The world’s favorite plastic fashionista has hopped out of the box and onto the big screen in Greta Gerwig’s new kaleidoscopic wonderland, “Barbie.” On July 21, “Barbie” sales skyrocketed making $400 million after months of giddy anticipation from fans. It has truly proven to be the film of the year with its philosophical undertones and relatable characters that hit home for many female viewers.
Thanks to Mattel’s partnership, Gerwig’s colorful imagination was limitless, and she took great advantage of it, even to the extent of being responsible for a worldwide shortage of pink paint.
Barbie has always been “the perfect girl” in the eyes of society. She always has a smile, always says hi to everyone, always has on the most beautiful outfit, and all while carrying a million jobs and hobbies at the same time.
Humans are always expected to be and do extraordinary things, but what takes true courage is to be ordinary.
There’s never been a Barbie who cries every night or spends seven hours on her phone because she’s depressed. She would never wonder if everyone secretly hates her, never have a panic attack over public speaking, never have a bad hair day, never think about dying, and never obsess over her looks telling herself how ugly and stupid she is after comparing herself to other barbies. No, Barbie would never do that, because kids don’t play like that.
From plastic hairbrushes and dining wear to bulky roller blades and chunky accessories, it seems Gerwig might still be a child herself given the incredible nostalgic accuracy of Mattel’s products.
The film was directed specifically towards women who used to play with Barbie dolls, but now due to the inescapable nature of aging and losing interest don’t. Without a doubt, women have always been under pressure to stay young and beautiful forever, even though it is quite impossible.
Barbie quickly learns in the “real world” that it can be more dehumanizing than welcoming toward women. After getting physically harassed by men and even more embarrassingly made fun of by middle schoolers, it proves life throws challenges at every stage of life.
As Gloria (America Ferrera) said, “You have to be thin, but not too thin. And you can never say you want to be thin…You have to never get old, never be rude, never fail, never show fear, never get out of line. And It turns out in fact that not only are you doing everything wrong, but also everything is your fault.”
Humans are always expected to be and do extraordinary things, but what takes true courage is to be ordinary. To live a normal life with seasons of trials and seasons of pure joy. To be okay with not being perfect mentally and physically. Furthermore, worrying about the future and death won’t do people any good if they can’t be content where they are right now.
Society makes it so much more complicated than it needs to be to simply live life. Everyone has breaking points, let’s address it and respect it.
Above all, Barbie might have been created to be perfect, but humans definitely were not. So in the wise words of Ruth Handler (Rhea Perlman), “Take a deep breath, close your eyes, now feel.”
Although it was believed to be another shallow chick flick, “Barbie” has turned out to be a revolutionary eye-opening masterpiece that is a must-see for all ages.
