Brave Review

Justin and I saw Brave on June 24, 2012!! I absolutely loved this movie, and I am very picky on animated movies, especially of this form as this is the primary animation style used for movies now. The only other animated movies of this genre I actually enjoy are Toy Story 1 & 3 as well as Coraline and the first Shrek. Of course, they're not all Pixar, but they're the only ones I like with the format used. I was excited for this movie when I found out it would be Pixar's first primary female protagonist mixed in a story from Scottish/Celtic origin. I was impressed how different the movie ended up being from the trailer. The movie focuses on a young girl named Merida born into a royal family, but is determined to shake the tradition and rebel against her mother, Elinor's instructions and preparation. She becomes skilled in archery and sword play with the help of her father, Fergus, who is referred to as The Bear King (which is a major part of the storyline). In some ways, she reminds me a little bit of Arya Stark from Game of Thrones which is a good thing. I look at it as Arya with Sansa hair. Elinor would be similar to Catelyn, and Fergus would be like Robert Baratheon, certainly not Ned Stark who is very reserved. Suitors come to try and win the hand of Merida. Her mother decrees that the first born of each kingdom can enter a tournament and whoever wins gets her hand. Merida basically puts everyone to shame and defys her mother's own decree. She wants her mother to change her idea of what Merida's fate/destiny is. There was a scene with a huge argument on the family tapestry between Merida and Elinor which was very well done. The tapestry is the most integral part of the movie. This will carry over into the message in the movie about legends having some basis in fact, as well as the idea that fate and destiny is something that is within all of us/ We have to be brave enough to face it. After the heated argument, both are upset at the actions they perpetrated on one another, and this leads to Merida encountering the power of magic. This magic will have consequences for Elinor and Merida in turn. Remember what I said about the Bear King moniker? Big foreshadowing into what will happen. Interestingly enough, this magic spell is designed to have Elinor change her mind. Well, it does change her. I'll leave it at that haha. However, despite the differences Merida and Elinor have, their bond grows even stronger. As the bond grows, so does the ability to repair the tapestry and the repeating of what happened in the legend of the four princes. Merida and Elinor make their way to the castle to make a decree that the suitors should decide with their hearts who they want to marry, not just the hand of that person. Fergus sees the physical changes of Elinor and leads a party chasing her. Merida protects Elinor from Fergus in a great sword battle. This is followed by Elinor protecting Merida. Very well done!! Amazing battle sequences!! The tapestry is mended. Very powerful message of how important family is. Don't be afraid to face your chosen fate/destiny. Merida and Elinor protect each other throughout the movie in different ways and it just amazed me. I give this movie a 4/5 for great animation, an incredible story (completely different overall to what the trailer says), great vocal performances from Kelly McDonald, Emma Thompson, and Billy Connolly, phenomenal action sequences, great character development over the course of the movie, and an incredible soundtrack. Very well done!! As I said, I am very picky with animated movies, but I was very impressed with this.