Movie Review - How good was ' Barbie' movie ?

 

When Greta Gerwig, who directed Oscar-nominated films like 'Lady Bird' and 'Little Women', came up with a film on a famous doll like 'Barbie', it was natural to expect a great film.  When Greta announced that she would make a film by making 'Barbie' not in plastic but in human form i.e. live-action, the audience was eagerly waiting for this film.  'Barbie' has always been preferred in the image of a perfect doll, in which there is no room for any flaws.  Be it the looks or the outfit or her house, or her accessories, everything is enchanting like a fairy tale, but what happens when 'Barbie' herself puts a question mark on that perfect image she has set for years.  With 'Barbie's' search for self-existence, the director not only challenges age-old stereotypes of women, but also takes a stab at patriarchy, but she does it deftly without undermining men.

The story of 'Barbie' begins with Barbie (Margot Robbie) living in the world of dreams ie Barbie Land.  Everything in this barbie land is very pleasant and beautiful.  There are lots of Barbies and Ken (Ryan Gosling).  But one day, Barbie is suddenly disturbed by the thought of death, so she is sent from Barbie Land to the real world of humans, so that she can find out the imperfections that happen to her.  Ken also joins her on this journey and then begins an exciting journey where Barbie gets to know the bitter truths and sorrows of the human world.  She is shocked to know that her aim is to spread happiness and dreams to good people, but a section of the real world also hates her perfect image.  She realizes that she may never have intended to hurt anyone, but this patriarchal image has harmed people.  Along with Barbie, Ken also begins to search for his existence, what is the meaning of his existence?  A doll with no brains is just stroking for a barbie.  In the real world he understands the importance of being a man and now he wants to apply this masculinist thinking to the beautiful and rosy world of Barbie.  But can he do this?  What happens to Barbie stuck between Barbie Land and the real world?  You will get the answers to these questions in the film.

Greta's story telling as a director has to be appreciated.  She has beautifully portrayed Barbie, who is beautiful and can achieve anything, be a doctor, lawyer, Nobel laureate, astronaut, but when she starts to feel ugly and unworthy, her tears and emotions through her stories and narratives are very beautiful.  In a scene through the real-world Gloria (America Ferreira), they grapple with the ungrateful attitudes and expectations placed on women.  This scene touches the heart.  Another feature of Barbie is her colorful set design, which is enhanced with Barbie's favorite color pink.  Greta may appear to be advocating feminism, but she doesn't let the film's entertaining moments diminish.  Her strange characters are also tied.  Whenever the story is serious about its issues, the director avoids burdening it with songs and comedy punches.

 Margot as Barbie has to be praised.  She has lived the human avatar very skillfully along with the plastic doll.  In the form of Barbie, the doll's body language and emotions are beautifully captured by her.  Ryan Gosling as Kane also proves to be nineteen out of nowhere.  The most neglected character in 'Barbie' has got a lot to do on screen and Ryan makes the most of it.  Simu Liu looks fun and attractive.  America Ferrera as Gloria, a working single mom and Barbie lover, does a great job.  Kate McKinnon stars as Weird Barbie.  Will Ferrell is entertaining as the boss.  Emerald Fennell and the supporting cast have been good.