In Bahrain, the ‘Barbie’ has angered Islamic preacher Hassan al-Husseini, who is followed by millions on social media, and has called for it to be banned.
In an Instagram post, she criticized the film for “revolting against the idea of marriage and motherhood” and for showing men “without masculinity” or portraying them as “monsters”.
Similar objections were also raised in Kuwait, which blocked the film to “protect public morality and social traditions”.
Kuwait was the only Gulf Arab country this month to ban the Australian horror film “Talk to Me,” which features a trans actor but makes no mention of LGBTQ issues.
However, Kuwaitis have still managed to watch ‘Barbie’ through piracy websites or even by driving across the border to Saudi Arabia.
Kuwaiti journalist Sheikha Al-Bahwaid streamed it online but was disappointed because she felt it was not feminist or inclusive enough.
“It reflects white, colonial and superficial feminism,” she said.
“Feminism has never been based on replacing patriarchal system with matriarchal system, but… it is based on equality, justice and equal opportunities.”
But for 18-year-old Saudi Rifan Al-Amoudi, ‘Barbie’ pushes a lot of the feminist agenda.
“It is good for a woman to work and be self-sufficient,” she said at a Dubai cinema. “But her body is not like that of men. She is capable of doing everything like men, but within a limit.”