to life: Brave - Another Disney and PIXAR Masterpiece

The Tag Line got me from the beginning, the moment I saw this trailer I knew I needed to see this movie "Brave - Change your Fate".

I guess this is the time I confess that I am a SLAVE to PIXAR Films, I own every one I have ever seen. I am obsessed with the poignant yet amusing beautifully written stories. The themes generally have overriding messages of bravery, love, family, happiness and grief - such adult content, packaged into animation. Over and above the fact that they are so beautifully animated and directed, they make me wish I could animate. (Plus there's all those "grown up" jokes that the kids don't get).

My wonderful boyfriend knew that I was desperate to see this movie - have been super keen ever since I saw the trailer months ago, and he found me a preview on Sunday. (Greenstone Cinema has the worst Concession Store EVER, they perpetually make you late for the movie, there's just not enough staff for the volume of people...)

The film was as good as anticipated, even if the main narrative came as a bit of a surprise. the humour, the animation, the music and direction were all superb, but above and beyond that I felt inspired by the main character. Yes folks, I, an adult, was inspired by an animated character in a children's film.

The plot follows Merida, a 10th Century Scottish lass, born into the highborn position of first (and only) born Princess to the King and Queen of four Scottish Clans. Merida, is a heroine of great power and prowess. Pixar and Disney made a bold leap from the traditional, beautiful female characters, and created a strong heroine, a big flowing bush of wild red heir, freckles, a clear distaste of all things proper as well as a lust for making her own destiny. Merida breaks all the conventions of a typical Disney Princess and is a great forward step in creating independent women. (goooo Disney, kick patriarchy in the butt!). Merida does not just want to find love and marry, Merida wants to become an independent strong woman, and can certainly look after herself.

Merida and her Bow, something a Princess should not have

Look at that hair... Certainly not a demure little princess!

Merida doesn't like to keep quiet, she has an opinion. She doesn't like to wear dresses and parade herself...

Look at that face

Merida has a VOICE, and will use it, even in front of men (GASP).

Above all, Merida is willing to change her fate, create her own destiny and break the conventions of society (apparently - according to some internet critics makes her gay - sheesh... Then I've been gay for years, best call all those ex boyfriends).

Merida, the First Born will compete for her own hand in marriage (note her ripped dress - dresses and corsets are too tight for archers)

In order to create her own destiny, Merida follows these Blue Ethereal Creatures called Whisps:

will-O'-the-whisp - According to English folklore appear to travelers at night - also known as fairy fire, they lead travelers off the beaten path.

Who show people their fate, she is taken to this fabulously quirky witch (thanks Joy... Blush) who INSISTS she's just a wood carver:

Such a great character, such an awesome answering machine - the audience wants more of her!

And then things spiral out of control....

But Merida is strong... And she has her trusty steed and her mischievousness little triplet brothers to help her through hardship:

I think the horse made me like the movie more... He was so real and Brave and Merida even mucked out his stable... Not princess like at all....

These three were so cute, made the movie very cute and funny

The film also focuses on the issues of mother daughter relationships, and the communication difficulty that occurs with these. this is the catalyst of the film, and actually becomes an integral theme, overriding the themes of adventure and folklore. Love is lost when wills are involved (and I don't mean the paper ones):

Lastly, Brave teaches kids about living their own destiny, and the powerful bond of family. A lovely movie, full of laughter, bravery, passion and a stunning sound track to boot (apparently this is the first movie on Pixar's new animation system and is the first movie to use the Dolby Atmos Sound Format - and it shows). A must see... especially if you are a strong woman... It will give you goosies. But be prepared to suspend your disbelief for an hour and a half (some of the story is a little radical).

I loved it. A 9 out of 10 ringlet rating from Di... (Have big hair or go home).

Here's the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UrmeSqcUyA&feature=fvwrel