One user on the Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu shared a guide for how women can test their boyfriends based on their reaction to the film.

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.

  • @[email protected]English
    1•1 year ago

    I haven’t seen it, but the criticism I’ve heard is that the feminist message is a pretty obvious one and not very deep. I guess you don’t go to the Barbie movie to “make you think”, but I’ve also heard that the movie spends a bit too long on that obvious message and it gets boring at parts. I think the majority of criticisms aren’t about the message itself, more about the execution of it.

    Buuutt this is the internet and the ridiculous voices are always the loudest lol

    • @swag_moneyEnglish
      3•1 year ago

      I haven’t seen it

      • @[email protected]English
        1•1 year ago

        Do you think we can’t talk about movie reviews unless we’ve seen the movie? Kinda makes the reviews pointless then doesn’t it

        • @swag_moneyEnglish
          1•1 year ago

          you should go see the movie to form your own opinions. plus, it’s a good movie :)

        • @new_acct_who_disEnglish
          0•1 year ago

          I love reviews for after watching a movie, I don’t want my impression to be changed by someone else.

          For example, I loved the Ralph Breaks The Internet sequel! I guess people and reviewers really hated that movie.

          • @[email protected]English
            0•1 year ago

            So those reviews didn’t impact your decision to see the movie and didn’t change your opinion of the movie after the fact? Sounds like the reviews were kinda pointless for you then, huh? Or at least not useful in their intended way.