Barbie: An Accidental Anti-‘Woke’ Masterpiece 

The part where Barbie says “I am become death, destroyer of the patriarchy.”, was a really powerful moment I thought

One time I was alone at work, and a dude with a thick, slavic accent said "you are one-man army." Still one of the best compliments I've ever gotten.

I like how the CEO has a problem with a “boy toy” selling well when Mattel also makes Hot Wheels and He-Man products.

I loved one particular scene and it feels underrated. While 2 armies of ken are fighting, and barbies are getting their Constitution - there is a 3rd group. Men in suits, walking through this chaos, watching it... And making money on it, no matter who prevails. Genious.

I love the rorschach test analoogy, seems so right. I came out of that movie confused at what the hell the message was supposed to be and no one has been able to say what it actually is - everyone sees what they want to see in it! Fascinating indeed.

"after I realized horses weren't a part of patriarchy I lost interest" got me laughing tho

"Barbie comes to destroy a slave revolt." Well, the teenage girl was right apparently lol.

That male complement thing hits home, I remember 3 years ago a random guy in a homedepot said he liked my haircut and said it had style. Caught me way off guard. Remember it all the time, so sad.

Well well well, The delicious irony at 2:35 came truth, Ryan was nominated for Oscar and not the main Barbie. It’s seemed that he’s Kenough

Ken conquered Barbieland by simply walking up to the average Barbie and be like: "Hey wanna not have responsibility anymore" and they literally all agreed instantly

I love how the Kens start fighting over the girls but halfway through they forget about it, make up and have a blast.

2:32 Ryan Gosling nominated for an Oscar and Margot and Greta were not. We’ll see if Shoe predicted the future 😬

2:30 Shoe may have jokingly manifested the 2024 Oscars

if I had a nickel for every time Ryan Gosling starred in a movie where he was a second class citizen manufactured by a tyrannical corporation in a dystopian society, joins a resistance movement after experiencing the magnitude of freedom he has been denied, all while a woman works relentlessly to keep them oppressed, I would have 2 nickels, which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice

Dear conservatives You claim Barbie is "woke", but I was sleeping the whole time in the theatre Curious

I know I'm late to the party but my only real issue with the movie was that when the barbies were all "woken up" by America Ferrera's character the first step in their plan to get the world back to normal is to emotionally manipulate and destroy the Kens. Besides that I thought it was a great movie that had a pretty sweet message. Ryan Gosling absolutely nailed the role and was easily the best part of the whole thing.

It's now 5 months later and seeing shoe say it would be ironic to see Ken get an award but not Barbie has become true.

Ok, the fact that the Barbies literally Gaslight, Gatekeep, Girlboss their way back into a matriarchy HAS to be done ironically.

Barbie is based. It only took one day for Ken to overthrow the matriarchy and it took the matriarchy a full on operation to deal with them.

On the compliment, can confirm. I was out on a run, and some random woman driving by honked, yelled out the window "You're doing great, keep it up!" That's nearly all I've got.

he did win an award... and everyone hates that he did.... kinda funny

"When i found out patriarchy wasn't about horses, i've honestly lost interest" If that's not the best one-liner ever, i don't know what is

8 years ago, a girl said i was cute. She was like 12 and i was 10, so obviously i immediatly reported her to the local authorities for being a creep and catcalling me.

@7:15 - nailed it. I remember like it was yesterday, in 1983 a female teacher told me I had a nice smile. Got ridiculed mercilessly by everyone but it was nice to hear that and it stuck with me ever since. Thanks, Mrs. Berry.

Everyone laughed in my theater when the girl called Barbie a fascist, truly a based moment.

Shoe really nailed it with men being starved for compliments. I had a women ask if I "trimmed my own beard because it looks like it was done professionally" while I was renewing my license a while ago. I've literally thought of it every day... pathetic.

That speech of being a human woman felt more like just being a human. A lot of things she said resonated with me, a man. Because i have some of the same struggles.

I shed a tear when Ken realized he actually had worth.

