Faith & Film

Palm Sunday (A)

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Dorothy’s Yellow Brick Road vs. Jesus’ Palm Branches

Palm Sunday (A)

The Wizard of Oz is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for generations. A major moment in the film is when Dorothy and her friends enter Emerald City to meet the Wizard. This scene can be compared to the biblical story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

On the surface, there appears to be little in common between the two stories. Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas, finds herself transported to the magical land of Oz after a tornado sweeps her away. Along the way, she joins forces with a scarecrow, a tin man, and a cowardly lion, all of whom are seeking the aid of the Wizard of Oz to fulfill their deepest desires. On the other hand, Jesus, the Son of God, was born in Bethlehem around two thousand years ago. He came to earth to save humanity from sin and was eventually betrayed, arrested, and sentenced to die by crucifixion.

Dorothy’s path is the Yellow Brick Road, which winds through the enchanted land of Oz and leads her to the Emerald City, where the Wizard of Oz resides. Along the way, she must overcome obstacles such as the Wicked Witch of the West, who is determined to stop her from reaching her goal. In contrast, Jesus’ path took him through the streets of Jerusalem, where he was greeted by a jubilant crowd of admirers waving palm branches. He too was determined to reach his destination, despite the many challenges he faced along the way.

Symbolism of the Paths

Both Dorothy’s and Jesus’ paths are also underscored by a sense of symbolism that points to deeper, spiritual truths. The Yellow Brick Road is a metaphor for life’s journey, with its many twists and turns as we try to find our way through a world of chaos and confusion. Along the way, we face many challenges, which threaten to shake our faith and make us lose our footing. Dorothy’s journey, filled with obstacles like the Wicked Witch, reminds us that life is neither straightforward nor easy.

Similarly, Jesus’ journey on Palm Sunday underscores the importance of symbol and ritual in our lives. Not only were the palm branches an important cultural symbol, but they also served to remind people of God’s promise of salvation, which Jesus had come to fulfill. His triumphal entry into the city underscored his authority and mission, and his willingness to suffer and die for humanity’s sake. Through the many trials and tribulations that followed, he remained steadfast and focused on his ultimate goal, inspiring a new generation of followers to do the same.

Two Procession, Each Toward a Powerful Figure

Both involve a procession towards a powerful figure – in the case of Dorothy entering the Emerald City it’s the Wizard, while for Jesus’ as he enters into Jerusalem it’s the temple.

Dorothy follows the Yellow Brick Road out of a sense of faith and belief that it will lead her to the Wizard of Oz and ultimately, to her beloved family and home. She has faith in the path laid out before her and trusts that it will lead her to the end that she seeks. When Dorothy set out on her journey, she was faced with numerous obstacles, from the Wicked Witch of the West to the treacherous Flying Monkeys. But despite these challenges, she persisted and ultimately succeeded in finding her way back home. Her arrival on the Yellow Brick Road marked the beginning of her victory lap, a journey through which she overcame adversity and found success.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds lining the road welcomed him by waving palm branches, a symbol of faith and triumph. Jesus left his place of solitude and took the first steps on this journey toward the Jewish Temple knowing it would lead him to his death. Jesus walked the path of the palms as a show of his faith in God and his commitment to fulfilling his mission on Earth. He was faced with the betrayal of one of his own disciples, persecution, and unjust punishment.

Importance of Community and Friendship

After setting out on her journey, Dorothy found companionship in the form of the Tin Man, Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion, who all sought their own redemption. These friends became her fence of assurance against the dangers of Oz, offering companionship and support along the way.

Similarly, the crowds that welcomed Jesus as he walked on the palms were there to show their support, bolstering his spirits before his death. Their faith and love provided Jesus with the courage and determination to face the difficult trials that lay ahead of him.

The Joy of the People

Dorothy’s entry into the Emerald City can first be described as exhilarating, filled with joy, and excitement. The yellow brick road leads her to the gates of the city, making her entrance a grand one. The people of the city are immensely excited to see her arrive, as she is believed to have come to defeat the wicked witch of the west. People lined the street and cheered her name as she made her way into the city. When Dorothy arrived, she was greeted by a grand parade and entered the city to the tune of a fantastic song. Everyone was friendly, welcoming, and happy to see her.

On the other hand, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is likened to that of a peaceful and humble king. He was not the only one to arrive in the city during the time, but his entry was significant. The people welcomed him with great enthusiasm, waving palm branches, and shouting “Hosanna!” in his honor. He rode humbly on a donkey, a symbol of peace and meekness, proclaimed by the prophet Zechariah. This entrance into the city is even commemorated by Christians on Palm Sunday. Unlike Dorothy, the people who welcomed Christ during his entry to Jerusalem were drawn to him because he had been doing miracles and teaching the word of God.

Notable Differences

One of the main differences is in the purpose of the procession. For Dorothy and her friends, the procession is intended to introduce them to the Wizard and ask for his help. For Jesus, the procession is meant to proclaim him as the promised Messiah.

Dorothy and her friends, who rode through the streets of the Emerald City in a horse-drawn carriage, were prohibited from seeing the Wizard dressed in rags and dirty shoes, and had to be cleaned up. Jesus rode on a donkey, humbling himself before the people he came to save. He presented himself not as a conqueror who had come to beat up an enemy but as a savior who had come on a mission of salvation to save and deliver those who believe in him.

Another key difference is in the reactions of those who witness the events. In The Wizard of Oz, the citizens of Emerald City are excited to see Dorothy and her friends. They treat them with kindness and hospitality, inviting them to stay in the city and showing them around. In contrast, not all of the people of Jerusalem are happy to see Jesus. Some are skeptical of his claims and even hostile towards him.

The Wizard of Oz, Victor Fleming’s Technicolor Masterpiece, a film that, while originally a flop at it’s domestic box office, made history through its revolutionary use of colour and practical effects. This is a deep dive into the intentions behind filmmaker Victor Fleming, reflecting his societal beliefs and values seen throughout his film.