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.

  • @afraid_of_zombiesEnglish
    15•1 year ago

    All this stuff around the movie is making me not want to see it.

    I want to watch a movie, not be evaluated on my reaction to it.

    • @kookalooEnglish
      13•1 year ago

      I went and watched it with my missus. We laughed throughout and didn’t take it seriously, and there were no intense conversations after. I think I’d re-evaluate my relationship if I were being judged on my reaction to a pretty light-hearted comedy about a doll world.

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

        Now imagine if your partner got angry about the movie and threatened to never allow you to choose another movie again, and that you should spend more time working at the office to earn a higher paycheck.

    • @[email protected]English
      11•1 year ago

      So go watch the movie?

      This has big “I’m way too cool and interesting to consume popular thing” energy.

      You can go see the movie and form your own opinion and not need to tell everyone online. You can even go see it by yourself!

    • MagpieEnglish
      7•1 year ago

      Nah, just go watch the movie. It’s very funny.

      • Cosmic ClericEnglish
        1•1 year ago

        I’mevaluatibg you on tour reactionaire right now!Talke that!

        Does that mean we can evaluate you on your ability to write sentences without typos?