Review of Brave (2012) by Joanna B — 31 May 2016

Set in the beautifully rugged Scottish highlands abound with myths, traditions and legends Pixar animation finds its latest inspiration. Wonderfully vibrant and vivid, Brave is an enchanting fable focused on the unconditional love between a mother and her daughter warming the hearts of views this cold winter.

Reminding watchers that no matter when in history you live, there is always going to be a generational language barrier that leaves both parties feeling helpless, unheard and reaching for spell to cast upon the other, Brave is natural, comical and graphically appealing in equal measure.

Princess Merida (Kelly Macdonald) is as wild and impetuous as her untamed mop of red corkscrew curls. Encouraged from a young age to rough-n-tumble by her larger-than-life loving father, King Fergus (Billy Connolly), Merida is independent, head strong and an aspiring archer, much to her mother's distain.

Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson) has conscientiously spent years schooling Merida in the ways of being a lady fitting of her station as what would be expected from the future queen. Attempting to instill knowledge, compassion and the drive to strive for perfection, the Queen's efforts frustratingly come to no-avail as her lessons pass straight through her brutish daughter's rebellious ears.

When forced into the duty of accepting a suitor from a different clan who will win her hand in marriage by competing in her favored sport of archery, Merida sees red. Shaming her family by winning the tawny herself and the award of her own hand to do with as she please, Merida slices a rift in not only her own family, but the kingdom itself.

Convinced that the source of the problem lies in her mother's rules, Merida's desperation to control her own destiny leads her to a wood whittler crone come powerful witch (Julie Walters) who grants her the exact spell she seeks - to change her mother and her ideas about marriage. But as spells are notoriously to want, the outcome could be more devastating that the reasoning.

Echoes of bagpipes and Gaelic nursery rhymes transport viewers into the era whilst the star studded voiceover cast is delightful, harping back to their long covered up accents. From supports Craig Ferguson to Robbie Coltrane and Kevin McKidd each character has a certain verbal presence to take note of.

Besides the wonderful graphics and excellent cast, the true hero of this story is its simplicity and moments. The queen's transformation from a vocal stately royal to a confused bear attempting to communicate by playing charades is definitely one of the funniest. Adding to the confusion when her monstrous little triplet brothers are afflicted with the same curse, chaotic and cutesy hilarity ensues. When taking into account the films underpinning storyline of King Fergus's pathological hatred and obsession with bears; it whole concept becomes gleefully intertwined in the films rich tapestry of energy and silliness.

The Verdict: Like many of Pixar's original projects, Brave is a real charmer and a film the whole family will adore.

Published: The Queanbeyan Age.

Date of Publication: 06/07/2012.