Over the past 64 years, Barbie has improved dramatically since its first model. Now they have included things such as disabilities, variety of sizes and a range of skin tones in their productions to make everybody feel connected to one of these dolls. Before barbie was seen as a traditional stereotype woman but nowadays, she is seen as a feminist icon.
Only 11 more days until the live action movie of the worlds most famous doll is arriving in cinemas, with the move stars Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie as the main duo, ken and barbie. The Barbie movie is a narrative comedy filled with laughter and a handful of jokes. Even though it hasn’t been presented on screens yet it’s one of the most talked releases of the summer and it has been a viral sensation across social media.
However, a lot of people around the world won’t be able to see it as it’s been banned in two known countries, Vietnam and Philippines. The reason behind this is because of a scene showing a map depicting the ‘nine dash line’, which is a U-shaped line that establishes the territory in the South China Sea, that both Vietnam and China claim.
The head of Vietnam’s Department of Cinema, Vi Kien Thanh, was quoted saying “We do not grant license for the American movie Barbie to release in Vietnam because it contains the offending image of the nine-dash line.” Confirming that the film is no longer able to be watched in those countries.
The storyline of this movie is where barbie and ken are having fun together in the perfect world, Barbie Land, however when they face the opportunity of entering the real world, the soon realize the hazards and thrills of being around humans and living in their world that shows the pair going on a journey of self-discovery. The moral behind the film is to send the message that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
By Megan & Olivia Yr8
Boston High School Newsroom