Barbie Movie Shakes Up the Box Office
The highly anticipated Barbie movie made its premiere in Europe and America, creating an ambiance of vibrant enthusiasm where fans dressed meticulously to their personal tastes for their visit to the cinema. As the film has been touted as one of the best of the year, a wave of excitement washed over fans on Weibo.
21 July 2023
Weibo users enthusiastically voiced their anticipations, criticisms, and hopes for the new Barbie movie. The film has sparked lively discussions about a range of topics, from the quality of the movie itself to its potential for gender norm challenges.
Some netizens viewed the Barbie movie as a litmus test for modern men, suggesting that a man’s reaction to the movie could serve as a measure of his acceptance of female leadership in the arts. If a man dislikes Barbie, criticizes the movie, and particularly disapproves of the female director, it indicates he may be overly chauvinistic, or as the comment stated, a "normal guy" — a term reappropriated in this context to highlight potential toxic masculinity. Conversely, if a man is perplexed by Barbie and doesn’t understand the humor that makes everyone else in the cinema laugh, then he might be out of touch with the broader cultural context.
The movie has also been praised for its celebration of individuality, with Weibo users encouraging each other to embrace their unique personalities and not worry about societal judgments. Some users advised others to watch the Netflix documentary series "The Toys That Made Us" before watching the Barbie movie, to better understand the historical and cultural significance of Barbie as a symbol of progress and change.
Despite the overwhelming positivity, the Barbie movie also stirred controversy. Following its debut in Vietnam, Christian guidance organizations called for a boycott of the movie, alleging it promotes LGBTQ+ concepts. This sparked a fierce debate among Weibo users, who are split between supporting the movie's perceived inclusivity and siding with the conservative views of these religious organizations.
In South Korea, netizens noticed that promotional posters were modified for the Korean market, with taglines on the English-language versions of the posters being removed. In the English version, Barbie’s tagline was "Barbie is everything," while Ken's was "He's just Ken." However, in the Korean versions, only the names Barbie and Ken were left, triggering speculation about whether this was an attempt to downplay the movie’s progressive messaging in a more conservative market.
Despite the controversies and mixed reactions, the Barbie movie has been a box office success. In China, where it premiered alongside a popular local movie "The First Part of the God", its attendance rate has been consistent. The Barbie movie has also been praised for its shorter runtime, with some netizens remarking it provides a refreshing change from typically lengthy movie experiences.
According to Weibo posts, the Barbie movie scored an impressive 8.79 rating on the South Korean platform Naver, with female viewers awarding it a high score of 9.51. Male viewers were less enthusiastic, giving it a score of 5.76, indicating the movie has a strong appeal among female audiences.
As the Barbie movie continues its global rollout, it appears to have captured the hearts of many, and yet also triggered differing opinions and controversies. Its bold storytelling and distinct visual aesthetic have set it apart as an unusual cinematic experience, creating a strong divide in audience perceptions.
Whether it's the enthusiastic female fans expressing their joy at a movie that champions female empowerment, or those criticizing its perceived promotion of LGBTQ+ ideologies, the Barbie movie has stirred a buzz in the global movie industry and has prompted crucial conversations about gender, inclusivity, and representation. Despite the varying views, one thing is certain — the Barbie movie is making a profound impact, just like the iconic doll that inspired it.