Algeria has banned the Barbie movie almost a month after it was released in cinemas in the North African country. Local media reported that Algeria's Ministry of Culture and Arts notified cinemas in Algiers, Oran and Constantine to “immediately" pull the movie.
How long will Barbie be in cinemas? Barbie, which was released on Friday 21 July, is currently only available to watch in local cinemas. Film listing site Film Dates has found that Barbie will remain in UK cinema listings for months, with the last showing currently listed as Saturday 2 September, 2023.
Following that, a decision was made not to ban the movie from being shown in Jordan. A comprehensive analysis revealed diverse perspectives from viewers.
Algeria bans ‘Barbie’ almost a month after movie’s local release
Is Barbie banned in Egypt?
However, a source at the Censorship on Artistic Works, the official body which assigns ratings to artworks and monitors adherence to societal morals and values, told Ahram Online that Barbie is officially rated 12+ in Egypt. Worldwide, the film is rated at PG 13 (Parental Guidance if under 13).
“The UAE Media Council has granted the Barbie movie the approval to be screened in the UAE's licensed cinemas after completing the necessary procedures in line with the standards of media content and the UAE age classification,” the authority clarified. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
Some suggestive references are present in the movie, which were a big contributor to the movie's PG-13 rating. These include the characters' discussion about Barbie and Ken dolls' lack of genitalia, though there is no nudity or sex in the movie.
The reasons for this rating are given as "moderate innuendo, brief sexual harassment and implied strong language" while more specific information is also provided on the BBFC website.
Pakistan is not the only Muslim country to ban the film. Other Islamic nations like UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Iran and Saudi Arabia have banned the film as most Islamic nations don't view pro-LGBTQ content with enthusiasm.
The culture ministry has asked cinemas to withdraw the Hollywood blockbuster immediately. The movie promoted homosexuality and did not comply with Algeria's religious and cultural beliefs, an official source told the Reuters news agency.
In real life, Pregnant Midge didn't last long on the shelves - and was cancelled by parents over teen pregnancy fears. Midge was first designed in the 1960s as a sidekick for Barbie.
Algeria - Prohibited and Restricted Imports. The Algerian government bans the import of firearms, explosives, narcotics, around 350 pharmaceutical products, some types of medical equipment, all types of used equipment, genetically modified seeds, and pork products.
The Ibtihaj Muhammad Barbie doll is sculpted to her likeness, fully posable and is dressed in her fencing uniform, complete with hijab, sabre and mask.
Iran's religious rulers first declared Barbie, made by U.S. company Mattel Inc, un-Islamic in 1996, citing its "destructive cultural and social consequences." Despite the ban, the doll has until recently been openly on sale in Tehran shops.
While the film does not dive into trans identity, Barbie still manages to touch upon LGBTQ+ issues without naming them as such. In fact, the film features several openly LGBTQ+ actors, like Hari Nef, Kate McKinnon, Alexandra Shipp, and Scott Evans.
The movie does have adult themes, mild language and some suggestive references, but many parents have still felt comfortable taking their children and tweens to see it. The “Barbie” movie can be a great jumping off point for starting or continuing thoughtful discussions about diversity, inclusion and self-image.
Barbie, formally known as “Barbara Millicent Roberts,” was born in 1959, which would technically make her 63 years old — except for the small fact that she was born as a 19-year-old. Yep, that's right: The first ever Barbie was officially 19 years old, which would make her age closer to 82-83 years old.
The movie received its PG-13 rating because of “suggestive references” and “brief language.” Some parents may not be ready or comfortable to discuss the more advanced plot lines while others may simply just know if their child is or is not ready to be introduced to mature topics.
CNN: Why might it be important that “Barbie” culminated in a gynecologist appointment? Wen: Having everyone see Barbie go to the gynecologist normalizes the experience. It solidifies the understanding that reproductive health is an integral part of overall health.
Considering that Barbie was created as a 19-year-old doll, she could technically be up to 83 years old. However, in the past, Mattel has reportedly said that Barbie is frozen in time at age 19.
As women tourists, it is not compulsory or required for women to wear hijab, burqa, or any traditional attire of Dubai. Women tourists can wear anything they like in Dubai as long as it covers their shoulders and knees. You just have to be respectful to their culture.
Where Barbie Was Banned. Kuwait and Oman prohibited the film entirely, while Algeria removed it from theaters after it premiered and Lebanon agreed to screen it after an initial ban.
Beyond the US, Barbie was banned for short periods in many countries. India didn't see their entry into the market until the 1991 economic reforms that allowed for liberalisation.
