Brave

Disney and Pixar are two companies that rarely disappoint their audiences with their movies and their latest joint release titled Brave is no exception. Brave is a beautifully animated movie with a touching storyline that explores the depths of a mother-daughter relationship. The movie combines Disney’s always loved princess theme with Pixar’s amazing digital animation skills. Pixar has yet again proven why they are considered the masters of digital animation.

Brave is set in the medieval Scottish highlands and features the fiery redheaded princess named Merida as its lead character. Merida is a strong, independent, and rebellious teenager who is heiress to the throne of her father (King Fergus) and mother (Queen Elinor) but Merida also struggles under the patriarchal customs of her kingdom. Merida is also a highly skilled archer who seems more interested in adventuring than she does ruling over any kingdom. But Elinor disagrees with that and sets up a series of games for young males from allied kingdoms to fight to win Merida’s hand in marriage.

Merida decides the boys will compete in a game of archery but desperate to gain her freedom, Merida defies custom and shoots for her own hand determined not to become a prize for anyone to win. Angered at her defiance, Merida’s mother confronts her and they get into an argument that ends in Merida running away from the castle. But Merida’s defiance has done more than tear a rift between her and her mother, it has also thrown the kingdoms into chaos. The kingdoms end up on the verge of war because of Merida’s refusal to be betrothed.

As Merida runs from the kingdom, she comes across a witch in the forest who gives her a spell with the promise it will change her fate. But like many spells, it doesn’t go according Merida’s plan. Merida must now embark on a journey with her mother that will test her bravery in order to save herself, her mother, and the kingdoms. Merida will have to learn what it takes to change your fate. Throughout the movie, Merida and her mother learn new things about each other and discover a deeper understanding of one another. The viewer can really see how Merida and her mother’s relationship changes over the course of the movie.

Brave is a movie that is sure to touch the hearts of many people and bring tears to their eyes. The movie carries a strong message of love, freedom, fate, and the understanding between a parent and a child. Brave is an adventure movie with dark themes but it is also a mother-daughter movie that is sprinkled with humor. Brave has lived up to many fans’ expectations and even soared beyond them. I can tell you one thing, it lived up to and went beyond the expectations this fan had for it.

The animation in Brave is stunning and very well done; Pixar has done it yet again with their incredible skills. The movie is incredibly detailed from the large details like the beautiful, lush landscape of the highlands down to the small details like every shadow that passes on Merida’s dress. Merida’s flaming red hair is well detailed and kept vibrant and lively throughout the entire film. Merida’s hair alone is an excellent example of Pixar’s skills. The brilliant animation throughout the movie helps bring a life-like feel to the film. To go along with the touching storyline and beautiful animation, Brave has a wonderful soundtrack with a variety of songs that each adds something to the movie.

Brave is a truly captivating film that will keep you interested from start to finish and tug at your emotions as you watch Merida race against the clock and learn some valuable lessons about bravery and the communication between a parent and child. Brave gets a well-earned 9/10 from me. Brave can leave a viewer with the pondering question… If you had the chance to change your fate, would you?