Tag Archives: Greta Gerwig

Review: Barbie (2023)

Nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, Best Original Song, Best Production Design.

Greta Gerwig’s take on one of the most iconic figures in history, Barbie, is a delightful surprise, offering much more than just a glossy, plastic world. Gerwig infuses the film with layers of depth, transforming it into a thought-provoking exploration of identity and societal expectations. 

Barbie and Ken are thoroughly enjoying themselves in the vibrant and seemingly flawless realm of Barbie Land. Yet, when an opportunity arises for them to venture into the actual world, they swiftly encounter both the pleasures and pitfalls of coexisting with humans.

Margot Robbie shines in the titular role, bringing a refreshing complexity to Barbie’s character as she navigates the pressures of perfection. Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Ken adds charm and wit to the dynamic duo, while America Ferrera’s poignant monologue resonates with the struggles women face in a world dictated by unrealistic standards.

Gerwig’s direction ensures that Barbie is not just a feminist movie but a universal story of self-discovery and realizing there really is more to life than the status quo we were told to live in. Through Barbie’s journey, audiences are invited to examine their own perceptions of gender roles and the constraints they impose.

Visually stunning and emotionally resonant, Barbie captivates with its blend of humor, heart, and social commentary. Gerwig’s signature storytelling coupled with a stellar cast make this film a must-watch for audiences of all ages.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Director: Greta Gerwig
Produced by: Margot Robbie, David Heyman, Tom Ackerley, Robbie Brenner
Starring: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, Will Ferrell, Alexandra Shipp, Hari Nef, Sharon Rooney, Ana Cruz Kayne, Ritu Arya, Dua Lipa, Nicola Coughlan, Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans, John Cena, Helen Mirren, Michael Cera, Connor Swindells, Jamie Demetriou, Emeral Fennell, Asim Chaudry, Ray Fearon, Erica Ford, Hanna Khalique-Brown, Mette Narrative, Marisa Abela, Lucy Boynton, Rob Brydon, Tom Stourton, Ann Roth, Annie Mumolo, Lauren Holt, Ryan Piers Williams,

Film Review: Lady Bird (2017)

The Dixie Chicks once asked the questions – who’s never left home? Who’s never struck out? I think that most of the time, it’ll come to a point in our lives that we are ‘Lady Bird.’ I said that because when we’re young, there’s always this feeling that our world is too small for us, that we wanted to explore what life has to offer, what this world is waiting to show us. We want something so much that we persevere to get them. Sometimes doing things that we didn’t think was wrong when we did it and ended up regretting but at the end of the day, we have this sense of fulfilment.

Lady Bird are those feelings so cleverly translated by Greta Gerwig into a film. This coming of age film so brilliantly led by Saoirse Ronan is a tale as old as time that just works in so many ways because that is basically everyone of us when we’re at the cusps of adulthood.

Ronan playing the eponymous role was as usual terrifically sublime as the rebellious daughter who won’t let anyone hinder her aspirations – not by her friends, her school advisors and definitely not by her mother played by the equally wonderful Laurie Metcalf. Sometimes, it’s almost painful to watch their interactions or more of altercations because there’s vulnerability in both of their characters that everyone would relate to. You’d probably point out, hey! That’s me with my daughter – ouch! or that is me and my mom/dad sometimes!  Ronan and Metcalf made their chemistry as mother and daughter so palpable that it resonated so much with so many people.

Gerwig tried to snatch a lot of wigs for this film and she did so fabulously! Lady Bird is a cult classic waiting to happen. I wouldn’t even be mad for a sequel!

At the 90th Academy Awards, Lady Bird has received five nominations that includes Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress in a Leading and Supporting Roles and Best Original Screenplay.

Director: Greta Gerwig

Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Lucas Hedges, Tracy Letts, Beanie Feldstein, Timothee Chalamet.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars