I know, Barbie is really an odd choice for a feminist blog to be writing about in anything but negative tones but Barbie and the 3 Musketeers is a really interesting film. It many ways it is actually quite a feminist film; if you ignore all the references to crushes on princes, fashion, the dancing kitten and the fact that they use fans and ribbons as weapons. Yes, it's a lot to ignore but there is a really odd pro-feminist sisterhood message running through the film and not just in the reference to the original Buffy film.
The film is about 4 women whose dream is to be Musketeers, which, obviously, women aren't actually allowed to be. But, they do become Musketeers without the help of any men and in spite of the malicious interference of an old woman [because they couldn't quite escape the evil witch motif so enamoured by fairy tales]. They become Musketeers and don't date the prince. They ride off into the sunset together. To defend their kingdom.
Don't get me wrong, there is a whole lot wrong with this film but the emphasis on the power of sisterhood, the direct challenge to Patriarchal constructions of femininity and a film aimed a little girls which does not end with a marriage to the incredibly dim prince is a whole lot better than the insipid Disney princesses. It's actually pretty radical, despite being wrapped in pink ribbons.
On the other hand, these lyrics are just sludge:
What are the chances, that we'd be here today?
Different girls from different worlds
Tryin' to find our own way
Now we're the perfect team, sharin' the same dream...
All for one who knew,
Together we'd know what to do?
Strong hearts, strong minds
Fighting for what's right every time
United... decided, we'll never be divided
All for one... one for all
Don't try to stop us, or keep us down and out
The power of four forevermore
And now there is no doubt
Answering the call, breaking down the wall
All for one it's true,
Together we know what to do
Strong hearts, strong minds
Fighting for what's right every time
United... decided, we'll never be divided
All for one, one for all
We may look beautiful
We may be dutiful
But don't be fooled of our finesse
We're here to save the day
Come on, on grade, touche
We're no damsels in distress
Don't mess with the dress
All for one you too,
Together we know what to do
Strong hearts, strong minds
Fighting for what's right every time
United... decided, we'll never be divided
All for one, one for all
All for one it's true,
Together we know what to do
Strong hearts, strong minds
Fighting for what's right every time
United... decided, we'll never be divided
All for one, one for all
All for one and one for all
All for one, one for all x2
0 comments:
Post a Comment