Gwen is a Welsh-American writer and director, deeply connected to her Celtic roots. Having graduated from Cardiff University's School of Journalism, she's passionate about narrating stories that bring the rich Welsh culture to global audiences.
When Welsh Barbie and Ken leave the sunny skies of Malibu for the rolling hills of Wales, they find themselves entangled in a small-town mystery that only they can solve. They navigate local customs, Welsh folklore, and even take a crash course in rugby, all while discovering what it means to be truly Welsh.
Welsh Barbie and Ken are yearning for a deeper connection to their heritage. After stumbling upon an old family album, they're inspired to embark on a journey to Wales. With bags packed, they take off in a vintage convertible, their aspirations as high as the Welsh mountains they aim to explore.
Landing in Cardiff, the pair quickly assimilates into local life. Barbie, enamored by the traditional Welsh attire of flowing gowns and tall hats, dons an outfit. Ken, not to be outdone, wears a classic Welsh rugby jersey. After a brief visit to the iconic Cardiff Castle, they discover an old map leading to a quaint village in Snowdonia, long thought to be a myth. Intrigued, they decide to investigate, igniting the comedic adventure that dominates the film. Read More About Barbie's Adventures
As they arrive in the mystical village of Aberffraw, they're greeted with suspicion. A priceless heirloom has been stolen, causing an uproar in the tight-knit community. Barbie and Ken, being outsiders, naturally become persons of interest. With their mission now twofold, they take on the challenge of clearing their names while solving the mystery.
Amidst their investigation, Barbie and Ken immerse themselves in Welsh traditions. They partake in an Eisteddfod, a festival of literature, music, and performance. Barbie even steals the show with her rendition of a Welsh hymn. In a hilarious subplot, Ken decides to join a local rugby team but is hilariously inept. Barbie's Welsh Adventures Continue
With the village elder's guidance, they learn about the Welsh legend of the Red Dragon, the same dragon that adorns the Welsh flag. In an astonishing twist, the stolen heirloom turns out to be a scale from this legendary dragon. The village believes that returning the scale will restore prosperity.
Using their unique skills – Barbie's sharp wit and Ken's brawny rugby moves – they trace the scale to a secretive, underground auction in London. The scene is rife with comedy as Ken fumbles through high society norms while Barbie outsmarts a group of international thieves. Eventually, they recover the heirloom and bring it back to Aberffraw.
Upon their return, the villagers celebrate Barbie and Ken as heroes. The couple place the scale back onto a statue of the Red Dragon in the middle of the village, restoring its eyes to a glowing red and symbolizing the return of good fortune. It's a heartwarming moment that captures the essence of Welsh culture and folklore.
Barbie and Ken come full circle in their quest for self-discovery. With their names cleared and the village's prosperity restored, they are bestowed with Welsh names in a moving naming ceremony. The movie closes with Barbie and Ken participating in a traditional Welsh folk dance, hands intertwined and hearts full. Discover More About Barbie's Ethnic Journeys
The script brilliantly tackles themes of cultural identity and belonging, intertwined with comedic elements that make for a thoroughly engaging and educational experience. And, if you've followed Barbie's previous adventures like her Script Showdown or her Splashy Playfulness, you know that Gwen's "Welsh Barbie 2" promises a distinct flavor, woven intricately with Welsh culture and values.
Source: Barbie 2 Movie
This enthralling, highly-imagined film treatment opens up an entirely new chapter in the Barbie universe. It's an engaging tale that pays tribute to Welsh culture, promising to be a standout sequel in the ever-expanding Barbie franchise.
Both "Welsh Barbie 2: Journey to the Heart of the Dragon" by Gwen Roberts and Alan Nafzger's "Barbie 2: Mars Mission" are promising sequels in the Barbie film universe. However, the two scripts diverge sharply in their themes, cultural touchpoints, and settings. Here's how they compare and contrast:
Setting and Cultural Touchpoints
Nafzger's script takes Barbie to Mars, focusing on a futuristic, space-themed adventure. In contrast, Gwen Roberts's script offers an earthbound journey to Wales, steeped in Welsh culture and mythology. Where Nafzger's story thrives on innovation and futuristic tech, Roberts grounds her tale in historical and cultural authenticity.