If I had a nickel for every movie where Will Ferrell plays an antagonist who wears a suit and tie and tries to stop a toy from breaking into reality in a movie based on a toy brand, I'd have exactly two nickels ...

"She called me facist! ...but I don't control the railways or flow of commerce..." -Barbie

You nail this. The creators of the movie weren't smart enough to create feminist characters who were also likable. In creating the Barbies to be narcissists and possible sociopaths who thoughtlessly use and oppress the Kens the movie created a warning of the true goals of new wave feminism. The Barbies literally never even think of the Kens, they are treated as subhuman. Where do the Kens even live? Barbie doesn't know or care and neither does the movie. And then there is the fact that Ken is the only sympathetic and interesting character, the only "real" character with real desires. Not to mention the fact that the movie ignores the way 99% of all children play with Barbie, to create family life, dating, marriage, etc. The idea that the Barbies all have no interest in the Kens because they are too busy girl-bossing around is so ridiculous it becomes unintentional satire.

I was honestly a little taken aback about the the whole leadership of Barbie-land. It went from being controlled by Barbie's and Ken having a problem, then to being controlled by Ken's and then Barbie having a problem, and then back to being controlled by Barbie's again. I don't know I was just really hoping for a close middle ground being taken and agreed upon by both sides. I know it's just a movie and really isn't that deep, but i just feel that it would have been a better end in a world-building and character growth sense.

The world has gone so woke that Shoe0nHead has begun to post videos somewhat frequently..... truly a scary time for the West....

I had a girl tell me my voice was mesmerizingly nice to listen to when i did a speech in high school in front of the class. She said it in front of everyone in the class and i realized everyone were carefully listening to my words. Catherine wherever you are, thanks for that. It was 17 years ago and i'll never forget. It played a big part in my charismatic nature that i still hold on to this day.

As a mother of two boys, and someone who absolutely adored Barbie, I had mixed feelings about seeing this movie. So I waited to watch it at home today. Glad I waited. This movie broke my heart for today's males. You really have to be a man hater to root for the Barbies in this movie. Barbie admits she has no idea where the Kens even live, and she doesn't seem to care either. The Kens constantly work so hard to impress and earn the Barbies' attention and appreciation, and the Barbies don't care. During Barbie's dance party, all the females get amazing outfits, and all the Kens have to wear the same comparatively plain jumpsuit. The Barbies want "girls' night" every night. They don't allow the Kens any voice in Barbieland, and even during the "happy ending" the Barbies still won't allow the Kens to have equal rights and political positions within Barbieland. The Kens are oppressed so much in Barbieland that they lose their minds when they learn that in the real world men have a say in the world around them and are respected. Even when the Kens temporarily take over, their favorite thing to do is help the Barbies learn new things (which obviously is supposed to come across as mansplaining, but only seems like an effort to be helpful and nice). The Kens' major weakness is literally a female in distress and in need of help. Barbieland is the feminist fantasy world, and it is every bit as horrible as when men ran everything and women had no say in the real world. And that BS quote about how mothers stand still so their daughters can look back and see how far they've come? As a mother, I HATE THIS QUOTE WITH A PASSION. Why should I have to stand still just because I've had kids? I started a small business after having two kids, and I still managed to both raise them well AND build that business into a 6 figure income producing asset that I can pass on to my kids someday. Horrible movie on so many fronts.

A movie that shows how difficult life is for women: Barbie A movie that shows how difficult life is for men: All Quiet on the Western Front

When Barbie complained about not being a fascist, she said that she doesn’t control the trains or the flow of commerce. But in Barbieland, the Barbies do control the trains and the flow of commerce. So did Barbie think that Barbieland was a fascist state?

Felt like a brainstorming turned into a movie, with a "Ok we want to be feminist but we want to do subtle feminism criticism, and we wanna be sympathetic towards the male but we also want to be asshole to him, and we want him to be an abusive boyfriend but we also want him to be likeable, and we want to say corporations are bad and don't care about you but we'll say they care too", it was weird.

