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Movie Review: Brave (2012)

8/21/2012 07:35:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Disney and Pixar’s new computer-animated fantasy adventure film Brave hit Philippine theaters last August 1, 2012. While it grossed $223,324,000 and had positive reviews in the United States starting its premier last July 22, Brave has yet to capture the hearts of the Filipino audience and make its mark on the Philippine box office list.

Set in the highlands of 10th-century Scotland, Brave narrates the story of a spirited young princess, Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) who defies an old custom which in turn caused chaos all over the land. After consulting a witch for help, her family becomes cursed and Merida is forced to break the spell before it’s too late.

When Merida’s mother, Queen Elinor (voiced by Emma Thompson) decided that it was time for her to marry, a competition for the princess’ hand was held. Not wanting to marry, Merida enters the competition on her own behalf. For she was a skilled archer (thanks to her father, King Fergus (voiced by Billy Connolly), Merida wins the competition but in doing so, she angered her mother and embarrassed the lords of the land. This incident resulted to Merida and her mother having a terrible fight. The princess runs off into the woods where she encounters the magical will-o'-the-wisps, who lead her to a witch’s cottage. The witch (voiced by Julie Walters) grants Merida one wish-to change her mother, but the wish comes with horrible consequences. Merida tries to find the witch to redo the spell only to find out that she is gone. Unless Merida faces her problems, her family’s-especially her mother’s and her life would tragically change forever.

First of all, the computer-generated animations were spectacular. From the medieval castle to the eerie woods to the wonderful waterfalls and to the evermore famous fiery locks of Merida, Brave is an animation masterpiece on its own. The setting and the special effects contributed to the overall feel of the movie and made it both culturally and aesthetically rich. The characters were adorable and were voiced quite well. The Scottish accent really made a fresh twist to the story and the character each had their unique personalities.

Second, although visually appealing, Brave can be a bit misleading. At first glance, the movie seems to be about a rebellious princess who will change her destiny by fighting for her kingdom-or something close to that. But, in truth, the movie focuses more on mother-and-daughter relationships. It shows Merida and her mother’s rocky relationship and how they both grow and learn how to listen and understand each other. But not to worry, Brave still has action (though not the kind of violence that some teens might like) and loads of humor.

All in all, Brave is a very kid-friendly and heartfelt movie--the kind which you and your little brother/sister and your mom could watch. It is full of emotion, humor, and both comical and slapstick violence. ● by Joanna Pagulayan

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