Brave (2012) Movie Review

Every featured Disney Princess has their tale, from the quirkiness of Snow White to being a warrior like Mulan. Each princess has a unique attribute that one stands on their own.

When Disney and Pixar paved their way to release Brave in 2012, they introduced a different type of princess. One that does not need a prince.

Plot Overview

In Medieval Scotland, a young Princess, Merida, was given a bow and arrow as a gift by his father, King Fergus, although her mother, Queen Elinor, was dismayed. Soon a demon bear attacked the family. Merida and Elinor fled while the King and his warriors fought it, which cost him to lose a leg.

Ten years later, Queen Elinor teaches Merida how to be a princess, such as wearing a proper dress, acting warmly, etc. However, Merida thinks that she was born to be a great archer. During the Highland games, where suitors will try to compete for her hand, she easily defeats them in an archery contest. After the stint, she gets into a heated argument with Elinor and runs away to the forest. She meets an elderly witch after following the wisps, and Merida bargains for a spell that would "change" her mother and gives her an enchanted cake.

Merida gave the cake to her mother and transformed her into a bear. Queen Elinor could not speak but still had the consciousness she had as a queen. Merida must find a way to return her mother to her original form before it's too late.

Review

I like Disney and Pixar's move to promote Merida as a Disney Princess that is different from the others. She does not need a prince charming, and she stands independently.

What I like about Brave is how it shows a bit of the Nordic culture that may have been lost for centuries. It shows how imaginative and naive they are when they try to figure out nature. It's both funny and great.

The central plot of Brave is simple. I don't know if it's an original concept, but it feels like it was something taken out of a folk tale. However, I still enjoyed it quite a lot; its simplicity makes it more profound. I prefer animated movies that are easy to appreciate.

Overall, this animated Pixar fairy tale classic shows the importance of breaking away from traditions and pays importance to it when it matters.

A good 3.5 out of 5 stars.