Review of Brother Bear (2003) by Ryan S — 31 Jan 2010

Brother Bear is yet another GREAT Walt Disney must see. From the start to finish it keeps you watching. Kenai was determined to become a man one way or another, but before he can do so he must evaluate himself and learn some very important life lessons. Kenai was a part of a tribe that was very spiritual and believed the world was full of magic. With two older brothers he didn?t quite like his position as being the little brother; he just wanted to be a man. Kenai was so excited about getting his totem in which he knew he would be on the road to his manhood. Upon receiving the totem he didn?t feel it was right, he couldn?t understand why he received that particular totem. So from being angry and from different acts that he was involved in he was magically transformed by the spirits into a bear. Upon becoming a bear and through his journey through the forest to find where the mountain and lights meet. He meets Koda a cub that absolutely changed his life, his perspective, and views.

This whole movie from the start relates to Indigenous Religions there are so many different ways. The first quote of the movie reveals this ?The world is magic?the ever changing lights are spirits of our ancestors...? The Indigenous are connected to nature and spirits. They believe everything is a part of a circle you must have right relationships with everything whether it is man, land, or bear. Which in the movie Kenai was changed so he could see these things for himself. The soundtrack not only gives great music it also gives connections to how it relates to the indigenous one song says ?Brothers are all the same?. As in Indigenous Religion there is a ?shaman? the one who offers themselves to intermediate between the spirits and the people as Tanana for the tribe.

This is a rated G film that is really for everyone. I think everyone could learn a lesson from this movie. As an adult I believe you will see it in a different light than a child would even though it is animated. It is deeper than animation it actually has a spiritual, emotion, make you laugh, and a little sad point.

Dee Harris.