ON A DIFFERENT NOTE | The Multifaceted Nature of Truth: Lessons from Wicked and Kurosawa

After watching the Wicked movie, I found myself reflecting on the profound implications of perspective in storytelling. The film, much like Akira Kurosawa’s iconic approach to narrative in Rashomon, reminds us that truth is rarely absolute. It is shaped by who is telling the story and their motivations.

Rewriting a Classic: Wicked’s Perspective Shift

In Wicked, we revisit the world of The Wizard of Oz, but this time through the eyes of Elphaba, the so-called Wicked Witch of the West. By shifting the narrative lens, the film transforms our understanding of the story. Elphaba, once the villain, emerges as a misunderstood protagonist, while characters like the Wizard and Madame Morrible are revealed to be the real antagonists.

This change in perspective forces us to re-evaluate the original Wizard of Oz, which is largely presented from Dorothy’s viewpoint—a viewpoint heavily influenced by the Wizard’s self-serving narrative. Wicked unravels this bias, showing us how “facts” can be manipulated depending on who holds the power to tell the story. 

Kurosawa’s Rashomon: The Truth Through Many Eyes

This theme of subjective truth isn’t unique to Wicked. Akira Kurosawa’s Rashomon famously explores how perspective alters our understanding of reality. In the film, a single event—a crime—is recounted by several characters, each offering a different version of the truth. These accounts are often contradictory, yet each feels sincere to the one telling it.

Kurosawa’s storytelling mirrors Wicked’s central message: that truth is not a monolithic entity but a fluid construct shaped by experience, emotion, and bias. Both works challenge us to consider how much of what we accept as truth is simply a reflection of the storyteller’s perspective.

The Truth as a Reflection of Experience

Both Wicked and Rashomon highlight a vital concept: our truths are deeply shaped by our experiences. In Wicked, the Wizard’s “truth” serves to consolidate his power, while Elphaba’s truth stems from her struggle against injustice and misunderstanding. Similarly, in Rashomon, each character’s account of the crime is influenced by their desires, fears, and self-image.

This understanding extends beyond fiction. In our own lives, truth often feels like a fixed point—a clear and objective reality. But in practice, it is more like a kaleidoscope, refracting into multiple perspectives based on who is looking and from where. This doesn’t mean truth doesn’t exist, but it does mean that it is layered and complex.

Navigating a World of Competing Truths

In a world where “my truth” and “your truth” frequently coexist, we face the challenge of determining what to believe. How do we define reality when every perspective offers a different version of it? Who gets to decide what is true?

Perhaps the answer lies not in seeking a singular truth but in embracing the multiplicity of perspectives. By considering the biases, motivations, and contexts behind each narrative, we can piece together a fuller, more nuanced picture of reality. This requires empathy, critical thinking, and an openness to question even our most cherished assumptions.

Why Perspective Matters

Ultimately, Wicked and Rashomon teach us a crucial lesson: perspective shapes reality. Whether in fictional worlds or real life, the stories we tell—and the ones we choose to believe—are never neutral. They are imbued with the storyteller’s intentions, shaped by their values, biases, and worldview.

Understanding this doesn’t make truth less significant—it makes it even more so. It encourages us to approach truth with humility and curiosity. It reminds us to listen to other perspectives, even those that challenge our own. And it urges us to critically examine the narratives we consume, recognizing that every story has its own angle.

The Elusive Nature of Truth

So, what is truth? If Wicked teaches us anything, it’s that truth is rarely singular. It is shaped by perspective, experience, and context. The “truth” of The Wizard of Oz is not invalid, but it is incomplete—just one side of a multifaceted story.

By acknowledging this complexity, we can approach the truth with greater empathy and discernment. In doing so, we move closer to understanding not just “my truth” or “your truth,” but the many shades of truth that make up our shared reality. Wicked reminds us that the stories we tell—and the perspectives we choose to embrace—can redefine not only the way we see the world but also the way we understand ourselves. 

