A New Barbie Movie Offers a New Point of View on Women

Jakarta, July 29, 2023 - Barbie is a doll produced by one of the largest companies in the United States called Mattel, Inc. The company has produced various toys that are growing rapidly every year, and one of the toys is the Barbie doll. Behind the success of the company, it turns out that there is a businesswoman who has created the doll, namely Ruth Handler. She is a woman who created the Barbie doll.

The reason behind this, it turns out that Handler got the idea of inspiration from a daughter, where her daughter loved and often played with paper dolls. Therefore, this made Ruth think of creating and giving the name to the doll with the nickname Barbie. No wonder Barbie doll toys are also in great demand and collected by girls to adults.

Not only dolls, there are even more than 43 Barbie animated films that are still loved and watched by girls from year to year until now. On July 19, 2023, Barbie lovers were surprised by the film industry, and finally, this live-action Barbie movie has aired and can be watched in theatres.

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The movie was directed by Great Herwig and also starred more than 30 famous Hollywood actors and actresses. The Barbie movie has won praise from movie critics and some good comments from people who have watched the movie. So, what is this Barbie movie all about?

The storyline of this Barbie movie is about Barbie (Margot Robbie), the most popular Barbie in Barbie's land, living a perfect, happy, and colourful life from morning to night. Barbie's life is also coloured by the presence of Ken (Ryan Gosling) who also has various variants, as well as other doll characters such as Midge (Emerald Fennell) and Allan (Michael Cera). But Barbie begins to experience an existential crisis. She must travel to the human world to understand herself and find her true identity.

On the other hand, the movie Barbie also deals with the issue of feminism or the role of women in the movie. This movie is not about "man-hating propaganda" and women should be more dominant, instead this movie raises the issue of both genders. Where women are often underestimated and men are required to be strong, to the existence crisis that they often experience.

Why should someone watch a Barbie movie?

This Barbie movie also gives perspective to someone who watches it. One student named Devi said that "The reason I am interested in watching Barbie movies is that this movie discusses interesting issues, namely patriarchy, feminism, and gender equality. This movie also teaches that Barbie is not just a doll, but can also be like a human being who has feelings like in the movie."

A reviewer from the Beauty Journal. id website named Emanuela Lintang also gave a good opinion saying that "This movie managed to revive my childhood memories of the Barbie world, both dolls and animated films".

Another thing was also said by a reviewer named Purnama after he watched the movie, he said that "This movie can not only be specialized for women but can be watched and enjoyed by everyone. In addition, this movie gives a good message and has a meaning of life and the purpose for which we were created. The quality of the movie production, cinematography, storyline and soundtrack used in this movie is very good to watch."

How can the Barbie movie give perspective to people who have watched it?

A student named Mutia also said that "I recommend this Barbie movie because this movie has a meaningful storyline in the form of moral messages that teach us to grow up to be ourselves who do not give up easily on any problems and do not depend on men, especially for women."

It is also said by Purnama that "This Barbie movie also shows the audience that every human being has their role in life. In addition, this movie opens a new perspective that both men and women have the right to be what they want. Important roles and positions that exist in real life can be occupied by both men and women.

On the other hand, this Barbie movie makes women realize that they have the right and can be whatever they want like this Barbie character. This movie also gives a perspective to men and women to help and complement each other, not to dominate or defeat each other."

It turns out that this Barbie movie was not just made to fulfil children's fantasies. It's not just about women's happiness and dreams. Barbie is about independence. A woman can be whatever she wants to be - with whatever identity she chooses. There's a lot of meaning in that. Although this movie is a feast for the eyes, it is not suitable for children to watch. The movie raises issues related to feminism, gender stereotypes, masculinity, patriarchy and most importantly, identity.

Written by: Arin Nuraeni & Mila Adinda