- Title: Fans flock to cinemas for Japan opening of 'Barbie' movie
- Date: 11th August 2023
- Summary: TOKYO, JAPAN (AUGUST 11, 2023) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF BARBIE MOVIE POSTER EXTERIOR OF MOVIE THEATRE MOVIEGOER DRESSED IN BARBIE-THEMED FASHION PINK BAG WITH BARBIE LOGO AND KEYCHAIN PINK NAILS (SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) 29-YEAR-OLD NAIL SALON WORKER, MISAKI SUZUKI, SAYING: "The pink world of Barbie was absolutely beautiful. I like Barbie logos and dolls so I collect goods. The beautiful world of Barbie has not changed even in the live action film." PEDESTRIANS WALKING BY BARBIE POSTER LOGO ON POSTER READING (English/Japanese): "BARBIE" MOVIEGOER HOLDING PINK BAG (SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) 24-YEAR-OLD UNIVERSITY STUDENT, NANA HANASAKI, SAYING: "When I watched the trailer, I thought the movie would be just cute and a world of dolls. But the movie incorporated themes from modern society so there were many things that made me think. It wasn't just a cute movie, it made me feel inspired." PEOPLE WALKING BY BARBIE POSTER SIGN ON POSTER READING (Japanese): "AUGUST 11. A THING THAT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN PERFECTION." (SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) 24-YEAR-OLD UNIVERSITY STUDENT, RIE TAKEDA, SAYING: "I am concerned (by the issue of insensitive "Barbenheimer" memes circulating). I think it was harsh but the movie was radiant, beyond that I had fun (watching the film). MOVIEGOER TAKING PHOTO OF BARBIE POSTER / BARBIE POSTER LOGO ON POSTER READING (English/Japanese): "BARBIE" (SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) 60-YEAR-OLD RETIREE, TATSUYA YUASA, SAYING: "I saw the Barbie trailer when I watched a different movie so I decided to come and watch it." ELECTRONIC BOARD SHOWING MOVIE SHOWTIMES ELECTRONIC BOARD READING (English/Japanese): "BARBIE" MOVIEGOER TYPING ON SMARTPHONE BY POSTER OF BARBIE MOVIE ON ELECTRONIC SCREEN
- Embargoed: 25th August 2023 07:35
- Keywords: Barbie Japan Oppenheimer Tokyo cinema film movie opening theatre
- Location: TOKYO, JAPAN
- City: TOKYO, JAPAN
- Country: Japan
- Topics: Asia / Pacific,Arts/Culture/Entertainment,Film
- Reuters ID: LVA001378911082023RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:Barbie fans flocked to cinemas to see the hit live action movie which opened in Japan on Friday (August 11) amid controversy over Warner Bros. handling of social media for the hit film.
The film was released in the United States at the same time as biopic "Oppenheimer" which depicts the life of the physicist who led the project in creating the first atomic bomb.
The two blockbusters have been linked as "Barbenheimer", spawning online memes which depict lead actress Margot Robbie alongside atomic bomb-related imagery ahead of memorials of the nuclear attacks on Japanese cities 78 years ago.
There is no Japan release date for “Oppenheimer,†a Universal Pictures film.
University student Nana Hanasaki described the movie as not simply a "cute movie", but one that made her think, while fellow student Rie Takeda said she enjoyed watching the film despite the controversy.
The blockbuster also stars Ryan Gosling as Ken, and sends Mattel Inc's doll on an adventure into the real world.
The film has topped $1 billion in box office ticket sales worldwide since its July 21 debut.
(Production: Akiko Okamoto) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
- Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2023. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
- Usage Terms/Restrictions: None