Barbie labelled an "attack on the biblical system of family" by Christian review site
A number of Christian conservatives have boycotted the new Barbie Movie, labelling it "an attack on the biblical system of family".
The feminist flick starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken sees the pair uncover the perils and joys of the human world as they leave the seemingly perfect ‘Barbie Land’ which celebrates a female-centred ‘dream world’ where women can be anything. Some conservatives have argued the film tears down the traditional roles and strengths of men and women, depicting “cis men as evil” while glorifying the abandonment of motherhood in a scene in which little girls bash their baby dolls on rocks.
Movie Guide - a website that reviews films from a Christian perspective says the much anticipated film by director Greta Gerwig attacks the "mythical" patriarchal system, motherhood and the biblical system for family.
The review entitled "politically correct illusions in pink" says the Barbie film "contains feminist attacks on men, an attack on teaching girls to be mothers" and "implicitly attacks the biblical system of the family established by God in Chapters One and Two of Genesis"
"God made men and women to complement one another and establish dominion, as intimate partners" it adds.
In the film, Stereotypical Barbie expresses that she doesn’t want to be with Ken despite that being the assumption. She advises Ken that, like her, he doesn't need to depend on someone else to define him - something Movie Guide says is a "godless philosophical, psychological message that women and men should be independent, totally self-determining beings."
A number of Christians and conservatives have taken to Twitter with the hashtag "boycottbarbie", raising concerns its “woke” themes undermine traditional family values and are harmful to children.
One user wrote: “The Barbie movie promotes the trans and LGBTQ agenda. It also makes men weak and gay. Conservatives must boycott the Barbie movie. Go see Sound of Freedom instead. #BarbieTheMovie #boycottbarbie"
Premier Christian News has reached out to Warner Bros. regarding the negative claims made about the Barbie movie and is awaiting a response.
Fans of the film have praised it for its inclusivity, wit and relevance in tackling themes like sexual assault and unhelpful beauty standards. Online reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes hailed the comedy "dazzling, clever and poignant" with a 90 per cent rating.
The box-office hit saw the biggest opening weekend for 2023 so far, bringing in $155 million (£120m) in the USA.
