People might go to the movies to escape reality. Yet Barbie and Ariel choose to live in the world their audiences inhabit − and, in doing so, decide to die.
The Barbie movie has a lot of folks upset about the patriarchy. Here Barbie (Margot Robbie) referees a standoff between two Kens (Simu Liu and Ryan Gosling). Ken’s friend, Allan (not shown) is depicted in the film as a more suitable ally.
(Warner Bros.)
The Barbie movie has caused a media storm, even before the photo of the pink-clad Canadian PM and his son circulated on social media. Much of the conversation has zoned in on men and masculinity.
Peter Martin, Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University
Movie tickets are nearly always the same price, whether the film is a flop or a sold-out blockbuster. Why? And how much more does a trip to the movies cost than 20 years ago?
Hollywood writers picket in front of Warner Bros. Studios.
AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
Graeme Austin, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
The temptation to cash in on a global phenomenon might be strong. But Mattel has a history of fiercely protecting the Barbie brand with legal action.
There’s a difference between the fulfilling relationship mothers can have with their children and the patriarchal institution of motherhood.
Jens Kalaene/Getty Images
Barbie has had over 200 official careers. Often decked out in her signature pink, the doll has showed generations that they do not have to sacrifice their love of femininity in order to succeed.
Ryan Gosling as Ken and Margot Robbie as Barbie.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Greta Gerwig, the director of Barbie, has had a unique career, moving quickly from in front of the camera to behind it - with great success.
Actor Margot Robbie blows out a candle on the cake to celebrate her birthday during the pink carpet event for the movie ‘Barbie’ in Seoul, South Korea, in July 2023.
(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Once the context of cultural and territorial appropriation by China in Southeast Asia are understood, Vietnam’s ban of the Barbie movie isn’t surprising.