I had a chance to host a special premiere of “Brave” that the film’s director Mark Andrews attended. We had a “Q & A” after the film and I asked Andrews what “message” he wanted movie-goers to leave with. Andrews simply said, “It’s a story about families. Your immediate family, your extended family. And it’s all about that double meaning in the word ‘bravery.’ It’s not just about facing adversity, but also about facing your own flaws in your character yourself. “
He added, “You can be brave on the inside.”
Andrews isn’t far off from describing what “Brave” is all about. This latest Disney/Pixar release is the first to cast a female protagonist lead. Yes, she is a princess, but she isn’t your run of the mill fair maiden in search of her prince. This is a tough teenage girl trying to set herself up in life. At times, against her family’s will.
After seeing the film, I was curious to see what other “sneak peekers” were saying. The majority were THRILLED about having a female lead. Others were even happier about having a movie portraying a mother-daughter relationship. If you are saying to yourself, “wait, THIS is a Disney/Pixar movie?”….you aren’t alone. The studio has taken a slight turn from its previous offerings . “Brave” is a darker fairy tale almost reminiscent of old-school Grimm style. There are scary scenes that might not be suitable for the under 5 crowd.
The visuals are the usual superb Pixar style. Lead character Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald of “Boardwalk Empire” fame) has STUNNING red hair. Other voice actors making up the “Brave” cast include Emma Thompson, who plays Merida’s Queen mom and Billy Connolly, who plays King dad.
What is the storyline in “Brave?” It’s simple. When Merida is old enough, she is presented to various Scottish clans to find a husband. It’s tradition. Merida, who in character is more like her dad, rebels against this and this is where she plots to change her mother’s mind. Instead, mom is changed into a bear. You read that correct. This is where the mother-daughter relationship plays out.
If you are expecting a typical Pixar film a la “Cars,” “The Incredibles,” or even “Toy Story,” you aren’t getting it. If you are going to the movies hoping for a different type of fairy tale, “Brave” delivers.
Dave Morales is a member of the Houston Film Critics Society
