"China's Box Office Success: 'Barbie' Surpasses $25M, Defying Hollywood's Fading Hopes"
After a slow start in China, the film Barbie has gained momentum in its second week, with strong critic scores and positive word of mouth. Despite facing tough competition from local hits, Barbie's excellent ratings on Chinese movie apps and audience support have led to an increase in the number of screens dedicated to the film. Chinese feminists are embracing Barbie for its themes of feminism and toxic masculinity, and the film has managed to navigate China's strict censorship despite addressing these issues and featuring LGBTQ+ characters. However, it is projected that Barbie will not have the same impact in China as it has in other markets, with an estimated total of $36 million for its China run.