Not only "Brave",most of Pixar's films are of such high quality about the visuals and sophistication of storytelling that nearly all other animated films pale in comparison. They tell common stories in some way that feel fresh and emotional true. Do you remember the “Cars 2”? That’s still of high quality than other similar.
Female characters always player an important role in Pixar’s films, just like Dory in "Finding Nemo" and Elastic girl in "The Incredibles," However, "Brave" is Pixar's first film to telling a story around a heroine. In the movies, Merida (Kelly Macdonald) is a Scottish princess, which may let some audiences deem that Pixar is heading down the path of a traditional Disney-style princess film instead of doing something new.
Dismissing "Brave" as just another princess movie is too superficial a read of the film because the portrayal of Merida is refreshing. This is not simple story about a love-sick girl waiting for a man to sweep her off her feet. Merida has little to desire to a man. She is absolutely independent, adventurous and a good shot with a bow and arrow. This is also very much a mother-daughter story, which, unfortunately, we don't see enough of. There are plenty of stories of father-son relationship, but positive mother-daughter stories are too rare a commodity, particularly in the realm of animation. If you look at most of the Disney princess films they are either mother-less ("Little Mermaid, "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin") or stuck with an evil stepmother ("Cinderella," "Snow White").
Merida's father, who loses his leg to a bear in the prologue, is proud of his daughter's independent spirit, but her mother just wants her to accept her duties and get married (That seems a true reflection of real world today). When Merida is being presented to potential suitors she takes a stand that greatly angers her mother. Merida flees to the stunningly Scottish hills and forests and finds her way to the house of a witch where she asks for a spell to change her mother's mind. Naturally, the spell doesn't work as expected and mother and daughter must work together to undo the magic. It wouldn't be fair to reveal how the spell goes awry, but it may lose some audience members who, given the title, are expecting something with high stakes adventure. The title refers to having the courage to stand up from what you believe, but to also have the nerve to admit your mistakes and right your wrongs.
Mother and daughter must discover how to truly listen to each other for the first time. They must learn to put someone else's wishes in front of their own while not sacrificing their own beliefs. It is an significant lesson and one that is rarely done in a way that doesn't feel forced or heavy handed.
The writers and directors of "Brave"---Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman--- have a created a story that is familiar, but tell it in a unique way that is sweet ,fresh and emotionally honest. Comic relief is provided by Merida's three mischievous brothers and sisters and from the antics of the various clansmen whose voices include the likes of Craig Ferguson and Robbie Coltrane. The glorious Connelly also brings a great deal of levity to the proceedings.
Macdonald delivered a wonderful vocal performance as Merida. She’s voice give the Scotland princess more plucky and fun rather than petulant and whiny. Thompson did a great job paly a mother who is frustrated, but loves her daughter and only wants what is best for her.
After the movie, I have to say, I thought much about the emotions between mother and daughter in today’s world. This Scotland princess just like a reflection even a model of myself. In today’s society, traditional Prince and princess like story has fade away and boys and girl have more independent spirit than years ago. It seems that, "Brave" just tell a real life story in mythological background.
Dismissing "Brave" as just another princess movie is too superficial a read of the film because the portrayal of Merida is refreshing. This is not simple story about a love-sick girl waiting for a man to sweep her off her feet. Merida has little to desire to a man. She is absolutely independent, adventurous and a good shot with a bow and arrow. This is also very much a mother-daughter story, which, unfortunately, we don't see enough of. There are plenty of stories of father-son relationship, but positive mother-daughter stories are too rare a commodity, particularly in the realm of animation. If you look at most of the Disney princess films they are either mother-less ("Little Mermaid, "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin") or stuck with an evil stepmother ("Cinderella," "Snow White").
Merida's father, who loses his leg to a bear in the prologue, is proud of his daughter's independent spirit, but her mother just wants her to accept her duties and get married (That seems a true reflection of real world today). When Merida is being presented to potential suitors she takes a stand that greatly angers her mother. Merida flees to the stunningly Scottish hills and forests and finds her way to the house of a witch where she asks for a spell to change her mother's mind. Naturally, the spell doesn't work as expected and mother and daughter must work together to undo the magic. It wouldn't be fair to reveal how the spell goes awry, but it may lose some audience members who, given the title, are expecting something with high stakes adventure. The title refers to having the courage to stand up from what you believe, but to also have the nerve to admit your mistakes and right your wrongs.
Mother and daughter must discover how to truly listen to each other for the first time. They must learn to put someone else's wishes in front of their own while not sacrificing their own beliefs. It is an significant lesson and one that is rarely done in a way that doesn't feel forced or heavy handed.
The writers and directors of "Brave"---Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman--- have a created a story that is familiar, but tell it in a unique way that is sweet ,fresh and emotionally honest. Comic relief is provided by Merida's three mischievous brothers and sisters and from the antics of the various clansmen whose voices include the likes of Craig Ferguson and Robbie Coltrane. The glorious Connelly also brings a great deal of levity to the proceedings.
Macdonald delivered a wonderful vocal performance as Merida. She’s voice give the Scotland princess more plucky and fun rather than petulant and whiny. Thompson did a great job paly a mother who is frustrated, but loves her daughter and only wants what is best for her.
