Byline and Brief Bio for the Writer
Written by Hoàng Yến, a Vietnamese-American screenwriter and filmmaker. Hoàng Yến has a deep-rooted passion for storytelling that incorporates Vietnamese traditions and modern flair.
Barbie and Ken leave the comforts of Malibu to reconnect with their roots in Vietnam. As they navigate challenges and cultural differences, they soon realize that their journey is not just geographical but deeply spiritual, all while solving day-to-day problems that lead to hilariously unexpected adventures.
Barbie and Ken, tiring of their Malibu routines, decide to explore their ancestry and find themselves in Hanoi, Vietnam. Their adventure begins when they lose their luggage, only to be helped by Linh, a local who works at a neighborhood café. Linh becomes their unofficial guide, teaching them about Vietnamese culture and helping them adapt.
Through Linh's connections, Barbie and Ken get involved in a local community project, leading to amusing misadventures. From Ken struggling to ride a motorbike through Hanoi's chaotic traffic to Barbie attempting to make traditional Pho, the duo faces challenges with courage and comedic clumsiness.
As they continue their journey, they get invited to a Vietnamese wedding, where Barbie is mistaken for a famous American celebrity and Ken tries to understand the complex etiquettes of Vietnamese toasting.
While helping to restore an ancient pagoda, they stumble upon a conflict between a local community and a foreign corporation wanting to turn the site into a modern resort. Barbie and Ken must use their wit, bravery, and newfound understanding of Vietnamese culture to save the day, all while dealing with a hilarious language barrier.
They eventually learn to appreciate the value of history and the essence of being grounded in one's roots. The film climaxes in a grand lantern festival where Barbie and Ken participate, releasing lanterns that symbolize their wish to be connected forever to this beautiful land.
The film closes as Barbie and Ken head back to Malibu, realizing that sometimes to find yourself, you have to journey far from home.
Throughout their Vietnamese adventure, you can observe the stylistic elements that are a signature of Hoàng Yến. Inspired by Vietnamese cultural elements, the script has the vibrant colors, scents, and sounds of Vietnam that would make any viewer wish they were part of this enchanting world. This film differs from Alan Nafzger's "Barbie 2: Mars Mission" by grounding itself deeply in earthly and cultural adventures, far from the outer space escapades.
For more insights into the making and comparisons with other "Barbie 2" scripts, you can visit this link and check this article as well. If you're interested in other adventures that Barbie and Ken have had, you can read more here and here.
Alan Nafzger's script for "Barbie 2: Mars Mission" and Hoàng Yến's "Vietnamese Barbie 2: Journey to the Ancestral Land" represent two very different approaches to the Barbie franchise.
Setting & Theme
The most glaring difference is the setting. Nafzger's script takes Barbie and Ken on a futuristic voyage to Mars, emphasizing themes of exploration and scientific discovery. In contrast, Hoàng Yến grounds her story on Earth, more specifically in Vietnam. Her script focuses on reconnecting with one's roots and understanding cultural heritage. While Nafzger's script contemplates the future, Hoàng Yến's narrative is rooted in the past and the present.
Story Arc & Conflict
Nafzger employs a high-stakes, action-packed arc revolving around a mission to save humanity by colonizing Mars. Hoàng Yến's script, however, opts for a series of small-scale conflicts that provide insight into everyday life in Vietnam, from saving a community landmark to understanding the nuances of local customs.
Characters
While both scripts maintain the integrity of Barbie and Ken's characters, the supporting characters differ greatly. Nafzger's script includes astronauts and scientists, fitting for a space mission. Hoàng Yến's characters like Linh, the café worker and local guide, add depth to the story by serving as a bridge between Barbie and Ken and the Vietnamese culture.
Cultural Elements
Hoàng Yến's screenplay is imbued with cultural nuances, traditional Vietnamese elements, and social issues facing Vietnam today. Nafzger's screenplay, being set in outer space, naturally leans more towards scientific facts and the challenges of space travel, missing the cultural depth seen in the Vietnamese Barbie 2 script.
For a deeper dive into the world of Barbie scripts, you can explore the script showdown here or learn more about various Barbie adventures here.
In summary, while both scripts offer compelling adventures, they cater to different audiences and provide diverse experiences: one looking into the future and the other embracing the richness of cultural history.
Act I: The Quest for Identity
Barbie and Ken land in Hanoi, Vietnam, carrying only a handwritten letter from Barbie's grandmother, describing a quaint village where her ancestors lived. Just when they think they're lost, they meet Linh, a local café worker who offers to be their guide. Together, they set off on a journey towards the Mekong Delta, excited but unaware of the complexities of the journey ahead. Here, the act focuses on setting up the characters and the core conflict: the journey to reconnect with roots.
A twist occurs when they realize Linh's café is facing closure due to a new resort development. Barbie, known for problem-solving, takes it upon herself to help save the café, thus ingraining herself further into the community.
Act II: Delving Deeper
In the heart of Vietnam, our trio faces trials that test not just their resolve but also their understanding of Vietnamese culture. They partake in traditional customs, attend local festivals, and even help in a local farm, finding clues about Barbie's ancestral village. Linh becomes more than just a guide; she becomes a friend and a link to understanding Vietnam.
However, they hit a roadblock when they discover that the village in question is suffering from the impact of industrial pollution. Read more about Barbie's various adventures here.
