There’s no denying that, this past month, the Middle East has transformed into somewhat of a Barbie-land. But while the rest of us were joining in on the hype at our local cinema, our Cosmo sisters in Lebanon patiently and anxiously awaited their share of life in plastic.
Well, it’s time for a massive sigh of relief because Barbie the movie has officially been approved for screening across all cinemas in Lebanon (!!)
Via @barbiethemovie on Instagram
Barbie’s release in Lebanon…
The approval by Lebanon’s General Security agency was issued after an initial attempt to ban the movie. Indeed, Lebanon’s culture minister pushed for a ban on the grounds that the movie promotes ideas that are at conflict with Lebanon’s traditional and ethical values.
The approval is conditional since only viewers aged 13 and above are permitted to watch the pinktastic film in Lebanese theatres. But a conditional approval is better than a full-on ban, right?
Via @barbiethemovie on Instagram
Indeed, not all viewers in the Middle East have enjoyed such privileges. The movie was banned in Kuwait in an effort to protect the “public ethics and social traditions” of the country.
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, has amassed over $1 billion in box office ticket sales worldwide since July 21.
Via @barbiethemovie on Instagram
Well, congratulations to our Cosmo girlies in Lebanon on this fantastic news. Enjoy life in plastic because it truly *is* fantastic.