Are you Kenough? The film’s earnings sure were! The new Barbie movie became Warner Bros’ highest-grossing film, surpassing The Dark Knight. Barbie, starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, helped bring the childhood toy into real life. 

Did you grow up with a Barbie doll? For many, it was a full-circle moment watching childhood toys come to life. While the creators and directors conjured up the touching storyline, Robbie successfully illustrated the pressures of living up to the unattainable standards. In our society, women are expected to meet a long list of beauty, character, and moral standards. Actress America Ferrara, who plays Gloria, gave the following speech on how impossible being a woman truly is:

“It is literally impossible to be a woman. You are so beautiful, and so smart, and it kills me that you don’t think you’re good enough. Like, we have to always be extraordinary, but somehow we’re always doing it wrong.

You have to be thin, but not too thin. And you can never say you want to be thin. You have to say you want to be healthy, but also you have to be thin. You have to have money, but you can’t ask for money because that’s crass. You have to be a boss, but you can’t be mean. You have to lead, but you can’t squash other people’s ideas. You’re supposed to love being a mother but don’t talk about your kids all the damn time. You have to be a career woman but also always be looking out for other people.

You have to answer for men’s bad behavior, which is insane, but if you point that out, you’re accused of complaining. You’re supposed to stay pretty for men, but not so pretty that you tempt them too much or that you threaten other women because you’re supposed to be a part of the sisterhood.

But always stand out and always be grateful. But never forget that the system is rigged. So find a way to acknowledge that but also always be grateful.

You have to never get old, never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down, never fail, never show fear, never get out of line. It’s too hard! It’s too contradictory and nobody gives you a medal or says thank you! And it turns out in fact that not only are you doing everything wrong, but also everything is your fault.

I’m just so tired of watching myself and every single other woman tie herself into knots so that people will like us. And if all of that is also true for a doll just representing women, then I don’t even know.”

This powerful speech encompasses the reality of being forced to strive for feminine perfection. Not only did the Barbie movie receive fantastic feedback, but it also exposed the stresses of being a woman in ways that a speech or essay couldn’t. This movie was thought to just be a “cute” live-action film for young girls, but it became an inspirational form of expression for all women. After the release of the movie, women and allies became more empowered to express their gratitude for women and womanhood. At the end of the movie, the writers pay tribute to all the moms, aunts, grandmothers, and female figures who have helped set a foundation for the future of little girls everywhere. Although some might neglect to see the deeper meaning behind the film, the Barbie movie is a moving and impactful experience for those who have watched it.