Finally watched that thing, and all I can say is you nailed it : the matrix for women. It's amazing how Barbies in that matrix are so smart and so dumb at the same time (how come they can be so easily brainwashed), while Ken, who's just seen as an accessory, developps way deeper feelings and humanity... To end trapped, alone and rejected, in the plastic world (he still have his bros, but he'll never have love, who gives a f?), while Barbie is offered a Pinocchio's destiny in the real world... Because she suffered anxiety about cellulite and death for about an hour. She's so dam human now right? What a wonderful single mother she's going to be! The lesson is so crystal clear here, and still, no one says it : patriarchy or matriarchy, men or women, there's no better or worse, all equals when it's about being bad. In fiction or in reality.

I was picking up a Door Dash from KFC and I was struggling to manage the three drinks and very large bag of food. A slightly flamboyant guy employee (irrelevant except for context) offered help and put the large bag into a bigger bag that had handles. I was very grateful as is, but as I walked out the door he said "Drive safe Howie, god loves you". And for once in my life I felt like someone really meant what they said. I'm not religious at all, and I don't know how he knew my nickname (doesn't even matter at all) but dang dude, I held back real tears. This happened tonight, but I know I will remember it for the rest of my life. You really never know how you're kindness and nice words will make a difference in someone's life and that's why I try every day to be as polite, respectful and courteous as I can.

Literally all Ken wanted was for Barbie to be nice to him and notice him but he didn't even get that at the end. He wasn't even really interested in power, he just thought he could use it to get some respect and kindness from those who ignored him or put him down all the time

We’ve gone past death of the author and have now taken the author to an alley and bludgeoned her with a steel mace

"If only he could win some kind of award for it" Hehehe...HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I still remember one time in HS when i got a complement for my hair. I still smile when i think about it. Girls, you wanna make a direct contribution to someones happiness for literally over a decade? Just occasionally tell some guy he looks nice.

When we were leaving the cinema with my friends after the film one of them told me: "It is a much better movie if you look at it as if the Kens are actually the protagonists and the whole thing is a tragedy instead of a comedy"

I saw the barbenheimer double feature with my girlfriend opening day. During Oppenheimer I whispered to her several times “I must learn how to ride a horse” and 4 hours later saw Barbie.

The obsession with feet in the movie was just about how Barbie's feet are straight up and down on the doll to accommodate heels, so they wanted to make damn sure you knew they did the feet right lol

2:32 You got your wish, bro won the Critics Choice Award for Best Song "I'm Just A Ken" 🤣🤣🤣

The best joke of the entire movie was that Ken lost interest in Patriarchy when he learned it was about more than horses. The riding on the horse head on a stick cracked me up also. Reminded me of monty python and the search for the holly grail.

The mom ranting about her problems randomly to people who don’t care is such a mom thing

Just got to watch this video after seeing the movie itself. First off, nice hair, Shoe! Looks really pretty. Secondly, I more felt like this movie was satire, for me the message was "Everyone should be treated well, or else conflict will prevail in the society"

This is my second watch of this, and I just realised you go through about 5 outfits/looks throughout the whole video. Yay me for observation skills.

I will always remember the woman who told me, "I'd be a cigarette for those lips." Weird thing to say? Absolutely. Extremely effective and memorable compliment? Damn straight.

I remember a girl in high school telling me I had pretty eyes. I've had compliments since then, from various relationships I've been in, friends, etc. But that was the first and I think last time a girl randomly just complemented me without any real reason too if that makes sense.

Shoe, your hair and wardrobe changes throughout this video were incredible and well done. A very nice touch, given Barbie is the subject here.

So, about ryan gosling getting an award for this movie.....

Even in a feminist Barbie movie, they can’t help but write an entire segment where a woman complains about everything

I honestly kept waiting for the "we should just have empathy for each other regardless of if we're Barbie or Ken" that it felt like it was leading up to, but it never got there

News alert Ryan Gosling got an award for playing Ken

12:55 This "rant" I believe is from Brene Brown's book Daring Greatly, Combating Shame. Definitely worth a listen if you have audible. The section Web and Boxes is one of my favorites. Essentially both men and women are trapped in social constructs. The way she puts it and backs it up by research is amazing though. Very relavent to the subject.

