Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Oz the Great and Powerful

film

Oz the Great and Powerful

2013

Oscar Diggs, a small-time circus illusionist and con-artist, is whisked from Kansas to the Land of Oz where the inhabitants assume he's the great wizard of prophecy, there to save Oz from the clutches of evil.

Ages 9+Source checked

Why this age? Fantasy danger, frightening witches, a destroyed village, threatening armies, a disturbing transformation and staged death may unsettle younger children, though violence is largely non-graphic and the film has hopeful themes. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age9+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence3/5
  • Death of a character2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

Produced by Disney; standard franchise branding exists, but no aggressive in-film product placement.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

A character is presumed dead (faked), and a father figure is referenced as deceased. No graphic on-screen deaths.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal. Some magical transformation effects and standard fantasy peril, but no realistic blood or graphic injury.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Contains very mild name-calling and occasional insults, but no strong or offensive language.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

No religious practice or faith themes are present.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Implied romantic feelings and light flirting between the protagonist and Glinda; a subplot involves heartbreak.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Witches, the Dark Forest, threatening creatures, a destroyed village, frightening illusions and a grotesque transformation create sustained spooky imagery.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Features light, suggestive banter consistent with the protagonist's past as a flirtatious con man.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Fantasy conflict includes attacks by witches and armies, destruction, peril and threatening illusions, but violence is mostly stylized and non-graphic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters confront powerful witches and danger, while Oscar ultimately risks himself and uses ingenuity to protect Oz.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Illusions, mechanical inventions, theatrical effects and imaginative fantasy-world problem-solving are central to overcoming the villains.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Includes a diverse cast of actors, though the fantasy world inhabitants are mostly creatures and magic-users.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental lessons about problem-solving and classic literary connections to Baum's Oz.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, loyalty and helping oppressed people are important, including support for the damaged China Girl and the people of Oz.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The story favors honesty, responsibility, friendship, courage and clever cooperation over selfishness, deception and the pursuit of status.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist begins as a flawed con man and learns to become a selfless hero, serving as a positive growth arc.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Oz the Great and Powerful would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Oz the Great and Powerful, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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