Many people are aware of the beloved Disney-Pixar classic movies such as Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., The Incredibles, and Finding Nemo. To most people, those movies hold a nostalgic childhood innocence in their hearts. But there is one Disney-Pixar movie that has escaped many people's minds and is forgotten - Brave. Not only do people struggle to identify its main character, Princess Merida, as one of the more recent Disney Princesses, but people also fail to credit the movie that produced her.
Merida is an ambitious young lass hailing from Scotland. Yet, her outgoing and adventurous personality causes her to clash with her more passive yet influential mother, Queen Elinor. As Merida is urged by her mother to come into the public spotlight to fulfill her role as princess and learn the responsibilities of being queen, the princess embarks on an adventure to change her fate.
As Merida's story plays out, there are many nuances within her movie that enhance her character's development. Although, these nuances not only help enhance Merida, but also the Disney-Pixar movie that she stars in. Brave, a movie in which many people have forgotten, has become one of Disney-Pixar's most underrated films. Below are reasons for why this should-be-iconic princess movie should be more appreciated.
1. It is humorous.
Brave has many laugh-out-loud moments that no one can resist. Between the relationships within Scotland's royal family, Merida's mischievous brothers, and encounters with a witch, there are plenty of humorous moments. One cannot help but laugh and enjoy this movie. There are also a few dashes of adult humor so that audiences of all ages will remain engaged with this movie.
2. It has won multiple awards.
This 2012 Disney-Pixar princess movie has won an Academy Award for the Best Animated Feature Film of the Year along with other notable awards such as a Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film. Clearly Brave is a movie well-worth watching and also deserving of some recognition.
3. It offers a story with meaning.
Like all Disney-Pixar films, Brave also comes with not only a story but meanings. One major theme includes family as well as friendship. These themes are emphasized particularly through the relationship between Merida and her mother, Queen Elinor, as they both have polarizing ideals and values.
4. It allows Disney fans to speculate.
Not only does Brave offer an incredible story, but it also provides some classic Disney-Pixar Easter Eggs that fans love to find and theorize upon. For example, the wood carving witch is part of one of the more established theories that holds that all Disney-Pixar movies happen within the same time continuum. If you are a true Disney-Pixar fan or your interest is peaked, you can read more here.
5. It began redefining its Disney-Pixar facade.
This movie was one of the first Disney-Pixar movies that began to redefine the themes they produced throughout their stories. Both parents have a presence in this film and it even makes you believe, just for a second, that it was pulling a Lion King where the father died in a tragic incident. It is also one of the first Disney-Pixar films that isn't always so warm and cheery. Brave provides a darker tale that actually pressures viewers to believe that there just may not be a happy ending after all...that is how well constructed the plot climax is! And to top it all off, this princess movie does not provide an ounce of romance in which the princess needs the help of her prince to be the hero. Merida is her own hero, saves her family and breaks the barriers of stereotypical femininity. Brave is a Disney-Pixar film that provides a great foundation for female empowerment.
6. The inspiring soundtrack
Like many Disney-Pixar films, Brave is also accompanied by an inspiring and thrilling soundtrack. The music perfectly enhances the movie and its plot development. It also allows audiences to better understand the characters and their desires or feelings. To top it off, its most popular song Touch the Sky offers moving lyrics.
7. It has a high 'cuteness' level.
Of course there are going to be characters and creatures that are just so adorable the audience cannot help but 'aww' about. Viewers have fallen in love with Merida's brothers as bear cubs and even the wisps that provide a significant role.