Honestly Ken's story line was probably one of the best portrayals of your average dude who simply wants a purpose, to be seen by someone he cares about. But to be denied and told you must find your own way, by yourself. But yeah Barbie's ending was kinda weird

I remember when I worked at a supermarket I complimented a guy and mentioned how he reminded me of Ragnar Lothbruk from Vikings and he seemed thankful and a bit blushy. Everytime he came in after that day I noticed his beard became more “Viking-y” and it was nice to see that he felt flattered enough to commit to the look.

That whole speech the human woman made to wake up the Barbies really resonated with me, it's exactly what it's like to be a guy in the real world.

the funny thing is Barbie really was anti-woke, but not accidentally, it was pretty clearly intentionally criticising feminism in the way it's applied today, in that it's just a product of the patriarchy, that feeds into the cycle of extreme unbalanced ideologies. It's weird that so many people saw it as a "woke" film

Most male positive movie I’ve seen. It proves to me that I don’t need a lady in my life to be happy and fulfilled, all I need are my best bros. If we support and lift each other up, express our emotions without fear of rejection from one another, we can do anything. There’s no need for women in that dynamic, they instead become a bonus to our lives if we so choose, rather than a believed necessity. When we love and support each other, we are kenough.

The compliment thing is too real. I was once cart pushing then, some random woman came over and she told me how she thought I was some actor she liked. She even showed me a picture and not gonna lie, I felt like a king. I hope she's doing all right.

oh, no, i haven't seen Fight Clun, but rn, as u made a video about it i'm gonna watch it, very nice pov! don't stop

Okay I don’t agree with everything you said but your outfits are amazing and the comments aren’t complementing them enough. Very clever and stylish ahahah

For the compliment. One girl i was at a party with was super trashed. Her head was on my lap and i was making sure she was drinking water and not feeling shitty or anything. She looked up at me and grabbed my cheek and said "youre so pretty". Ill remember that forever.

The existence of a trans Barbie implies a means of upward mobility by transitioning from Ken to Barbie (KtB trans)

Update: Shoe you got your wish, Ryan Gosling did get a reward

They unintentionally made ken and the dudes the more interesting/deep characters in the whole ass movie 😅

Shoe's humor has been so degraded by ironic humor, she sees it in a unironic movie

I'm still confused by the notion that if a woman is smart, they can't be pretty or dress a certain way. I literally follow a woman on tik tok who calls herself the cosplaying Paleontologist. She talks about dinosaurs while wearing cosplay.

6:27 it’s so ironic that they shame on this part of womanhood. There was a lot of other “failed” Barbie’s. But that one was the saddest part. Other than that I like the idea of the movie of being enough and knowing who you are. But men and women were made to have a family and to work together. After you know who you are. You’re supposed to build on that

You're forgetting that a company did admit to engaging in a patriarchy and they said "we just hide it better," so you can't interpret the movie as saying patriarchy doesn't manifest itself in reality.

And here's the valuable lesson: A movie can try to send a message, but it can almost always be over analyzed to make the message what you want it to be.

My takeaway from the movie was that pitting genders against each other just leads to people getting hurt. We should all learn to be nice to each other as we are all unique individuals and not let things like patriarchy lead us to hurting each other. We are all Kenough.

I was doing work while listening to this video. Very insightful, but then I eventually noticed your outfits changed and this ended up being full on spoiler talk movie essay. Awesome I agree with how the Kens felt Liberated, for a small portion of time, before the Barbies took over again. I got that. This was great for Gosling Ken because he had the biggest character arc. I'm glad you went to Legally Blonde. I jumped to that movie too in terms of another film talking about a woman making it in a mans world. Particularly a Blonde woman DVDs still exist.... I'm with you on that. L0L This was a very fun movie, with small moments of contemplative analysis, but no one has to go TOO deep into that. It was a movie I ended up liking and enjoying A Lot more than I expected. Well done!!

