Review of Brave (2012) by Jose Gabriel S — 20 Sep 2014

A cute film but I don't think it's the best that the studio could make. The scars from the constant rewrites and the abrupt switch of directors hinders Brave from it's true potential. I felt that the character of Merida while implied being wild and adventurous woman didn't really do as many things I'd considered badass. She's good with the bow and arrow but for the most part they play her as rebellious, stubborn and a bit of a tomboy and not much action. Also because of the change of directors the film seems to be a bit rushed by brushing interesting elements aside. I mean this is Scotland were talking about!! A land of great LORE with witches, warlocks,spells, Warriors and legends. But the only little piece of mythology we get is the story of the prince and that's it. Even the scene were Merida rides on her horse shooting targets for fun seemed to have come and gone quickly without letting any of the scenery sink in.

While I feel that it still addresses some issues done before in early Disney princess films (the reluctant princess, the parent who doesn't agree etc) Brave does seem to venture into some new territory with the mother and daughter relationship. And I feel that the way they solve their problems in the end was a bit more refreshing with Merida taking a more calm and political way to solve the feud between the kingdoms. Other than that it's very forgettable. While it has it' good moments you still have to go through a lot of mediocrity to get there.