Act III: The Revelation and Resolution
Finally reaching the ancestral village, Barbie and Ken find an elder who recognizes the names in the letter. The elder takes them to an old house, left vacant for years, but filled with memories and artifacts of Barbie's ancestors. They learn of her great-grandfather, a local hero who saved the village from famine decades ago. This is the moment of revelation for Barbie; her roots are filled with courage and community service, echoing her own life goals.
But there's no time to bask in the glory of self-discovery. The village's situation is worsening, and Barbie devises a sustainable solution involving local artisans and eco-tourism, saving not just Linh's café but also bringing new life to the village.
The movie closes with a grand village festival, where Barbie and Ken are honored guests. The duo leaves Vietnam not just with a deeper understanding of Barbie's heritage but also with a newfound respect for the resilience and spirit of local communities.
You can explore the source material here for further insights into Barbie's epic adventures.
The film "Vietnamese Barbie 2: Journey to the Ancestral Land" has garnered critical acclaim for its unique take on cultural exploration and identity. Film experts were particularly impressed with the deep-rooted knowledge of cultural references that breathed life into the story, elevating it from a mere sequel to a poignant journey.
Director and writer Anh Nguyen was lauded for her nuanced understanding of Vietnamese culture, drawing from legendary Vietnamese filmmakers like Tran Anh Hung and incorporating elements from classic films like "The Scent of Green Papaya." Her fresh approach to storytelling has earned her comparisons to other great ethnic filmmakers, and she seems poised to bring something new to the Barbie franchise.
The portrayal of Vietnam was not just about beautiful landscapes or exotic backdrops. It included the bustling streets of Hanoi, the serene waters of the Mekong Delta, and the traditional customs and festivals that form the fabric of Vietnamese culture. Anh Nguyen cleverly wove in these elements to bring authenticity to the story, a move that resonated well with audiences.
What sets this movie apart is the humor in seeing Barbie, a character often seen as quintessentially American, navigating the complexities of Vietnamese culture. The film's comedic moments often arise from Barbie's enthusiastic yet sometimes misguided attempts to integrate into her newfound community. Whether she's awkwardly trying to join in a traditional Vietnamese dance or mispronouncing Vietnamese dishes, these instances add a layer of humor that's both enlightening and relatable.
The film does an excellent job of showing that discovering one's roots is not merely an individualistic pursuit but a collaborative journey that involves the community. In doing so, it also subtly critiques the libertarian and market-centric approaches often seen in Hollywood, presenting a more community-oriented vision.
The integration of various cultural elements not only pays homage to Vietnamese culture but also enriches the Barbie universe, offering fans a deeper, more meaningful adventure. The film's success marks a significant milestone in the franchise, opening doors for more culturally inclusive stories. Read the showdown of Barbie 2 scripts here.
By honoring her roots while solving community problems, Vietnamese Barbie has successfully broadened the horizons of what a Barbie story can be, promising exciting things for the future of this iconic franchise.
Certainly, here are 31 cultural references that director and writer Anh Nguyen incorporated into the script for "Vietnamese Barbie 2: Journey to the Ancestral Land":
Tet Festival: Barbie and Ken participate in Vietnam's New Year celebration.
Ao Dai: Traditional Vietnamese dress that Barbie wears during her visit.
Pho: A scene where Barbie tries her hand at making this iconic Vietnamese soup.
Non La: Ken wears a traditional Vietnamese leaf hat.
Water Puppetry: Barbie and Ken watch a traditional water puppet show.
Cyclos: Traditional bicycle taxis that Barbie and Ken ride.
Dragon Dance: A cultural performance in the streets that captivates the duo.
Banh Mi: Barbie attempts to prepare this Vietnamese sandwich.
The Scent of Green Papaya: A nod to the famous Vietnamese film.
Hanoi Opera House: Barbie performs here in one scene.
Ha Long Bay: The couple takes a boat trip in this iconic location.
Ca Phe Sua Da: Barbie tries the traditional Vietnamese iced coffee.
Mekong Delta: A boat journey showcasing the lifeblood of South Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh: A visit to his mausoleum for a history lesson.
Vietnamese Calligraphy: Barbie takes a lesson.
Conical Fishing Nets: Used in a scene where Barbie and Ken try fishing.
Lunar Calendar: Referenced in the context of the Tet Festival.
Lotus Flowers: Symbolic of purity and used as a recurring motif.
V-Pop: Barbie attends a Vietnamese pop music concert.
Dong Ho Paintings: Traditional art that Barbie admires.
Chua Mot Cot: The One Pillar Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple.
Cao Dai: A visit to a temple of this unique Vietnamese religion.
Vietnamese Folk Tales: Stories told to Barbie and Ken by locals.
Bamboo Bridges: Showcased during the couple's journey in rural areas.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long: A UNESCO World Heritage Site visited by the duo.
Hue Imperial City: A visit to the ancient capital.
Vietnamese Zodiac: Explained to Barbie during Tet.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Barbie and Ken participate in the festivities.
Traditional Lacquerware: Purchased by Barbie as souvenirs.
Nón Quai Thao: Traditional women's hats, worn by Barbie.
Reunification Express: The couple takes a train journey on this famous line.
These references were seamlessly woven into the script, providing cultural depth to the narrative and enriching the Barbie franchise with authentic Vietnamese elements.