“Wish” on Disney+: A Reflection on Society and Dreams

Wish

We watched “Wish” on Disney+ yesterday. My wife had already seen it once with her sister last year when it was released in theaters, but it was my first time. During karaoke with my in-laws, I had heard some songs, particularly one I assumed was sung by the villain of the movie. My wife wasn’t a big fan of the film, and it seems the general reception wasn’t stellar either.

The story unfolds in the kingdom of Rosas, ruled by King Magnifico, a man well-versed in magic. The kingdom welcomes everyone under one condition: the inhabitants must give their wishes to the king, who grants one each month during a grand ceremony. However, it soon becomes apparent that Magnifico carefully selects whose wishes will be fulfilled and hoards the rest, especially those he perceives as dangerous to the kingdom. The protagonist, Asha, a young girl aspiring to be the king’s apprentice, discovers this and wishes upon a star for everyone to reclaim their dreams. Over time, we see that the people whose wishes have been confiscated live hollow, unfulfilled lives.

A reflection of modern society

Perhaps because I’m working on One Daily Tale, I found the story of Wish deeply thought-provoking and resonant with our vision. The kingdom of Rosas—excluding the confiscation of dreams—bears a striking resemblance to what our future society could become: a place where basic needs like food and shelter are provided, but at the cost of individual passions and autonomy. Magnifico embodies society’s well-meaning but flawed governance, offering security while stifling the potential for true fulfillment.

How often do we hear people say, “If only I could pursue my passions, but life’s circumstances make it impossible”? The truth is, many of us sacrifice our dreams for the sake of responsibilities—caring for family, making ends meet, and ensuring stability. It’s a reality that feels unavoidable, yet it’s one shaped by societal constructs rather than inherent necessity.

The light within us all

Asha’s journey unveils a crucial truth: everyone has a light within them—not just humans, but animals, plants, and even fungi. However, she realizes that defeating Magnifico isn’t something she can achieve alone. His insatiable greed mirrors society’s endless hunger for wealth and power. Only when the people of Rosas collectively awaken to their inner light can they challenge the status quo and create a thriving, passion-driven kingdom.

This serves as a powerful metaphor for our own world. The societal norms that govern us often push our true desires and aspirations to the background, leaving them buried under a mountain of duties. But here’s the twist: these duties and responsibilities are largely products of the very society we’ve built. Much like Magnifico wielding sorcery, our society possesses untapped potential—far more than we harness as fragmented individuals focused on self-preservation.

Fear versus desire: A tale as old as time

It’s no secret that fear is a more potent motivator than desire. Our evolutionary hardwiring prioritizes survival, making fear-based actions instinctive and powerful. Unfortunately, society exploits this mechanism, conditioning us to prioritize safety over self-fulfillment. Yet, just as Magnifico’s kingdom ultimately unites to reclaim their dreams, so too can we reshape our world—if we act collectively rather than individually.

A call to action

We each hold a piece of the puzzle in creating a more equitable society—one where passions and dreams are no longer relegated to the shadows but celebrated and nurtured.

What about you? Do you feel society has made it harder for people to pursue their true desires? How do you think we can collectively awaken to the light within us to create a world that values individual dreams alongside shared responsibilities? Let’s discuss in the comments!

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