Wicked, a new spinoffA product, such as a new film or TV show, that originated from an existing product. of The Wizard of Oz, is expected to be a huge film hit this winter. The UK will see its cinema release today.

But is there more to the film than bright colours and sequins? Here are four key themes that suggest the film has a moralConcerned with what is right and wrong. message:

Sacred sisterhood. The central theme of Wicked is the relationship between two opposites: glitzy Glinda and outsider Elphaba.

Vice and virtue. Elphaba, a misunderstood outcastA person who has been rejected or thrown out by society. , was written as a villainAn evil person in a book or film. . But Wicked suggests that she is just misunderstood.

Power and repression. Abuse of power is a major theme in Wicked. The Wizard uses his secret police to crush everyone's rights.

Blind hatred. Elphaba's green skin marks her as different to others, and means they are less likely to take her seriously.

Does the movie have an important message?

Yes! There are many important themes in Wicked, from friendship to serious debates about how power and control work.

No! Wicked has been marketed mostly to children. Its themes will not go beyond a simple story of the difference between "right" and "wrong".