The upcoming fantasy comedy film “Barbie” is directed by Greta Gerwig on the Based Barbie fashion dolls by Mattel. The film is written from a screenplay she wrote with Noah Baumbach making it the first live-action Barbie film after many computer-animated versions and streaming television films.
The film has an attractive ensemble of cast, including stars like Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, alongside a supporting cast that includes America Ferrera, Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell.
With Laurence Mark producing, Universal Pictures announced the film’s details in September 2009, but development began in April 2014 when Sony Pictures acquired its film rights. Due to several changes regarding directors and casting, starting with changes of Amy Schumer and later Anne Hathaway for the lead role, Sony lost its rights, which were then given to Warner Bros. Pictures in October 2018.
Robbie was cast in the film in 2019. Later in 2019, Gerwig was announced as director and Baumbach as the co-writer. The rest of the cast, along with Gosling, were announced in early 2022. From March to July 2022, Most photography and film shooting took place primarily at Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden, in England.
Barbie will have its first premiere on July 9, 2023, in Los Angeles and is all set to be released in America by Warner Bros. Pictures on July 21, 2023,
Vietnam Government Bans Controversial Element in Warner Bros’ ‘Barbie’ Movie
Vietnam has recently banned the release of Warner Bros.’ upcoming Barbie movie, citing a scene featuring a map displaying China’s disputed territorial claims in the South China Sea. The decision reflects the ongoing tensions among countries contesting China’s expansive assertions over the region.
This article explores the controversy surrounding the Barbie film and its portrayal of the contentious “nine-dash line,” shedding light on the broader geopolitical dynamics.
The dispute regarding the South China Sea involves several countries, including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei, who claimed the portion of the sea for themselves.
China’s adoption of the “nine-dash line” on its maps became a contentious issue because it extended Beijing’s territorial claims into the areas the other countries dispute over. An international tribunal ruled against China’s claims in the South China Sea dispute in 2016. However, China decided not to acknowledge it.
Barbie Movie Ban:
Vietnam’s decision to ban the Barbie movie follows previous instances of censorship related to the nine-dash line. In 2019, DreamWorks’ animated film “Abominable” faced a ban in Vietnam for featuring the disputed map.
Similarly, Sony’s action movie “Uncharted” met the same fate in 2022. The ban on foreign films featuring the nine-dash line reflects the Vietnamese government’s stance on China’s territorial claims.
Growing Resistance to Chinese Influence:
The repeated instances of banning films highlighting the nine-dash line demonstrate Southeast Asian countries’ increasing vigilance against Chinese influence. These countries are becoming more cautious about subtle political propaganda embedded in popular culture.
However, such outright bans can also draw attention to the censoring countries and may be perceived as “petty oversensitivity” by some observers.
The bans on movies featuring the nine-dash line raise questions about the relationship between Hollywood studios and China, which boasts a massive consumer market. Historically, studios have tried to appease Chinese censors to avoid exclusion from this lucrative market.
However, recent incidents, such as including Taiwanese and Japanese flags in the film “Top Gun: Maverick” following public backlash, suggest a shifting dynamic where studios are starting to stand up to Chinese demands.
The ban on the Barbie movie in Vietnam due to its portrayal of the nine-dash line underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the South China Sea dispute. As countries like Vietnam assert their sovereignty and challenge China’s claims, cultural products have become another battleground for influence.
While these bans may inconvenience moviegoers and attract criticism for their perceived sensitivity, they also shed light on the geopolitical struggles in the region.
The broader implications highlight the delicate balance Hollywood must navigate between appealing to China’s market and addressing concerns over political sensitivities. As tensions persist, how these conflicts will shape future cultural exchanges and influence the film industry’s engagement with geopolitical issues remains to be seen.
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