My thanks to my friend Ken for this idea. If you have not seen this movie, I highly recommend it. Our organization took a group of seniors to see it and the reviews were all very positive. It is not a children's movie, it resonates with adults or at least seniors.
This movie sends many messages, with stereotypical Barbie living a perfect life. However, she lacks an occupation, which leaves her feeling empty when she starts to malfunction. The movie offers lessons for both Barbies and Kens. Barbie realizes that being just an "idea" of a woman no longer fulfills her. Her path to joy involves embracing her humanity, including all its complexities, heartaches, and imperfections.
The Barbie movie unfolds in two worlds. One is Barbieland, a hyper-feminized doll land, while the other is the Real World, where men mostly hold power, and women struggle to be heard. Initially in Barbieland, Barbie and the other Barbies enjoy power and influence without facing the sexism, oppression, or insecurities that human women endure. Ken's role in Barbie Land is limited to following Barbie like a puppy, waiting for her attention without much significance.
The idyllic bubble of Barbieland bursts when Barbie experiences existential dread and insecurities, mirroring the thoughts of the human playing with her in the Real World. To address this, she and Ken venture into the Real World, where Barbie confronts the emotional weight of womanhood. She questions her worth, intelligence, capabilities, and beauty.
Meanwhile, Ken experiences male privilege for the first time, noticing how men in the Real World hold power, respect, and influence. He believes bringing these ideas back to Barbie Land is the key to his happiness. Ken transforms Barbie's Dreamhouse into a frat house, embracing hyper-masculine ideals.
Ultimately, the movie teaches valuable lessons. Barbie realizes that being an "idea" of a woman isn't fulfilling; true joy comes from embracing her humanity. Similarly, Ken learns that conforming to hyper-masculinity or being Barbie's sidekick won't bring happiness. He must discover his identity and desires on his own terms, symbolized hilariously by his wearing a tie-dyed hoodie with "I am Kenough" emblazoned on it.
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