This Ken needed a little time to process the Barbie movie.
Johannesburg, South Africa (24 July 2023) – In recent weeks, a lot of attention has been devoted to the highly anticipated Barbie movie, a production that has sparked intriguing conversations amongst both critics and viewers alike and I must admit… I was excited but left a little disappointed after watching it.
Four of us went to see it: three ladies and a gay. One of us loved it. The rest of us didn’t.
As an advocate for positivity, it is my duty to provide a thoughtful analysis of this cinematic endeavour. I’ve had time to reflect and I think I understand my position and thoughts better now.
I went into the Barbie movie with high hopes, expecting a fun, whimsical experience that would take me back to my childhood days. The first chapter of the film delivered just that! It was playful, fun, and everything I wanted it to be. Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and the rest of the Barbies and Kens really do a great job at bringing the fantastic, plastic world to life. However, as the story progressed, things took an unexpected turn. Suddenly, the movie delved into heavy themes and powerful messages about feminism, social pressures, unrealistic body standards, toxic masculinity, entitlement, and the strength of female collaboration.
Undeniably, these subjects are paramount in today’s society, warranting earnest consideration and dialogue and America Ferrera’s monologue in the movie should be played on repeat in all our schools.
Nonetheless, the transition from light-hearted whimsy to the exploration of such profound subjects left me with a sense of disconnection. The film’s endeavour to incorporate powerful messaging about women’s rights and female empowerment is commendable, and it undoubtedly resonated with a significant portion of the audience. Yet, for some, myself included, the juxtaposition of these heavy themes against the backdrop of a seemingly light-hearted premise felt somewhat disjointed.
Interestingly, I found that the internet reviews echoed my sentiments, with viewers split right down the middle. It seems that half of the audience loved the movie, while the other half had similar reservations to mine.
It is essential to clarify that my critique is in no way indicative of gender bias or any inherent predisposition. I have seen the online chatter from angry men. This is not me or my review. The movie’s reception, for better or worse, extends far beyond my gender identity. I think it was because the movie wasn’t what I had anticipated or wanted it to be. I had set my expectations on a light and fluffy escapism, and when the movie went in a different direction, I felt a bit disconnected.
It kinda reminds me of when I went to Bangladesh. Armed with preconceived notions of the country, my initial impression was one of disappointment, as reality failed to align with my expectations. But upon reflection, when I let go of my preconceived ideas, I found myself falling in love with the place and its unique charm.
And maybe that’s exactly what I need to do with the Barbie movie. Give it another go… with a less-pink set of sunglasses on.
So here’s my advice to anyone planning to watch the Barbie movie: Approach it with an open mind and an understanding that it’s not your typical “light and fluffy” movie about living in a Barbie world. Instead, it’s a thought-provoking film that delves into crucial issues surrounding women’s rights, toxic masculinity, and the power of female confidence and collaboration. Oh, and it’s not for anyone under 13 years old. Various social media commentators have angrily posted about not being let into the movie with their kids.
Watch the trailer below:
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