Barbie: a feminist icon - 19th July 2023

London welcomed the stars of the Barbie film with a pink carpet. They were cheered by fans at its European premiere, who were looking pretty in pink.

Margot Robbie plays Barbie. She thinks the film’s unlike anything else.

Margot Robbie: "I mean, you kind of have to see it to really understand how much this movie is packing in. There's, there's so much joy and it's hilarious. It's very clever. It's got a lot to say. It's a crazy ride. It's visually spectacular. It really is unique. I, I cannot think of another movie that's, that's like it."

The world’s most popular doll went on sale in 1958. Since then, many people have complained about Barbie’s shape. It doesn’t represent women’s bodies.

However, director Greta Gerwig used the film to challenge this view and highlighted Barbie’s feminist identity.

Greta Gerwig: "I think it, really by not denying that she's full of controversy. I think that that was part of what was so interesting about her was that, you know, in some ways she's been ahead of culture in some ways, she's been behind it, but she's definitely been a topic of conversation for 64 years."

Barbie dolls have changed over time and become more inclusive. The film features characters such as President Barbie, Judge Barbie and gymnast Barbie. The Barbie range now also includes dolls of diverse shapes, sizes and ethnicities.

This diversity is key to Barbie’s identity for Ziya Haji.

Ziya Haji: "I think it's good and it's representing the world as it is having more authentic sort of dolls represented because that is what society is. Not everyone does look like Barbie, not everyone has plastic perfect. So I think it's quite nice to have diversity that is represented through the Barbie dolls and and have it represented in the film as well. And then again, with the people who are here, it's quite amazing."

To celebrate the premiere, famous London landmarks, its taxis and phone boxes turned Barbie pink. It’s usually a colour connected with baby girls. Will the Barbie movie lead to everyone wearing pink with pride?

Cast member Emerald Fennell believes pink’s for everyone.

Emerald Fennell: “That's our kind of culture really, is that anything that's perceived as girly or sparkly or pink is, is suddenly seen as kind of inferior or in some ways sort of frivolous. But it's not the case. I mean, there's absolutely no reason why you couldn't be doing whatever you wanted wearing a pink jumper."

Barbie’s a positive figure who definitely wears pink, says Atha Akumia.

Atha Akumia: "She's cute. She wears pink. She is friendly, lively, bubbly, the friends she makes, and just everything. Barbie's everything, literally, yeah."