Barbie Film Allegedly Restricted in Vietnam: A Comprehensive Look by an Expert SEO-Copywriter

**The Controversial Barbie Movie: A Cause for Buzz and Political Upset in Vietnam**
The Barbie Movie: Review and Politics Surrounding Its Release

**Vietnam’s Ban on Barbie Due to South China Sea Scene**
The highly anticipated Barbie movie, set for release on July 21, has already caused political controversy. According to state-run outlet Tuoi Tre, Vietnam has banned the movie due to a scene showing a map of the disputed section of the South China Sea. This ban is not the first for Vietnam, as DreamWorks’ 2019 animated film “Abominable” and Tom Holland-starring “Uncharted” in 2022 were also banned for the same reason.

**The South China Sea Dispute**
The controversy surrounding the Barbie movie stems from the ongoing territorial disputes over the South China Sea. The movie portrays the “nine-dash line,” which represents the areas of the sea that China claims. However, this claim has been rejected by a tribunal in The Hague in 2016. The South China Sea is a contested territory, with various countries, including China, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Malaysia, claiming ownership.

**Inclusivity and Representation in the New Barbie Movie**
The creators of the Barbie movie aim to break away from the stereotypical image of Barbie and Ken as white, blonde-haired dolls. They strive for inclusivity by casting actors who represent different races and ethnicities. Simu Liu, the Asian Canadian actor known for his role in Marvel’s “Shang-Chi,” portrays Ken, while Ryan Gosling portrays the more traditional version of Ken. Director Greta Gerwig and co-writer Noah Baumbach, known for their work on films with strong female characters, are at the helm of this production.

**Barbie and the Quest for Inclusivity**
Barbie has long been an international icon, but her image has evolved over the years. Initially, Barbie dolls were predominantly white, slim, and promoted traditional gender roles. However, as the conversation around diversity and inclusivity gained traction, Mattel, the maker of Barbie, introduced dolls with different body types, skin tones, and professions. These changes were made to reflect the world that children live in and to make Barbie a more empowering figure for girls.

**The Global Reach of Barbie**
Since its launch in 1959, Barbie has sold over 1 billion dolls worldwide. The upcoming movie’s emphasis on inclusivity may be a nod to Barbie’s efforts to resonate with a wider audience. The film features characters named Barbie and Ken, irrespective of their race, hair color, or skin tone. This reinforces the notion that Barbie can be anything, including representing various races and ethnicities.

**The Future of the Barbie Franchise**
The true impact and success of the Barbie movie will only be determined upon its release. However, some of the cast members have expressed their enthusiasm for the movie’s attempts to portray characters more relevant to today’s audience. The cast is currently on a promotional tour, making stops in various Asian cities, including Seoul.

In conclusion, the Barbie movie has generated a substantial amount of buzz and controversy ahead of its release. Vietnam’s ban on the movie due to a scene referencing the South China Sea dispute has intensified the political undertones. However, the film’s emphasis on inclusivity and representation, along with its star-studded cast, may contribute to its success and broaden the appeal of the Barbie franchise.