Review of Brother Bear (2003) by Jim H — 28 Jan 2010

Walt Disney?s ?Brother Bear?, an animated movie which combined humans, animals, and indigenous sacred ways, fell short of spectacular. The true meaning of the movie may not be understood by young viewers. And if you are not familiar with ancient practices, you may not be able to appreciate the movies intended meaning.

The story takes place thousands of years ago and involves a young Native American boy named Kenia (voice by Joaquin Phoenix). Kenia?s quest to follow his ancient rite of passage into manhood begins with him receiving a totem from the tribe?s shaman Tanana (voice of Joan Copeland). A totem of a bear was issued by the great spirits and represented the spirit of love.

Kenia, the youngest of three brothers was upset by his totem, he wanted something more powerful. Kenia?s oldest brother Sitka (voice of D.B. Sweeny) had a totem of an eagle which represented guidance. Kenia?s other brother Denahi (voice of Jason Raize) had a totem of a wolf which represented wisdom. Kenia felt like he did not receive the totem he deserved.

A bear which had taken a basket of freshly caught fish from the tribe?s camp had Kenia chasing after it. Denahi and Sitka both went to help Kenia escape the bear. During the confrontation with the bear events took place that ultimately transformed Kenia into a bear.

Kenia, who is now a bear, encounters two moose Rutt (voice of Rick Moranis) and Tuke (voice of Dave Thomas) who provide humor throughout the movie. Kenia also encounters a talkative little bear cub named Koda (voice of Jeremy Suarer) who agrees to lead Kenia home. Koda teaches Kenia the importance of brotherhood while they are on their action packed adventure home through hazardous terrain. Kenia?s quest for manhood ended in a way you will need to see to believe.

Much of the movie is a reflection of the Indigenous sacred ways. The beginning shows the elders teaching the world is full of magic that stems from the lights that dance around the sky. Tanana taught that the source of the lights were the spirits of ancestors that have the power to make changes in the world. The circular drawings of animals on the ceiling of the cave represented the religious symbol of unity. Tanana also spoke of small things becoming big, winter turning to summer, and one thing always changes into another. These all represent the cyclical view of time (Fisher 38-39).

The music from Phil Collins will have you dancing in your seat. So for those of you who enjoy movies with religious or cultural themes, Brother Bear is defiantly a movie you will want to see.

Works Cited.

Brother Bear. Dir. Aaron Blaise, Robert Walker. Buena Vista Home Entertainment, Inc. 2003. Film.

Fisher, Mary Pat. Living Religions. 7th ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 2005. Print.