ARTICLE | Golden Globes 2025: Independent Films Shine, Surprising Wins Steal the Spotlight

The 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards, held on January 5, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, showcased a diverse array of talent and storytelling, reflecting significant trends in the film industry. Comedian Nikki Glaser hosted the event, marking the first time she led the ceremony solo. (Photo: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni)

Major Winners and Notable Achievements

• Best Motion Picture – Drama: "The Brutalist"

• Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: "Emilia Pérez"

• Best Director: Brady Corbet for "The Brutalist"

• Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama: Adrien Brody for "The Brutalist"

• Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama: Fernanda Torres for "I'm Still Here"

• Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: Sebastian Stan for "A Different Man"

• Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: Demi Moore for "The Substance"

• Best Supporting Actress: Zoe Saldaña for "Emilia Pérez"

• Best Supporting Actor: Kieran Culkin for "A Real Pain"

• Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language: "Emilia Pérez"

• Best Motion Picture – Animated: "Flow"

• Cinematic and Box Office Achievement: "Wicked"

SERIES | Squid Game 2: A Mirror to Our Chaotic Reality

Squid Game Season 2 continues its unflinching portrayal of societal issues, delving deeper into themes of economic disparity, social marginalization, and the human condition. The series remains a mirror reflecting the harsh realities of modern society, using its dystopian narrative to critique systemic inequalities and moral decay.

ARTICLE | Core Memories of Celebrating New Year in the Philippines

New Year in the Philippines is a grand celebration filled with traditions, nostalgia, and the warmth of family and community. As I reflect on my core memories of this festive occasion, I am reminded of a tapestry of vivid sights, sounds, and flavors that make this time of year truly special. Here’s a look at some of the moments that stand out most.

ARTICLE | Why Mixing Wholesale and Private Label Clothing Increases Boutique Profits

If you are a wholesale boutique owner, it is important to realize early that running a successful boutique typically involves mixing creativity with smart business concepts and strategies. There are several approaches business owners have used in the past but one approach that has often stood out and has been very effective in increasing boutique profit is the mixing of wholesale clothings with private-label clothings. With this approach, customers, often seem excited with this combination, potentially leading to more sales. For example, a brand like Dear Lover has stylish wholesale options that help to complement customers' exclusive private label pieces, this helps to create a private blend of variety and uniqueness.

ARTICLE | Christmas Around the Globe: Unique Celebrations That Light Up the Season

Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays across the globe, but its observance varies greatly depending on the country, culture, and traditions. From enchanting markets to peculiar customs, the way people embrace the holiday spirit is as diverse as the world itself. Let’s take a journey to explore some of the most famous and unique Christmas celebrations across the world.  

TRAVEL | Boracay's Rehabilitation: A Double-Edged Sword Impacting Tourism

"While Boracay's rehabilitation has successfully addressed critical environmental issues, it has also transformed the island's identity."

Boracay, a jewel in the Philippines' tourism crown, has long been celebrated for its pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife. However, the island's rapid development led to significant environmental degradation, prompting the Philippine government to take decisive action. In April 2018, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered a six-month closure of Boracay to address these environmental concerns, describing the island as a "cesspool" due to untreated sewage being discharged into the sea. 

ARTICLE | The Power of Perceived Value: Unlocking the Psychology Behind Consumer Choices

Abstract | Perceived value is a psychological and marketing concept that plays a pivotal role in how individuals and brands position themselves in competitive landscapes. This article explores how perceived value influences consumer decisions, the underlying mechanisms, and its applications in personal branding and self-worth.

How do premium brands justify selling products at a markup of hundreds or even thousands of dollars compared to their lower-cost alternatives? The answer lies in perceived value—a consumer's subjective assessment of a product's worth, shaped by branding, marketing, and external influences. This principle extends beyond commodities to how individuals project and evaluate their own self-worth.

COMICS | Exploring Death in the Marvel and Sandman Universes: A Look at How the Multiverse and Its Characters Intersect

If you’re a Marvel fan who recently watched WandaVision or Agatha: House of Harkness (known as Agatha All Along), you may have come across fan theories or online discussions speculating about characters and crossovers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). One question that’s been especially intriguing for fans of both Marvel and DC’s The Sandman is how the concept of "Death" plays out across these two iconic worlds. In other words, if the MCU has its own character representing "death," how does that relate to DC’s iconic figure of Death in The Sandman?

ON A DIFFERENT NOTE | Marriage? In This Economy?! How to Survive Love, Life, and Drama with a Sprinkle of Empathy

And just like that, two of my colleagues asked me if I was already married, and that question hit me hard—not because I hadn’t been asked before, but because it felt like a reflection of a broader societal expectation that no longer fits the world we live in. Why are people still fixated about marriage, especially in this kind of economy? It’s challenging enough to support yourself, let alone take on the responsibility of raising a family. For me, that question was not about love or relationships, but about survival in an increasingly harsh economic landscape.