Plot: In the matriarchal society of Barbieland, confident and successful Barbie rejects a closer relationship with her friend Ken in favor of independence and female friendships. However, during a dance party, Barbie is struck with worries about mortality and undergoes a sudden change in appearance. Weird Barbie, an outcast, tells her that she must venture into the real world and find the child playing with her to cure her affliction. Reluctantly, Barbie allows Ken to join her on the journey to the real world and That’s where all trouble Begins.
Cast: Ryan Gosling, Margot Robbie, Emma Mackey, Alexandra Shipp, Dua Lipa and Issa Rae appear Ncuti Gatwa, Simu Liu Scott Evans, America Ferrera, Ariana Greenblatt, Rhea Perlman, Ann Roth, Marisa Abela.
Director: Greta Gerwig
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Review
The story highlights themes of independence, self-discovery, and breaking free from societal expectations in a captivating tale of personal growth and empowerment, more focused on Feminism. Basically the Barbie world was ruled by all women and after coming back from the real world, Ken learned that the real world was ruled by Man and He applied that stereotype in the Barbie world. The film centers around the classic and widely recognized portrayal of Barbie, known for her thin, tall, and conventionally beautiful appearance. However, this movie takes a unique approach by delving into Barbie’s journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It bypasses the more unconventional versions of Barbie, such as Pregnant Barbie or Clown Barbie, as well as the empowered roles like President or Doctor Barbie and even those exploring her adventures in space. Instead, the filmmaker, Gerwig, focuses on the iconic and easily digestible image of Barbie, aiming to explore the phenomenon of the doll and its numerous transformations to remain relevant over time. By turning the spotlight inwards, the film aims to shed light on the essence of Barbie and how she has evolved to captivate the public’s imagination throughout her existence.
Barbie is not solely about Barbie’s self-discovery; it is also about the dynamics between Barbie and Ken, with Ryan Gosling’s exceptional acting elevating the character of Ken to a pivotal position in the movie’s narrative. Without Ken, there would be a void in the story, and without Gosling, the portrayal of Ken would not have been as captivating and memorable.
The 1 hour 50 minutes of the film was totally worth it and there are lots of reasons for it. Talking about what works in film then it’s almost everything and especially the Writing of the Film.
Performances
Guys ready to unlock your new personality Because Ryan Gosling nailed it again. We heard that Ryan Gosling deserves an Oscar for his performance right? Then you heard right the way he portrayed Ken was perfect and on point, The way writers wrote his character with the new era words and the way they wrote the character’s depth it feels like Ryan Gosling was born for this Role. “If Ryan Gosling doesn’t get an Oscar nomination for Ken, I’m ready to riot.”
Margot Robbie is the Shining star of the sky in the film. Margot’s acceptance of the character as her own is evident in her performance, as she effortlessly brings Barbie to life on the screen. The way she interacts with the plastic doll reflects her deep understanding of the character’s persona, making her reactions appear natural and authentic.
The supporting cast in “Barbie” delivered impressive performances, with Simu Liu showcasing his talent well, although I may have felt his character was not entirely necessary to the story. Kate McKinnon’s portrayal of the quirky Barbie character was exceptional, leaving a memorable impact on the audience. America Ferrera’s portrayal added a subtle yet significant touch of emotion to the film, particularly in her monologues. Emma Mackey’s role, while commendable, appeared more like a supporting character without much prominence. However, Rhea Pearlman stole the show among the supporting cast, delivering a flawless performance that truly did justice to the well-written character. Her presence on screen was captivating and added depth to the overall cinematic experience.
Music
The Barbie soundtrack features an impressive lineup of pop heavyweights like Lizzo, Charli XCX, and Dua Lipa, creating a vibrant and flamboyant musical experience that complements the movie’s narrative and stands on its own as captivating songs. With danceable tunes reminiscent of “Saturday Night Fever,” Lizzo’s “Pink” and Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night” are modern disco classics, while Ryan Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken” adds hilarity and theatricality, Maybe in future this will be the “Literally Me” song for Memers. (If you know you know) The soundtrack’s exceptional editing music immerses listeners in Barbie’s enchanting universe, making it an unforgettable musical journey.
Editing
The cartoonish editing in the film was truly outstanding, showcasing the editor’s skillful and creative approach. Throughout the movie, the transitions and flow were impeccably handled, leaving no room for criticism. From seamless scene changes to maintaining the film’s volume, the editor’s attention to detail ensured a smooth and engaging viewing experience, captivating the audience from start to finish.
Writing and Direction
The collaboration between Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach in writing deserves a standing ovation for their exceptional work. They skillfully address ignored topics in a compelling manner, providing the audience with a refreshing and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Greta’s writing prowess has consistently impressed, starting with her debut film “Hannah takes the stairs,” and she has continued to deliver captivating storytelling ever since.What sets “Barbie” apart is Greta’s unique perspective, using Gen Z terms to tell a tale that has traditionally been dominated by male voices, especially since Barbie, created by a woman, has often been shaped by men at Mattel. Through witty dialogues and insightful scenes, Greta sheds light on the lack of female representation and decision-making in shaping the doll’s identity.
While “Barbie” exhibits wild ambition and excitement, there are moments of unevenness, particularly as the film delves into more serious themes. The humor, though occasionally landing on point, is admirably sharp with every line, maintaining a consistent tone of self-awareness.
The film features a mix of strong language, one of which is bleeped, and other mild expletives. Greta’s writing skillfully addresses freedom of speech while conveying messages that resonate with the audience.
Barbie as a whole can be appreciated for its overall brilliance, while Greta and Noah’s writing stands out as a powerful and impactful element that adds depth and significance to the film.
Cinematic References
The film “Barbie” cleverly pays tribute to various classic cinema masterpieces through its cinematic references. The opening scene, reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey,” establishes a connection with iconic filmmaking. Additionally, the movie humorously includes nods to “The Matrix” with the red pill reference, “Citizen Kane” with the snow globe mention, “The Godfather” with the male perspective, and even acknowledges fan fervor for Zack Snyder’s director’s cut of “Justice League.”
Overall Review
Barbie delivers a refreshing and thought-provoking cinematic experience, exploring themes of independence and self-discovery in the matriarchal society of Barbieland. Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach’s writing shines as they skillfully address overlooked aspects of Barbie’s world, while Ryan Gosling’s exceptional performance as Ken adds depth to the narrative. I’m gonna cut a half star from my rating, not because of the film itself, but due to the Warner Bros decision to release this exceptional masterpiece alongside another masterpiece.
Have your Watched Barbie yet? If yes then rate it out of 5 Stars.