You don’t need me to tell you that the Barbie movie has exploded. Raking in a whopping $356 million in its first week at the box office, it’s already made history as the biggest cinema debut ever by a woman-directed film. But Barbie is far more than box office success and excellent marketing, and it’s far more than wearing pink. The Barbie movement has inspired a refreshing new perspective on life for women everywhere.
We’re simply here to tell you 5 reasons why you need to watch the Barbie movie!
But First, Some Background
The movie follows the life of the stereotypical blonde blue-eyed Barbie (Margot Robbie), who lives in the toy-inspired Barbieland surrounded by other Barbies and Kens. Barbielend is a pink plastic paradise inspired by the Barbie Dreamhouses released by Mattel. Every day of her is perfect until she starts to malfunction. Her arched feet become flat and she begins experiencing thoughts of death. Barbie finds out that she can only fix the problems by going to the real world with her boyfriend Ken (Ryan Gosling).
You will soon realize that this movie is far more than a straightforward story about toys. With a compelling storyline and themes of feminism and motherhood, there’s definitely a reason it’s PG-13.
Here are my 5 biggest takeaways from the Barbie Movie:
1. Perfection is Overrated
When you think of the word “Barbie”, you often think of the picture-perfect doll that has no flaws. The movie doesn’t shy away from the fact that Barbie has often been synonymous with unattainable beauty standards. The harder Barbie tries to stay perfect, the unhappier she becomes. The movie teaches us to embrace the reality of being a woman; you can be strong and still cry, and you can be beautiful and still have cellulite.
2. Beauty Comes in Different Forms
Even though the star of the movie is Stereotypical Barbie, different forms of beauty are highlighted in the film. Every race is accounted for, and people with disabilities are represented with one Barbie in a wheelchair and another with a prosthetic arm. There are also two plus-sized Barbies in the supporting cast, which makes this movie Curvy Mom-approved. It doesn’t matter what you look like – anyone can be a Barbie. Anyone can feel gorgeous in their own skin.
3. All Work is “Women’s Work”
Long before the movie came out, the Barbie brand has been known for promoting independent careers among women. This movie is no exception. The Barbies are doctors, physicians, construction workers, lawyers, novelists, Supreme Court Justices; you name it. If Barbie can do it, so can you.
Related article: 100 Women in Business Pursuing their Passion: Part One
4. Put Yourself First
One thing I love about the women of Barbie is their absolute confidence in themselves. When one Barbie wins a prize, her first reaction is to say that she deserves it. We all ought to apply this to our own lives. Stop second-guessing your abilities and thanking others before you thank yourself. When you succeed at something, remember, you deserve it!
5. Wear Pink!
Barbie is the first global blockbuster in a long time that’s unapologetically stereotypically feminine. Most of us can attest to having an “I don’t like pink” phase when growing up, a misguided attempt to appear better than other girls. Barbie shows us that it’s okay to wear pink, to love fashion and hair, to love style and glamour. It doesn’t make you any less capable as a person. And with all the different Barbie movie collaborations out right now, there are so many opportunities to wear it!
Buy Your Tickets!
What are you waiting for? Barbie represents confidence, fairness, and having fun in whatever you do. Pick your best pink outfit and go see the Barbie movie with your girls!
Guest Blogger
Cynthia Kinyera is a freelance writer specialising in women’s wellness. She uses her easy-flowing prose and digital marketing skills to craft engaging high-converting content. Find out more about her work at cynthiawrites.com.