By: Brandon Porter
"If You Had the Power to Change Your Fate...Would You?" - Merida
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| Introducing Pixar's First Female Heroine...Merida of Clan DunBroch!!!! |
The Story
In the highlands of 10th Century Scotland lives the DunBroch family. Ruled by King Fergus (Billy Connolly), his beloved wife Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson) along with their three sons Harris, Hubert, and Hamish and their free spirited daughter Princess Merida (Kelly Macdonald). For years, Merida has become her own person and has tried to shape her own destiny. But her mother seems to be down her throat about every little thing she does. Queen Elinor constantly bombards her daughter with never ending lectures and seminars on how to become a "true" princess. Fearing her destiny is being shaped for her, Merida journeys to change her fate and take back control of her life. Little does she know, her escapades will reawaken an ancient curse that threatens not only her family, but the future of the entire kingdom. Merida must now take a life changing journey to set things right and truly discover what it means to be brave.
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| The DunBroch Family at Dinner inside their Castle |
Analysis
After the critical failure of Cars 2 last year, Pixar Studios was, for the first time, was on the negative end of critical acclaim. The studios next project, Brave, would be the studios chance to show critics they are still the same magical company that brought the world some of cinemas greatest animated stories. With a strong female heroine, a dark tone, and a family themed plot, Pixar was looking to make a strong comeback as a cinema powerhouse. In the end, they did just that. Brave prove to be a great success receiving a 75 % Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and earning the #1 spot at the box office its opening weekend with $66.3 million dollars. Roger Ebert gave the film 3 out of 4 stars stating even though the kids will ultimately love it, the adults will be underwhelmed at considering this a Pixar masterpiece. He stated the films message of mother/daughter communication was a wonderful addition to the storytelling. To some critics, Brave may not be Pixar's best work, but it is a solid film that has great depth, heartfelt comedy, and fun enjoyable moments.
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| With sword in hand, Merida stands ready for anything, that threatens her or her family |
Review
I have been watching the development of Brave ever since leaning of its existence a year ago. Though I thoroughly enjoyed Cars 2, I felt that the studio should come back strong the next year and bring that great magic with them. I saw Brave a few days back on Saturday and was very satisfied with the results. The film was a huge improvement from Cars 2 a year ago. The film carried a much darker and serious tone that I felt the studio handled very well without shunning its core audience…the kids.
One of
the things that pleased me about the film was the trials it take its heroine
through. Both Merida and her mother both have flaws. Whether it is selfishness
or the inability to listen to each other, the spiritual journey the two of them
take together strengthens their bond and brings them closer together. Another thing that
surprised me the most was the action in the film. The action was very exciting
especially for a Pixar film. The climactic battle between Mor' Du and Elinor as
a bear was very intense and thrilling to the end. There hasn't been a film by
the studio this action packed since The Incredibles.
As for the characters, Merida is a tremendous protagonist in the film. Her strength
and bravery are exactly what young girls need in a female heroine. With Katniss
Everdeen of The Hunger Games
becoming a beacon of empowerment for pre-teen girls, it's good to know young
girls at ages of 10 and below have their own on screen heroine. However,
despite Merida being a solid main character, its her brothers, Harris, Hubert,
and Hamish, who really steal the show. Their antics and acts of mischief had
audiences laughing throughout the film. Overall, this was a very enjoyable film
that had me satisfied in every way and assured me that Pixar still has some
magic left in them.
Rating and Final Thoughs
88% 8+
Mixing the action of The Incredibles with the parent to child journey of Finding Nemo, Brave is another example why Pixar is good at what they do and that's making great family films that inspire as well as entertain.
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| Pixar has created a great symbol of enpowerment for young girls everywhere. Someone who is strong, good willed, independent, and just plain BRAVE. |
Totally disappointing considering it's from Pixar, but that doesn't mean it isn't good. It's just not anything special especially when you put it against everything else that Pixar has been putting out for the past decade, except for last year with Cars 2. That can be forgotten. Good review Brandon.
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