Weibo commentary on the latest Barbie Movie
Recently, a new Barbie movie has sparked intense discussion among Chinese netizens. Opinions are diverse and range from humorous jabs at the movie's plot to serious critique of its elements of social commentary.
![Background Image](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwx4.sinaimg.cn%2Fbmiddle%2Fc2a7f894ly1hg9fk9aejaj20t50dwtj8.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
25 July 2023
The film appears to have piqued interest with its self-referential, or "meta" humor, which users noted for its density throughout the runtime. A particular tweet mentioned the various caricatures of men, from posturing bodybuilders to pretentious posers, presented in the movie. This netizen humorously commented that these types of men aren't exclusive to China, underlining the global universality of certain tropes.
Despite the humor, some users highlighted their concerns. One netizen broke down their thoughts point by point, asserting that while the movie was enjoyable, it fell short of being exceptional. They criticized it for its preachiness, citing long, uninspiring dialogues that would be better suited in a novel rather than a film. Yet, they also praised the film's sophisticated humor and the noble intentions behind the movie.
Other users differed, saying they didn't find the humor effective at all. Some found it so uninteresting that they resorted to using their phones during the screening. However, this wasn't a universal sentiment. Others found the humor engaging and claimed that many in the audience shared their sentiment.
Some found humor in deleted scenes, like one where Ken (played by a popular actor, referred to as Commander Gao) screams in fear, and lamented the decision to not include it in the final cut. Another fan appreciated the high density of humor in the middle and latter parts of the film. They lauded it as a gentle feminist movie, with male audiences' reactions outside the cinema adding a twist to the experience.
The use of the Barbie doll, a childhood toy for many, as a feminist hero in the movie struck a chord with one user. Despite some clunky dialogue, they were touched by the doll standing up for women's rights. Another netizen praised the film for its high-brow humor in deconstructing traditional gender stereotypes, using Ken and Barbie's role reversal as an example.
All in all, the new Barbie movie has sparked vibrant discussions on Chinese social media. It's clear that while opinions vary greatly, the movie's humor, its attempt at social commentary, and the use of beloved characters have made it a significant topic of conversation. This conversation isn't just about entertainment, but also about societal norms and the way we portray gender roles in media. It's yet another testament to the power of movies to inspire discourse on important issues.