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.
Same, I just can’t bring myself to care about a movie that’s about toys I have zero nostalgia for.
I had no prior experiences with any Barbie-related products or media (adult cis white male in the US) and wasn’t sure whether I’d enjoy it at all. After seeing it, i honestly think there’s something for everyone in this movie. It’s exceptionally well-written (very wry) and makes solid points about the current state of patriarchy in our society. It’s really well-done. Feel free to wait for it to come out on streaming, but then I’d definitely recommend checking it out.