On Friday (yes, the very first day it was released!) I took my 5 year old to watch Barbie The Movie. All I can say is; it was one big ball of pink feminism and I have never been more proud of a movie ever!
I'll give you three reasons why....
Empowering Quotes:
Barbie herself drops some seriously empowering wisdom. Among the many empowering quotes was; "You can be anything," and all of her Barbie friends are literally everything they want to be and more; a doctor, a mermaid, a president... to name but a few! I mean, that's like the essence of feminism right there - breaking those stereotypes and showing girls they can rock any role they want!
Inclusivity:
As well as every Barbie (like what I did there?!) having a different skin colour, different hair colour, different dress sense, different sexual orientation, different physical abilities, you also have Hari Nef. Hari Nef, the actor who plays Doctor Barbie, is transgender! Now, I don't know about you, but this gives me all the feels for inclusivity and empowerment. Think of all the humans who are transgendered watching this and thinking they're anything less than amazing. Hari Nef provides such confidence and inspiration to all in their role and made me incredibly proud to be alive in 2023!
Illustrating a man's world:
The whole movie just illustrates perfectly how much we live in a man's world. The very world of 'Barbie Land', in which women have powerful jobs and make powerful decisions, is pitted against 'The Real World', where men occupy all the powerful positions and make all the decisions. It's literally the epitome of feminism and is teaching little girls everywhere exactly how to break the chain.
All Time Best
You're only getting these three reasons because otherwise I'll be here all day. Oh go on then, just quickly... On-point marketing, a super talented cast, use of the words 'vagina' and 'penis', Dua Lipa, Nikki Minaj & Ice Spice on the soundtrack, Barbie getting arrested for punching a man that slapped her bum without permission, Ken discovering who he is without Barbie, dancing, singing, roller skating, America Ferrera, Mattel as well as the reasons Barbie was invented in the first place makes this movie an all time classic already!
Take away
If you take anything from this review, take this; watch the movie with an open heart and appreciate the meaning behind every sentence and action. Greta Gerwig has done a phenomenal job of making sure every single ounce is dedicated to raising women to be equal.
Congratulations Greta!
First published 24th July 2023 by Vicky Crone