Every so often, there is a film that defies all expectations. A film that shocks the world in terms of its success. Barbie is by all means, one of those films. Going to see this film within the opening weekend made me glad to be a movie fan. The upcoming months generated an abundance of publicity due to the memes posing Barbie with the contrasting theme of Oppenheimer. Internet users took the advantage of the films sharing the same release date to create various memes. This unconventional promotional method led to both films becoming the most successful movies of 2023.

Picture Above: Barbie (Margot Robbie) driving a pink car with Ken (Ryan Gosling).

Barbie begins with Barbie (Margot Robbie) and her life in Barbieland. She is referred to as stereotypical Barbie due to her classic appearance. She alongside the numerous other Barbies, e.g Physicist Barbie, President Barbie, Writer Barbie all live in harmony together with the subservient Kens present in the land.

A shocking turn of events leads the stereotypical Barbie to turn to the all-wise Weird Barbie (Kate McKinnon), in advice to solve her problems. Her suggestion is to travel to the real world to find the root of her problem.

She travels to the real world with Beach Ken (Ryan Gosling), who is madly in love with Barbie, however, the feelings between them are not mutual. Upon arrival to the real world, they both notice distinct differences between reality and Barbieland. In the real world, men have the professional upper hand whereas women are demoralized and sexualised. With his newfound knowledge of patriarchy, Barbieland changes to Kenland, with the dynamic changing leading to chaos for the Barbies. This leads Barbie to team up with Sasha (Ariana Greenblatt), her mother Gloria (America Ferrera) and Ken’s best friend Allan to save Barbieland before it is too late.

The film possesses a strong story with relatable themes, a catchy soundtrack that has gained a huge following but the film’s best quality is its stars. The leading performance provided by Robbie gave an emotional depth to Barbie. Behind her superficial nature, there is a desire that is shown to the audience. A true desire to showcase her individuality and her own self, rather than being “Barbie”.
The real stars of the show in my opinion had to be the memorable performances of America Ferrera and Ryan Gosling. Both perform in a manner resonates with viewers on a personal level with Gosling giving the more comedic showing.

Ferrera’s monologue is a real stand-out in the film. It brings awareness to the role of women and the expectations placed in women in the real world which are devoid in Barbieland. Her delivery exuberates a realism that resonates the true sorrow of her individual.

Gosling’s performance of the song I’m Just Ken was the key to the audience’s hearts. This montage is nothing short of fantastic as the singing, dancing/fighting and Kenergy is demonstrated throughout. Leaving a feeling of excitement and elevation.

Barbie is an all out theatrical marvel that will stand in the pillars of cinematic history akin to Grease and the Rocky Horror Picture Show. A film for the times.

I recommend this film to all wanting a good evening watch. For the whole family, pink really does go with everything.

Picture Credits: GoodFon.Com. Wallpaper smile, blonde, driving, blue sky, cute girl, Movie, Ryan Gosling, Barbie for mobile and desktop, section фильмы, resolution 3840×2160 – download (goodfon.com)

Film Credits: Warner Bros Pictures.

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