Barbie, one of the most iconic and revolutionary toy franchises worldwide, has considerably developed itself as our current generation’s most controversial movie. 

The overall plotline of this $1.4 billion dollar in box sales movie, begins in Barbie Land where perfectionism and paradise crafts this world just as shiny and plastic as Barbie herself.

That is until a decline to this demanding world creates itself present. Barbie begins struggling with her complexity and questioning her purpose. As a result, she’s forced to confront the making of these ‘imperfections’ by reevaluating the making of herself.  It is a trip to the real world, both symbolically and literally. 

Barbie’s journey on self-discovery stars this controversy. Existing in our modern world forces Barbie to experience the struggles, stigmas, and standards that come with being a woman. Her understanding of true female power is challenged and as a result, improved. She realizes her perspective on the matter was under false and unrealistic conditions of social structures. 

WJPS senior Riley Ramnath said, “The Barbie movie made my struggles feel seen.” 

WJPS junior Ella Anayatian said, “The Barbie movie made me feel empowered as a female.” 

Our doll learns to both maintain and yield her voice and rights against the patriarchy despite its heavy struggles. Freeingly, Barbie redefines the symbolism she embodies for our society and girls all over the world.

From a model of expectations for girls to follow, to transitioning at the forefront of the female experience, makes the Barbie movie more than a film worth watching as a piece of both awareness and entertainment. 

“Summer Movies of 2023: Barbie” by the kirbster is licensed under CC BY 2.0.