Practical Magic (1998) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictMildly Woke

33%

Practical Magic1998

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

Practical Magic is more of a ‘girl power’ fantasy than a woke manifesto. It places female identity at the forefront, but avoids the heavy-handed dogma or revisionism seen in modern woke fare. Think cozy 90s empowerment rather than contemporary activism.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Mildly Woke

What is this?

Practical Magic focuses on character-driven storytelling, with the Owens sisters at the center. Their identity as women is essential to the plot, but it doesn’t overshadow personality, growth, or the supernatural drama. The characters are flawed, face consequences, and earn their wins. Forced representation or agenda-driven character traits aren’t prominent by today’s standards.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Woke

What is this?

Traditional family is both subverted and celebrated: the film critiques small-town prejudice and explores unconventional female-led households but ultimately values sisterhood and kin. Masculinity isn’t demonized, but male characters play secondary roles. Religion and traditional morality are backgrounded, yet not overtly mocked. It flirts with undermining tradition, but in a pretty tame 1990s way.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Mildly Woke

What is this?

The film features a range of perspectives: skeptical townsfolk, magical sisters, practical concerns, and emotional struggles. While it centers on feminine empowerment, it doesn’t aggressively caricature opposing viewpoints, nor does it enforce strict ideological uniformity. Some traditional types are gently teased but not villainized.

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Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.