Saudis are rushing to cinemas to see the global hit movie “Barbie” in theaters across the Kingdom, local media report.
According to the leading local English language news outlet Arab News, last Thursday, on the opening day in Riyadh, movie goers “descended on cinemas wearing various shades of pink and their funkiest accessories, demonstrating how the popularity of the film has affected local audiences.”
Neighboring Kuwait has banned “Barbie,” while there is heated debate underway in Lebanon on whether to do so.
As people flock to theaters to see the film, a conversation is emerging in the Kingdom about the significance of the popular production, which has already grossed over $1 billion in sales around the world.
Per Arab News:
“Rumors had been circulating that Saudi Arabia would also prohibit the film when its screening was pushed to Aug. 31 — a month after its US release. But the film, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken respectively, was unexpectedly released on Aug. 10, with only a few days’ notice given for advanced ticket purchases…
“Some also rushed to criticism…The movie is essentially about the tribulations of a woman in the ‘real world,’ but individuals across the Arab region have been bashing the film, claiming it is packed with extreme feminist ideologies that degrade men. Many also claimed it violated traditional family values…
“Mohammed F. told Arab News that the film’s strong point is that it tackles issues such as patriarchal attitudes and consumerism, in playful and fun ways, using Barbie dolls…”
