I was reading through some of the negative reviews and I am genuinely at a loss. I don’t get how so many plot points and intentions flew over peoples heads. I cannot begin to understand how some people interpreted this film as man-hating and as a space for women to just “complain”. (yes, I genuinely read this point in a review with one star)
Women expressing their struggles, and experiences, living in a patriarchal society under strict gender stereotypes isn’t man-hating. Just because there is a space not catered for the male viewer doesn’t make it man-hating. The whole Ken commentary is also ridiculous, where people are upset his character was a side character and that he had *what people interpret as* no substance or character development. I think Greta was commenting exactly on that issue. How Ken being a side doll in a matriarchal society, with his only purpose being in addition to barbie, was a PROBLEM. how are you people upset over this? I genuinely can’t figure it out. His whole storyline was to show how the opposite of patriarchy is NOT the vision, NOT the intention of this film. Ken finds his individuality and realises he never needed Barbies love to be enough, and that he has worth within himself as a man. Barbie acknowledges the damage she has done (also remember they’re freaking DOLLS LIKE WHAT GUYS)
Anyways, I could ramble on forever… In the end, I think the fact this film touched so many women and girls, had us crying in cinemas, and allowed for us to relate and release emotions we all share, is a pretty powerful and beautiful thing. Especially whilst the film remained fun, humorous and still entertaining for the whole family. This movie gave me a feeling of true empowerment. I needed this movie. I would have loved to have had a movie like this in my childhood or teen years, and I think it being this important to so many women is enough for it to get a five stars.