Lost in translation: Barbie and subtitle discrepancies in China

I examine the subtle yet impactful subtitle translation errors in the Chinese version of Barbie (2023). These translation missteps undermine the film's feminist narratives and representations of gender, which reveals the translations’ capacity to distort the original English screenplay. Employing an interdisciplinary approach that integrates film studies, feminist theory and translation studies, I emphasise the instrumental role of subtitles as not just linguistic tools but narrative constructs that significantly influence the shaping and affirmation of gender identities. The analysis illuminates the pivotal role of subtitles in reflecting and shaping societal norms, offering insights for developing more culturally sensitive and empowered translation methodologies in the realm of international cinema.