Brave evokes Britain's ethereal Celtic past, with ancient runes, barehanded battles with bears, and a hell of a lot of red heads dominating its insular world. We also get the indistinguishable sense of the Scottish that evokes such films as Braveheart and Highlander, where haggis, kilts and bagpipes are never amiss, as well as that rapturous, heart-tugging music that beautifully encapsulates the wilderness and promise of the highlands. And what's a Scottish film without Billy Connolly?
Sumptuous is an adjective that is thrown around critically concerning a film's look, but this Brave is. The juxtaposition between Merida's fiery corkscrewed mop and the verdant greens of the rugged Scottish landscape is visually arresting on its own. Attention to detail has reached such acute levels with the animation on this project, with backgrounds and settings intricately composed, and the textures and movements of its characters - from people to horses, dogs and bears -are authentic and striking.
The story of Brave itself is truly a breath of fresh air, particularly for a film whose ancestry lies in Disney 'Princess' realms. I've read criticisms of the film for being predictable, un-engaging and not as good as vintage Pixar.
In terms of predictability, Brave is anything but. I went to see the film with a completely (unsettlingly, perhaps?) open mind because I wasn't sure what it was going to be about. All I could guess from the posters was a red-haired girl that shows...bravery? I don't want to give anything away because the main plot point unfolds midway through the film, but basically Merida (Kelly MacDonald) is our female protagonist who is told forcefully by her mother (Emma Thompson) that she must follow tradition and choose a suitor in order to stabilise her kingdom. Merida, ever the teenager, wants to be free to choose her own identity. This clash of parent-child - and particularly Mother-daughter - relationship is rarely central to a film's narrative; it is here. There's no Disney Princess-esque romance present. Thematically Brave's focus is on identity and destiny that both reflects its protagonist's diegesis and that of its creators: Pixar. Brave seems a statement of mixed compromise and independence from the genre stereotypes of the Disney machine.
In terms of being un-engaging I don't think the film or its makers should apologise for Bravely breaking convention. I found it very engaging! I was completely convinced by Merida and her mother's frustrating relationship; it was funny throughout, with plenty of underneath-the-kilt gags and the three miniature triplets are delectable; the plot was also alive enough to surprise.
In terms of not being up to Pixar standard, this is subjective but I have three words for you: Cars? Cars 2?
Glorified Bob the Builder?
What's more, in terms of the 'Disney Princess' cliche honestly I can't see a wisp here for feminists to complain about. This film is a feminist's dream. It's the best thing since we got to wear trousers, or even vote. (jk) As with great satire, Brave undermines the Disney Princess archetype from the inside-out. Yes, Merida is a Princess. Yes, Disney is the parent company of Brave's producer, Pixar. But this is where the similiarities end. This chick loves riding around bareback on her shire horse through the Scottish highlands, shooting arrows at impossible homemade targets and abseiling pitchy waterfalls.
There are a couple of sweet moments such as when the scottish lass decides she is going to compete in the contest for her hand in marriage, burying the suitors at an archery contest. Beforehand, she literally rips the constraints of her maiden's dress (accompanied undoubtably by cheers and ker-chings from women across the land) --- what better symbol for breaking the seeming necessity for a female protagonist to find romance in a film? Especially when Disney Princesses are all, what, sixteen? Should you be getting married Ariel I'm-sixteen-years-old-I'm-not-a-child the Little Mermaid? Disney neglected to mention that after her ride into the sunset she featured on sixteen and pregnant.
Without wanting to sound preachy this shouldn't be the example young and impressionable (!) children are being bombarded with. Brave's heroine Merida is more what I think youngsters should be like - feisty, opinionated and pro-active.
So, do I give Pixar's latest a double thumbs up? Och, yes.
P.S. The notorious Pixar short before the movie is SO CUTE
P.P.S. If you found this interesting click here for a review which I found very helpful in reflecting on Brave.
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