Released in 2023, “Barbie” was arguably the most anticipated movie of the year, making it Warner Bros’ top-grossing movie ever. In the movie, Barbie (Margot Robbie) explores her life outside the “perfect” Barbieland. When she is introduced to the real world, where men have a higher role in society than what she’s used to, she goes home to fix everything the “Kens” ruined. She returned to Barbieland and taught the Barbies how to lead with power. While there’s an inspiring message of women empowerment, the movie is preachy and obnoxious. It felt more like a Ted Talk.

The movie began by showing the impact Barbie dolls have on children. Ariana Greenblatt portrays the role of a snobby, stuck-up teenager, Sasha, who lost connection with her mother, portrayed by America Ferrera. The mother-daughter relationship is entirely unnecessary. The film encourages viewers to see the connection between Barbie dolls and teenagers to be the solution. In reality, Sasha is just a teenager with a typical teenage attitude.

The face of Barbie has always been targeted towards young children. The movie included many topics (such as the patriarchy and politics) that children would not understand. Inappropriate jokes and topics made adults laugh but confused the intended audience.

It was two hours of preaching women and degrading men. The idea was inspiring, but children should not be taught to put anyone lower than them simply because of gender. Portraying men to be arrogant and mindless is not the way to empower women. It is simply a ramble of matriarchy versus patriarchy. The Kens (men) are seen to only care about themselves and power. This movie goes entirely against any child’s understanding of gender roles. The Kens are shown in a negative light for their controlling and manipulative behavior, but at the end when the Barbies are distracting men, they are using the same manipulation against them. It is hypocritical and in no way shows gender equality. 

I struggled to find the true purpose of this movie. While I think it had an encouraging message of women empowerment and independence, it was too preachy and confusing for children. Plus, it was just boring.

Ken, played in the movie by Ryan Gosling, is a centerpoint of the Barbie franchise and in the movie. Photo by Warner Bros (Photo by Warner Bros)

The minute it hit the news, “Barbie” became the center of attention in the entertainment world. Directed by Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird), the story of Mattel’s toy masterpiece would surely be 2023’s most prominent film. The film followed “Stereotypical Barbie,” played by Margot Robbie, as she ventured out of Barbieland and into the real world. Ken, portrayed by Ryan Gosling, obviously had to tag along, and together their eyes are opened to the true nature of the world. 

As soon as the movie opens, the amount of work that went into the movie becomes clear. Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer worked as the set designer and decorator respectively, creating an immersive setting for Barbieland. Everything appears artificial, with plastic pool water, sticker refrigerators, and 2D backdrops. The attention to detail greatly impressed me and I found it delightful that the world evoked the feeling of one giant playset. 

“Barbie” heavily criticizes and riffs on gender-biased social structures, with Barbieland representing a female-centric world and the real world displaying a patriarchal society. Barbieland can be seen as how our world should be, but in my opinion, it conveys how having a gender-based society in the first place creates civil unrest and oppression. Barbieland isn’t an ideal world, simply a role reversal that explains the issues in our society from another perspective. 

It’s hard for me to criticize this movie since I saw so much of myself in it, but it’s only fair that I do. “Barbie” had some mature references that caught me and other audience members off guard. Most of them had spectacular delivery and retained that comedic tone but I can imagine some parents in the audience didn’t appreciate it as much. The film received a PG-13 rating, but that didn’t stop people from bringing their young children into the theater and walking out trying to explain gynecologists and genitalia. The jokes are by no means offensive or extremely inappropriate but unexpected nonetheless. 

“Barbie” felt versatile and preserved the original brand’s core message that “You can be anything!”.  It contrasts other media under the “Barbie” brand and its writing relates to anybody with experience being a woman. Young girls, angsty teenagers, hard-working mothers, and so many more can walk into a showing of “Barbie” and find a universal experience to relate to. “Barbie” truly feels like a family movie that beckons new and old friends to return, no matter how long it’s been since they last picked up a doll. 

“Barbie” undoubtedly became one of the most debated movies of 2023. It has prompted wide conversation both before and after release, cementing itself as an icon of modern cinema. I adored every aspect of this movie from the costume styling to the soundtrack. I think everyone should give this movie a chance, no matter what stereotypes you may associate with it. You don’t have to like “Barbie” but at least listen to what the movie has to say. It presents several opportunities for much-needed conversations and ties them all together with a giant, hot pink bow.