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.
What’s wrong is the disparity between the arcs of Barbie and Ken, a disparity that isn’t unique to this movie, but is especially stark. Barbie goes on a journey of self realization and actualization. Ken goes on a journey of becoming a huge dong so he can get put back in his place and schooled by Barbie. I would rather he have no agency at all and focus on Barbie than this heavy handed, exposition heavy, wet noodle of a delivery.