped them see their own worth after giving them vision and value to their traits, to step into the unknown and realise that it is not necessarily greener on the other side. Yet it is needed to live through it to gain perspective.Then, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” becomes a familiar land where you have gathered the necessary tools to recognise, value and accept your own self, leaving behind the “If I…”