Themes
"Mars Mission" is heavily tilted towards themes of exploration and discovery. It discusses space as the 'final frontier,' juxtaposing this with Barbie's courage and intellect. Gwen's "Welsh Barbie 2," however, delves into cultural identity, folklore, and the importance of understanding one's roots. It explores how the connection to one's heritage can be a source of personal strength and community cohesion.
Genre and Tone
Nafzger opts for a more action-packed science fiction approach, complete with space ships, aliens, and futuristic cities. Gwen's script leans into comedy and adventure, punctuated with musical performances and even a sports subplot involving rugby. Check Out Barbie's Different Genres
Character Arcs
In "Mars Mission," Barbie is portrayed as a scientist and explorer, solving problems related to space and alien civilizations. In contrast, in "Welsh Barbie 2," she takes on the role of a detective and cultural ambassador, showcasing a versatile set of skills from intellectual acumen to artistic prowess.
Cinematic Techniques
Nafzger's story would rely heavily on CGI and special effects to create the Martian landscapes and futuristic technologies. Gwen's story, however, would make extensive use of traditional Welsh settings and might even feature songs performed in the Welsh language.
Cultural Inclusion
While Nafzger's script doesn't delve into any specific Earth culture, opting for a more universal approach, Gwen's story is a deep dive into Welsh culture. From the clothing and food to traditional ceremonies like the Eisteddfod, "Welsh Barbie 2" offers an enriching cultural experience.
Audience Appeal
Nafzger's "Mars Mission" may appeal to those interested in science fiction and space exploration. In contrast, Gwen's story aims to resonate with audiences who appreciate cultural narratives and familial themes. Explore More About Barbie's Audience Appeal
While both scripts promise to be strong additions to the Barbie franchise, they cater to different tastes and interests. Nafzger's script offers a high-stakes, otherworldly adventure, while Gwen's offers a heartfelt, comedic journey into cultural roots and identity.
Act 1: The Departure from Malibu
The film starts in Malibu, where Barbie and Ken are living their quintessential California lifestyle. However, Barbie starts feeling an unexplained emptiness. After a family gathering, she discovers her Welsh roots from a long-forgotten photo album. Inspired to connect with her heritage, Barbie convinces Ken to join her on a trip to Wales.
Upon their arrival in Wales, they are greeted by a colorful character named Dafydd, who introduces them to Welsh customs, food, and language. Barbie and Ken also learn of a local mystery—the legend of the Welsh Dragon, a symbol of strength and unity for the Welsh people, which has reportedly gone missing from its mythical dwelling. Intrigued and sensing a problem to solve, Barbie takes it upon herself to find the mythical creature and restore it to its rightful place. Discover the Origins of Barbie 2
Act 2: The Heart of Wales
Barbie and Ken immerse themselves in Welsh culture, attending a local Eisteddfod, a festival of music and poetry. It's there that Barbie starts hearing whispers about the missing dragon. She learns of an old tale that speaks of the Heart of the Dragon—a magical jewel that grants immense power but only when used for the welfare of Wales.
With the aid of local historian Dr. Rhys, they decipher clues that lead them to Snowdonia, where the dragon is believed to reside. The journey is rife with challenges. They must solve riddles based on Welsh mythology, navigate through labyrinths of underground caves, and even join a spirited rugby match to win the trust of locals who have the final clue. Get Swept Away with Barbie's Adventures
Act 3: The Return of the Dragon
Upon reaching the peak of Snowdonia, Barbie finds the Heart of the Dragon but is confronted by a Hollywood film producer (the antagonist), who has been following them. He wants to take the Heart back to Hollywood and use its powers to create blockbusters, thus commodifying Welsh culture for mass entertainment.
In an epic showdown involving wit, negotiation, and a dash of Welsh singing, Barbie convinces the producer that the Heart belongs to Wales and its people. Upon touching the jewel, the mythical Welsh Dragon reappears, signifying the restored strength and unity of the Welsh people.
