As someone who still says, “Hi Barbie!” and “He’s such a Ken,” it’s safe to say that “Barbie” has impacted me in more ways than one. If you are looking for a comedic cinematic masterpiece that can also tap into the deepest crevices of your soul, “Barbie” is for you.
If I could travel back in time, it would be July 2023 when I saw “Barbie” for the first time. My best friends and I walked into our local theater wearing pink from head to toe (including pink bobs). I expected to just get a laugh from the film, but I ended up taking away so much more.
The film transports viewers into Barbieland, where women hold the power that men have in the modern world. After strange things begin to occur in the perfect place that is Barbieland, “stereotypical Barbie” (Margot Robbie) attempts to solve the problem by going to the real world to fix it. Accompanied by Ken (Ryan Gosling), she is rudely awakened by the explicit and unjust patriarchal society that is our world. Ken then brings the sexist ways of the real world to Barbieland, making it “Kendom,” where the Kens rule. Pushing toxic masculinity and forcing women to watch the ultimate sleeper of a movie that is “The Godfather,” the men are out of control. By the end, with the help of real-world mother and daughter duo Gloria (America Ferrera) and Sasha (Ariana Greenblatt), Barbieland is restored and Barbie decides to become human.
As much as “Barbie” is a lighthearted comedy, it has a much deeper meaning. It combats the normalized notions of patriarchy that permeate our society while also celebrating what it means to be a girl. I think that this film is deserving of praise because it is unafraid to call out the harsh realities of our world, particularly through Ferrera’s iconic speech encapsulating the impossible standards of womanhood: “You have to be thin, but not too thin… You have to be a boss, but you can’t be mean… You have to be a career woman, but also always be looking out for other people. You have to answer for men’s bad behavior which is insane, but if you point that out you’re accused of complaining. You have to never get old. Never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down, never fail, never show fear, never get out of line. It’s too hard; it’s too contradictory.”
In addition to calling for accountability and change, I also love this film because it highlights the beauties of girlhood, the sense of togetherness and sisterhood that we inherently have with one another. It romanticizes the seemingly simplistic moments that comprise the daily life of a girl, and celebrates the importance of loving yourself first and foremost. I find solidarity in the fact that the struggles of girlhood are universal. You are never alone, rather, a part of a community larger than yourself. There is always someone who has endured what you have and come out of it triumphant.
The many prejudices women face should not hinder the beauty of being a girl. The world can feel so polarized, and this film reminded me that girlhood is an experience, but also a source of strength and joy.
I love that in addition to girlhood, the film touches upon the beauty of motherhood as well. Gloria figures out how to save Barbieland and serves as a role model for her daughter Sasha. She is reflective of the strong and empowering mothers who are here to advocate against the unjust societal norms they endured to help the next generation of women live better lives. I realized that my love for this movie stems from my close relationship with my mom, who is my guiding light and biggest inspiration. Like Gloria, my mom is a trailblazer who taught me that I can accomplish all of my dreams and overcome any obstacle I may face while also protecting my girlhood experience.
Ultimately, this film is one everyone can enjoy. I extend the biggest thank you to Robbie and writer/director Greta Gerwig for having the courage to make what I consider one of the best movies of all time.