Me trying to read my own handwriting" What is this? is this heiroglyhpics ??" Shit had me dying fuck

so the swapping outfits multiple time and changing your hair, such is an homage to barbie

i used to struggle with alcohol abuse but I'm mostly better now. when i first tried quitting, after a few weeks one of my girl roommates said "you look really good since you've stopped drinking, you look thinner and not so tired all the time". best compliment ever, great motivation to keep trying. if she hadn't said that i seriously could have been drinking daily to this day 🙏

Barbie’s character arc in my opinion is the decision to live authentically instead of a performative existence. She is frequently moved by the actions of everyday humans: fighting, laughing, crying, and most of all aging. Barbie meets Barbara and is amazed at how beautiful she is, even turning back to look at her later. Her flashbacks involve her seeing what a normal human life would feel like, what a beating heart feels like, and she chooses that life. Overall I believe many young people try to disassociate away their physical forms, so I thought this movie did a great job highlighting how important our connections to our physical world and each other are. Women are not ideas, but real people, and Barbie chose to reject being an idea for eternity in favor of a fleeting moment being a real person.

watching her explain the plot of the movie is a fever dream.

Ben Shapiro got roasted by the Barbie movie so badly he decided to roast actual Barbie dolls with facts and logic.

If I had a nickel for every time Will Ferral played the misguided CEO of a toy company in a movie made by that specific brand and had a character arch of overcoming his preconceived notions of how the toy was supposed to be played with, I’d have two nickels. Not a lot, weird it happened twice

Good job you are the first and only woman that i respect enough to subscribe to! But fr keep it up, good video!

Ha! This kind of reminds me of the antics of the Barbie Liberation Organization, swapping the voice boxes of Barbie and GI Joe dolls and then returning them to the store for resell. The 90s was a wild time, lol!! And yes, it really happened 😂 Edit: Also, "o w o" per the video description :)

As a man, can confirm. My last compliment was these two ladies up at the bar trying to pay while I was ordering. They said my longer hair was nice and that I should keep it. They may have been absolutely hammered, but I still took that compliment into my heart and think about it frequently

I want Mattel to make "Eat, Pray, Love" merchandise along the lines of "Ken, Beach, Horse", to spread the Kenpowerment this movie inspires. Keeping it relevant so they can make a sequel: "Barbie 2: We Ken be Better", which focuses on Ken's story of self discovery, healing and growth.

i enjoyed bright VFX work and IMO they brilliantly made fun from both sides, which kinda best approach for based sort of comedy and after you broght a zoolander reference i actually wanna re-watch both 💀

2:31 shoe predicting the future

Ken really spoke to me, as a young man I’ve seen a lot of people base their entire worth off of their gf, or lack there of, seeing that be pointed out was awesome. Also, he’s literally me, so seeing myself on the big screen went crazy.

The best way for this movie to go would have been to have the Barbies and Kens understand by the end of the movie that neither society was better off dominated by one gender over the other, and the best possible outcome was one where both sexes are respected and represented for each other's strengths and talents. They literally had it right there, but completely fumbled the ball at the end where everything went back to the way it was and the story was ultimately pointless.

Out of all the barbie commentaries ive watched this is thhe only one with points that are actually explained. Thanks

Shoe's outfit and hair changes caught me by surprise...and cracked me up. Thanks for making the effort.

Just wanna say that Shoe's right, the last time a stranger complimented me was an older lady at the grocery store I work at about a week or so ago. She said I had pretty eyes after she mistook me for a girl. I enjoyed that interaction, especially because it came from an argument she was having with a cashier I didn't like.

The bit about compliment from random stranger is just spot on. an elderly once complimented my hand-me-down suit from me old pop and said "you look sharp with that suit". That suit is officially an heirloom now.

My favorite part is the random rivalry between Ryan and Simu’s Kens

1:01 AWWW cuddling with the lamp. Such a cute ... lamp. 🤔