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Wicked Movie Sparks Discourse with Trigger Warning in the U.K.
The upcoming film adaptation of *Wicked* has garnered attention in the United Kingdom due to a trigger warning associated with themes of “discrimination.” The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) has indicated that certain scenes depicting the mistreatment of “beloved characters” may resonate as unsettling for viewers, according to a report from the Daily Beast.
Specific instances in the film portray Elphaba, the central character, facing bullying and ridicule related to her distinctive green skin. These experiences unfold throughout her youth and as she begins her journey at Shiz University, a setting ripe with societal challenges.
In a broader context, the BBFC’s initiative in 2021 highlighted parents’ desire for content warnings regarding racism and discrimination in media. This feedback underscores a growing awareness among parents who feel it is crucial to address such themes, both to shield their children and to prepare them for real-world interactions wherein these subjects are prevalent.
In addition to the focus on discrimination against Elphaba, the content warning also extends to portrayals of a woman in a wheelchair experiencing condescension from able-bodied individuals and the plight of talking animals facing persecution in a fantastical society. These elements are illustrated through the characters of Nessarose and Dr. Dillamond, adding layers to the film’s narrative.
Other factors influencing the film’s PG rating include the presence of “occasional threatening scenes,” “brief scary moments,” and an “ending that is not wholly reassuring.” In contrast, the film has received a PG rating in the United States for its “scary action, thematic material, and brief suggested material.”
The film adaptation features a star-studded cast, including Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Ethan Slater as Boq, and Marissa Bode as Nessarose.
Set in the enchanting Land of Oz, *Wicked* explores the complex backstory of the witches, focusing on Elphaba, who grapples with misunderstanding due to her green skin and is yet to unlock her ultimate power. In contrast, Glinda, who hails from privilege and ambition, is on her own journey to uncover her genuine self. The two characters meet at Shiz University, sparking an unlikely friendship that faces trials following their encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, ultimately leading them down divergent paths.
Read the reviews for Wicked here.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com