Brave (2012)
Directed by Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman and Steve Purcell
Starring Kelly McDonald, Billy Connelly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Robbie Coltrane
Princess Merida, railing against the traditions imposed upon her by her family and clan, runs away. Upon meeting a witch, Merida has one wish granted, with consequences she could not have foreseen but only she can resolve.
Disney by way of Pixar. Brave is a fairy tale more associated with the house of mouse, but told with the fresh approach of Pixar. Brave is a well-told, powerful story that focuses on family relationships rather than love, as Disney classics tend to do. Merida and Elinor (Merida’s mother) are the strongest characters, women who are not defined by the male characters, as traditional Disney princesses seem to and this approach makes for a new angle on an old story. The voice cast is excellent – as you would expect from Pixar – and it looks sumptuous, all vivid colours and vistas.
Recommend
I love Pixar and Brave didn’t disappoint. If you like classic Disney, you’ll like this modern take on a fairy tale. If you like strong female characters, a funny and engaging story or just want to see a good film then Brave is for you. You might not love it like I do, but Brave is too good to not like at all.
The FriedGold rating – 9/10 – fortune favours Brave
If you like this then you might like:
The Princess and the Frog – Disney’s return to classic animation, with another strong female princess, is definitely worth a watch
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