Review of Brave (2012) by Andy S — 17 Sep 2017

A win for female characters but a fail for storytelling.

***.

What's more important in a film: its story or its message? "BRAVE" is well-intentioned and harmless, but the steps it takes to get to its point lack gravitas. It's a rare misstep in storytelling for Pixar, but still an honorable and worthy effort, because of the strong morals, bold animation, and its lead character.

Yes, I think Merida is a brilliant addition to the animation and film universe. In fact, more movies need a Merida. A recent USC study showed that only 28% of speaking characters on screen were female. Furthermore, Merida leads a movie that has two female characters who talk to each other in a conversation that does not revolve around men (it's called the Bechdel Test). So, sadly, female characters are not receiving the same amount of three-dimensional attention as their male counterparts. As an optimist, I think a family-oriented movie like "BRAVE" can lead the next generation of filmmakers in creating gender equal roles.

Now here comes the double edged sword. Minor spoilers: the concluding message of "BRAVE" is to take charge of your own life. I'm all for a film advocating for free will, but I don't think "BRAVE" is the appropriate title (you don't have to be "brave enough" to see this as the film states; it's inherently learned). For the record, it was originally titled "THE BEAR AND THE BOW." "Brave" kind of implies a war film - and with a bow-and-arrow wielding heroine, it's easy to be let down to see a fairly traditional fairy tale. But maybe it's for the best that Merida isn't Katniss or Hemoine. "THE HUNGER GAMES" and "HARRY POTTER" are mostly war films (for sake of the argument), while "BRAVE" is not. Now *I* prefer war stories, but that doesn't mean others do. So, in that sense, it's better that Merida isn't a shadow of Katniss or Hermoine and instead, stands on her own. Like I said, a win for female characters.

But if only the story were good!! It's almost frustrating because "BRAVE" was so close to being revolutionary. A less customary and adventurous script could've made the story so much better. Instead, the filmmakers settle for forgettable physical comedy (see: Elinor acclimating to her bear body, Merida's annoying and pointless brothers), boring song interludes (except for the exceptional Birdy/Mumford & Sons collaboration that plays over the credits), and the same-old-same-old curse-breaking escapades. Nothing new - and that's why it's surprising it came from Pixar, the masterful innovator. Still, the animation is breathtaking and colorful.

"BRAVE" gets it right in nearly every detail - except for its story. Unfortunately, that's the basic element to what makes a movie good. Can we take a mulligan on this one?