Barbie is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it’s a modern take on empowerment, self-discovery, and the many forms of love that enrich our lives. Unlike typical Hollywood films, Barbie avoids focusing on romance and instead explores self-love, camaraderie, and the deep bond between mothers and daughters.
In 2024, this film continues to resonate with audiences for its fresh, inclusive perspective. It offers empowering messages that uplift without tearing anyone down. Barbie is a must-watch whether you’re looking for inspiration or simply a feel-good story.
Here are the top four reasons why!
1. It stirred up a lot of controversy
Ever since its announcement, the movie stirred up a lot of controversy. The film has even been banned in Russia because it does not correspond to local traditional values. This means you would need a VPN if you want to watch it there.
Most people already have a VPN on their desktop computers, but more and more people are watching movies via streaming services on their phones, which is why looking into the topic of the best VPN for mobile devices might not be such a bad idea either.
There are many movies that stir up controversy by having shock value, but with Barbie, it’s clear that this is not the case from the very start. The movie uses a beloved character to tackle some of the present-day issues like patriarchy, women’s body image, and more. It’s a cunning satire that’s supposed to bother those who ridicule and awaken those still unaware of the pressing matters in question.
One of the best things about this is that, ironically, many people would never have heard about the movie had it not been the main talking point of the culture wars when it was released. The efforts to cancel the film failed. If anything, it just drove more people to the theater.
There’s a story about how 18th-century Germans didn’t want to eat potatoes (due to prejudice and superstition), so Frederick the Great posted guards around them during the day. As a result, people would steal them at night since something prohibited has to be good.
2. It exposed a lot of hypocrisy
For a while, there’s a vocal minority online (especially in the YouTube commentary community) complaining about forcing female lead characters for some political agenda. So, when the new Masters of the Universe: Revelation was out, everyone complained about how Teela was the lead character, not He-Man.
The key argument was that the creators took an existing franchise and pushed a side character to the forefront just for being a female. The “good-natured” advice of these critics (on what to do instead) is to just create a new character (who will be female from the very start) instead of subverting a pre-existing character.
The argument was that these were predominantly male franchises and that trying to attract a female audience would fail. Instead, they should just take a franchise that has the fairer sex as its base, and it will work far better.
Barbie did precisely that. It took the most popular female toy ever and made a movie with it as the centerpiece.
It didn’t create a female Bond or force them to watch a Star Wars movie with a female protagonist. It just took a character that was always… well, made for girls, and they’re still not too happy about it.
They say that the movie just doesn’t speak to them. Well, it was never supposed to, to begin with.
3. It’s empowering without tearing down the other side
Are Kens really the villains of Barbie? Absolutely not.
You see, Barbie masterfully empowers female characters by portraying them as multidimensional individuals who can be anything they choose, from astronauts to presidents. The show highlights Barbie’s limitless potential without defining her solely by traditional gender roles. The focus is encouraging girls to embrace their strengths and aspirations, showing that femininity and power coexist.
What makes this movie unique is its refusal to pit women against men. Instead of tearing down male characters, the film encourages collaboration and mutual respect. Ken is shown as a supportive companion, and his journey is about finding his own identity without competing or undermining Barbie’s success.
It’s about Ken finally understanding that his goal in life is to find his path and not try to determine his value in his relationship with Barbie.
The movie also sends a powerful message about self-discovery. Barbie’s world encourages both men and women to be true to themselves. The film shows that success and fulfillment aren’t exclusive to one gender, promoting a message of equality and individuality where everyone’s achievements are celebrated.
In Barbie, empowerment isn’t about creating division but about lifting everyone up. Portraying a world where both genders thrive emphasizes that breaking down stereotypes benefits all. Barbie’s strength doesn’t come at the expense of others, reinforcing the idea that empowerment is inclusive and that positive change uplifts everyone.
4. It didn’t place romance as the centerpiece
In Barbie, romance takes a backseat, allowing space for different forms of love that are often overlooked in modern media. The movie focuses on Barbie’s self-love and personal growth journey, showing that fulfillment comes from within. Instead of seeking validation through a romantic partner, Barbie learns to embrace her individuality, inspiring viewers to do the same.
Camaraderie also plays a central role, as the movie highlights the importance of friendships and community. Barbie’s relationships with the other female characters are supportive and uplifting, celebrating the bonds that women form with each other. These friendships are portrayed as deeply meaningful, offering a refreshing take on love based on mutual respect and shared goals.
The movie beautifully explores the love between a mother and daughter, emphasizing how the bond shapes both of their lives. This relationship becomes a core there, showcasing how love within a family can be a powerful force for personal growth. It’s a heartfelt reminder of the deep, nurturing connections that are sometimes overshadowed in media by romantic storylines.
Barbie also touches on the love one can have for a toy or a role model. For many, Barbie represents more than just a doll – she’s an icon of possibility. The film acknowledges this, highlighting how love for a childhood figure can inspire creativity, dreams, and aspirations. By exploring these unique forms of love, Barbie broadens the conversation on what love truly means.
Barbie is a unique cinematic experience that you shouldn’t miss
Barbie stands out by celebrating self-love and diverse relationships that don’t rely on romance. The movie emphasizes empowerment, camaraderie, and meaningful connections, whether it’s between friends, family, or even a childhood toy. Barbie in 2024 offers more than just entertainment; it delivers messages inspiring viewers to love themselves and lift others up. If for no other reason, there was a solid push to cancel or censor the movie. This alone should be a reason for you to watch it.
