Everyone knows Barbie. Launched in 1959, this plastic fashion doll has entertained generations of girls with her stylish outfits and endless accessories. She owns lavish dreamhouses, drives a sleek pink convertible and has a tanned beach boyfriend—all while obtaining over 200 careers. She has starred in dozens of animated movies and shows, been featured in countless video games and even vlogs on her own YouTube channel. Pop hits, famous painters and fashion brands have all drawn inspiration from her. Most recently, she has taken the lead in her eponymous and wildly successful live-action movie, “Barbie.” With its on-point messaging and boost to the economy, “Barbie” proves that she is no mere toy—she is a force to be reckoned with.
As a kid, I loved playing with Barbie dolls. Nothing could beat dressing them up in pink, fuchsia and magenta hues while imagining their eventful day. Back then, I saw Barbie movies as true cinematic masterpieces—“Barbie in the Nutcracker” is still etched in my mind. Yet, like many, I got over my love for Barbie as I grew older—that is, until “Barbie” was released in July.
“Barbie” drew upon our nostalgia for the doll and turned it into a blockbuster hit. Crowds of mother and daughter duos and groups of gals went to watch the movie in theaters, all clad in bright pink, including me. The theater and surrounding area became a mini Barbieland, with all of us Barbies buzzing with excitement for the movie.
The movie truly exceeded my expectations. The visuals were fantastically pink, especially the costumes. Stereotypical Barbie effortlessly pulled off classic Barbie doll looks and custom Chanel couture. The soundtrack brimmed with new catchy tunes and compelling ballads. And, of course, the central theme of women’s empowerment was a delight. With a female president and all-women Supreme Court, what woman wouldn’t want to live in Barbieland?
The message of “Barbie” was just as perfect. We are all enough—or “Kenough,” in Ken’s case. As Gloria (America Ferrera) powerfully voiced, in our patriarchal society rife with double standards and impossible expectations toward women, we need to remember that we are enough. And as the Kens realize, being just Ken is enough; they don’t need to be in a relationship with Barbie to be complete. Our self-worth should not hinge upon societal roles and molds.
With these elements, it is no surprise that “Barbie” has raked in over $1 billion globally—a first for a solo female director—and is the highest-grossing domestic movie of 2023. And besides pumping money into cinema, “Barbie” has boosted other parts of the economy as well. Many fashion brands are selling pink and Barbie-themed items, ranging from bubblegum shirts and electric crossbodies to bejeweled hair clips and neon roller skates. Even Valentino’s vivid pink fall and winter 2022 collection is having its moment thanks to “Barbie.” Mattel’s side of the toy industry has also experienced a lift, with their movie-inspired Barbie dolls selling out fast. Only one doll is left in stock: Ken in striped beach attire.
So, while Barbie has been inspiring girls for decades, now “Barbie” truly has taken the world by storm. With its feminist outlook and economic display of women’s power, it is undeniable: Barbie is a phenomenon, not just a plastic doll.
