Review of Brother Bear (2003) by Keagon S — 08 Sep 2012

In this enlightening film by Disney, a young Indian boy is taught the true meaning of love and the cycles of life. After witnessing his brother's death during a fight with a bear the boy vows to slay the bear responsible for taking his brother. When the spirits turn the boy into a bear himself he begins to experience life as a bear and see through other's eyes. Now living as a bear, Kenai becomes hunted prey by his middle brother who thinks that the bear has killed his little brother also. On this adventure, Kenai befriends a young bear cub whom travels with him along his way to find the place where the lights touch the earth. The destination point where he believes he will be turned back into a man.

In the movie, Kenai's story is a great example on how the indigenous cultures and religions operate day to day with the earth and their surroundings. Mary Pat Fisher explains, "In indigenous cultures, the community is paramount and it may extend beyond the living humans in the area. Many traditional peoples know the earth as their mother. The land one lives on is part of her body, loved, respected, and well known. (44) We know that the people who live in primal religions are significantly focused on their land and the nature around them; this is signified in the film. In her text book, Fisher explains the importance of the land and animals. She states, "Trees, animals, insects, and plants are all to be approached with caution and consideration. If one must cut down a tree or kill an animal, one must first explain one's intentions and ask forgiveness." (47) Brother Bear, is a clear lesson on the how the people of their religion feel about aggravating and disrespecting animals and the land.

Works Cited.

Brother Bear. Dir. Aaron Blaise. Robert Walker. Perf. Joaquine Phoenxi. Jason Raize. Jeremy Suarez. Disney. 2003. Film.

Fisher, Mary Pat. Living Religions. 8th ed. New Jersey. Pearson Publication, INC. 2011.