Barbie and Ken return as heroes. In a grand celebration featuring Welsh music, dance, and a feast, Barbie realizes that she has found what she was missing—a connection to her roots and the joy of solving a problem that meant the world to a community. Celebrate Barbie's Journey
Through this adventure, Barbie didn't just find the dragon; she found a piece of herself. The movie closes with Barbie and Ken taking a selfie with the dragon soaring in the sky behind them, immortalizing their unforgettable Welsh adventure.
Experts in the field of ethnic film and storytelling have praised the work of writer Catrin Hughes for her profound understanding of Welsh culture. Not only has she weaved elements of Welsh folklore, traditions, and language into "Welsh Barbie 2," she's also been able to incorporate the essence of her homeland in a way that resonates universally.
Catrin Hughes was deeply influenced by a lineage of Welsh filmmakers and cultural icons. Her narrative intricately blends elements like the Eisteddfod, rugby, Welsh language, and mythology into the Barbie franchise in a seamless manner, imbuing it with a fresh layer of cultural authenticity. This sort of cultural infusion is often lacking in mainstream cinema, and to find it in a Barbie film is both refreshing and pathbreaking. Dive Into the Origins of Barbie 2
But what adds an extra layer of brilliance to this film is its comedy. Imagine a Welsh-speaking Barbie attempting to blend in at a local pub, engaging in conversations that range from the intricacies of Welsh politics to the subtleties of Welsh cake recipes. The comedy arises naturally from these cultural interactions, making Barbie's exploration of her Welsh roots as entertaining as it is enlightening.
Barbie's point of view as someone rediscovering her ethnic background presents humorous situations where cultural nuances are misunderstood or hilariously misapplied. For instance, in one scene, Barbie enthusiastically joins in a traditional Welsh folk dance but adds a Malibu twist to it. The result is a comical mishmash of cultures that leaves the audience laughing while appreciating the beauty of cultural fusion. Experience the Comedy in Barbie 2
In conclusion, "Welsh Barbie 2: Journey to the Heart of the Dragon" does more than entertain; it educates and celebrates a rich culture that many may not be familiar with. It bridges worlds and shows that at the core of every adventure is a journey to understand oneself better. Catrin Hughes has not only written a Barbie script but has also contributed to the larger dialogue about the importance of ethnic representation in film. Explore the Cultural Elements of Barbie 2
Certainly! Here are 17 Welsh cultural references that were cleverly incorporated into the script of "Welsh Barbie 2: Journey to the Heart of the Dragon" by Catrin Hughes:
Eisteddfod: A traditional Welsh festival of literature, music, and performance.
Welsh Cakes: A local delicacy that Barbie tries to make.
Rugby: A sport that holds significant importance in Welsh culture.
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch: A Welsh town with the longest name, which Barbie humorously attempts to pronounce.
Red Dragon (Y Ddraig Goch): The symbol on the Welsh flag, incorporated into Barbie's wardrobe.
Slate Mining: Reference to the industry that is part of the Welsh historical landscape.
Male Voice Choirs: A unique aspect of Welsh musical tradition.
Cawl: A traditional Welsh stew that Barbie tries.
St. David's Day: The national day of Wales, celebrated in the film.
Love Spoons: Traditional Welsh carved wooden spoons that are given as gifts.
Welsh Language (Cymraeg): Phrases and greetings in Welsh are used throughout the script.
The Mabinogion: Ancient Welsh stories that are recounted in the film.
Snowdonia: A region in northwest Wales known for its mountains and natural beauty.
Leeks and Daffodils: National symbols of Wales, appearing in various scenes.
Welsh Rarebit: A traditional Welsh dish made with a savory sauce of melted cheese.
Aberfan Disaster: A nod to Welsh history, showing the depth and resilience of the community.
Gwalia Stores: An old Welsh village store setting is used for a scene where Barbie discovers old family records.
Each of these references adds depth to the story, making it not just a Barbie adventure but a journey into Welsh culture. Learn more about Welsh Barbie 2