Barbie Movie: More Than a Pretty Face and a Perfectly Pink World
A spoiler-free (sort of) movie review
I’ve wanted to watch the Barbie movie since I first heard of it. And I’m so glad I did. With my husband and three teenagers, to boot.
As a kid, I loved playing with all my Barbie dolls. They were among my most precious toys. As a mother, I’m happy that my daughter loved all her Barbie dolls…and dresses, pillows, shoes, bags, and what have you.
So, yes, despite the narrative surrounding the release of the Barbie movie, I went ahead and watched it. I had to see it for myself. I wasn’t going to let all the toxic comments ruin the experience for me. I went all in and had an open mind.
After watching the Barbie movie, I can say that I understand why some people may not like it. Perhaps guys won’t watch it because they think it’s a chick flick. I mean the pink theme can be overwhelming, so I don’t blame them one bit. Or maybe some girls will stay away from it because they see Barbie as the reason that girls have to contend with impossibly high beauty standards. I get it. I seriously do.
However, when you get past the face value of the movie, there is actually a good story and a number of insightful, positive messages you can pick up. Here are my five key takeaways.
1. Girls can and should be allowed to choose the role they want to play in their own life. They don’t have to be a mother if they don’t want to, AND THAT IS OKAY! They can focus on their career and be a leader in their own right, or dedicate their life to motherhood, AND NOBODY SHOULD JUDGE THEM FOR THEIR DECISION. They can be whatever and whoever they want to be.
The same is true with boys. They can and should also be able to create the life they want for themselves.
2. You can be pretty, smart, and successful at the same time! Just because you look like a beauty queen or a supermodel doesn’t mean you lack intelligence. Just because you’re smart and successful doesn’t mean you cannot be attractive and desirable.
Again, this is applicable to boys as well.
3. A girl doesn’t need to have a boy in her life in order to be deemed “complete”. She can be happy and thriving on her own.
In the same manner, a boy doesn’t have to be paired with a girl to live a worthy life.
4. Girls need to build up other girls. They should be each other’s strongest support system. Why? It’s because of this — As if their many roles are not enough, girls often have to cope with the immense pressure from people around them. For example, they need to be (insert expectation here), but not too much because that might be misconstrued as (insert negative trait here). It’s like walking on eggshells, isn’t it? So, girls must be assured that they are more than enough and that they are already doing the best they can. And what better way to get that affirmation than to hear it straight from other girls who understand what you’re going through?
5. A happy life doesn’t mean a perfect life. You can feel sad or anxious at times but still have a happy life. You may encounter problems along the way but still be happy with your life. The important thing is that you define what “happiness” means to you.
How about you? Have you watched the Barbie movie already? Let me know what you think of it. Looking forward to all your responses.
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