this post was submitted on 03 Aug 2023
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For some women in China, "Barbie" is more than just a movie — it's also a litmus test for their partner's views on feminism and patriarchy.

The movie has prompted intense social media discussion online, media outlets Sixth Tone and the China Project reported this week, prompting women to discuss their own dating experiences.

One user on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu — a photo-sharing site similar to Instagram that's mostly used by Gen Z women — even shared a guide on Monday for how women can test their boyfriends based on their reaction to the film.

According to the guide, if a man shows hatred for "Barbie" and slams female directors after they leave the theatre, then this man is "stingy" and a "toxic chauvinist," according to Insider's translation of the post. Conversely, if a man understands even half of the movie's themes, "then he is likely a normal guy with normal values and stable emotions," the user wrote.

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[–] Chriszz@lemmy.world 48 points 1 year ago (8 children)

For those who saw the movie: do you think this test is valid?

[–] CitizenKong@lemmy.world 91 points 1 year ago (3 children)

As a man, I would say sort of. The movie does not shy away from a very obvious feminist message combined with an unsubtle (hilarious) spoof of toxic masculinity. On the other hand, it's still a matter of personal taste. I really liked the movie, but I could see how someone would find it a bit too simplistic and formulaic in its story, completely independent from its themes. Not liking female directors in general just because they're female is complete bullshit though.

[–] Laticauda@lemmy.ca 58 points 1 year ago

To be fair it doesn't say the boyfriend has the like the movie, just understand it and not bash it mindlessly.

[–] MisterFrog@lemmy.world 6 points 1 year ago

I thought the movie was okay. The visuals were stunning the dance numbers fun (if you're into that, which I am), they did a good job leaning into the comedy world-building and the takes on Ken loving the patriarchy were the most hilarious. Overall I think it did a good job. The story was a bit meh though for me because of how simple it was.

[–] Steeve@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I haven't seen it, but the criticism I've heard is that the feminist message is a pretty obvious one and not very deep. I guess you don't go to the Barbie movie to "make you think", but I've also heard that the movie spends a bit too long on that obvious message and it gets boring at parts. I think the majority of criticisms aren't about the message itself, more about the execution of it.

Buuutt this is the internet and the ridiculous voices are always the loudest lol

[–] swag_money@lemmy.world 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)
[–] Steeve@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Do you think we can't talk about movie reviews unless we've seen the movie? Kinda makes the reviews pointless then doesn't it

[–] swag_money@lemmy.world 0 points 1 year ago

you should go see the movie to form your own opinions. plus, it's a good movie :)

[–] new_acct_who_dis@lemmy.world 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I love reviews for after watching a movie, I don't want my impression to be changed by someone else.

For example, I loved the Ralph Breaks The Internet sequel! I guess people and reviewers really hated that movie.

[–] Steeve@lemmy.ca 0 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

So those reviews didn't impact your decision to see the movie and didn't change your opinion of the movie after the fact? Sounds like the reviews were kinda pointless for you then, huh? Or at least not useful in their intended way.

[–] Rayspekt@kbin.social 83 points 1 year ago

I don't know I one should derive a scientific test out of it, but if a guy gets batshit crazy over the movie, then he might not have the best relation towards independent women.

[–] archiotterpup@lemmy.world 38 points 1 year ago

As a gay man, I say yes. I get to watch the hetero world from the outside and yeah, Barbie nails it. Folks just don't like the mirror.

[–] Amilo159@lemmy.world 15 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (4 children)

It's not a movie for my taste as I prefer to watch sci-fi, action, thriller or historical themed movies. So if I was forced or coerced into seeing it, I would probably hate it too. Then again, I haven't seen it so don't really know for sure.

[–] Laticauda@lemmy.ca 33 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It doesn't say you have to like the movie, just understand its themes.

[–] Amilo159@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

That's actually a very good point that I didn't even realise. I did say "hate it" but didn't mean hating the movie, simply disliking and not enjoying the time.

I guess it's become far too easy to use extreme words in our daily speech nowadays, for which I blame social media.

[–] Mothra@mander.xyz 14 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I second your opinion and I'm a woman. I just never liked the franchise, no matter how good the movie is, I don't think I'd enjoy watching it either.

[–] Hera@lemmy.world 12 points 1 year ago

You might not like it, but I have huge barbie issues and went with my 11 yo thinking it would be okay and poke a but of fun and have a slightly feminist bent. I truly loved every minute and am surprised how much I did. It is formulaic but done really well.

[–] TheBlackLounge@lemmy.world 8 points 1 year ago

It's rare, but this franchise owner understands very well that a lot of people hate Barbie. It's even in the trailer "If you love Barbie, this movie is for you. If you hate Barbie, this movie is for you."

[–] expr@programming.dev 13 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I tend to prefer similar movies as you and I loved the movie. It is a VERY fantastical, intelligent, existential, and heady movie. It's one of the most expert navigations of complex social dynamics I've ever seen and has an absolute shitload of cinema references and easter eggs to boot.

Don't let the surface fool you. The franchise is just a vehicle for Greta's ideas to reach a mass audience.

[–] eestileib@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

The franchise is a vehicle to sell barbies.

Mattel decided this was the best way in the current cultural mood.

[–] good_girl@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 points 1 year ago

Vehicles tend to have space for many things. Writers also tend to not be massive corporations even while speaking for said corporations.

[–] Laticauda@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 year ago

That's like saying The Lego Movie and the Lego Batman movie were a vehicle to sell Legos. That's pretty obviously not all they were, and just because they could sell toys that doesn't mean they weren't also good movies.

[–] sxt@lemmy.world 9 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I definitely think it would do a fantastic job of baiting out reactions and listening to what someone has to say about it after would probably clue you in on what stood out to them about it. Obviously none of these types of tests can be conclusive, but I'd say if someone came out of the theater super angry then that's pretty telling of something at least. A good starting point for further discussion with that person.

On the whole I thought the movie was hilarious and had a very compassionate message for men at the end of the movie as well.

My biggest issue after watching it has just been having to see braindead takes from people online, swinging in both directions. Lots of "the movie hates men" types but I've also seen a few "DAE, men bad?" tier takes as well which is a bit disheartening.

[–] betheydocrime@lemmy.world 7 points 1 year ago

I don't know if it's defininitive, but I do think it offers good insight into what a person notices when they watch things. There's a whole lot to notice and think about in the movie

[–] Blamemeta@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

It kinda feels like you could come away with any interpretation you want. Like you could say Barbie put down a slave revolt, and its totally valid.

So yeah, maybe the test is valid.