"Brave" (2012/rated PG): Before we went to see this movie, I had no idea where its title came from. I just assumed that the fire-haired arrow-shooting princess Merida (pronounced "MERRY-dah"), would be a warrior who shatters the often-maligned Disney princess mold. The plot soon revealed Merida to be a teenage princess who was still an adept archer but not a soldier of any sort. Instead, Merida was engaged in the age-old battle-of-wills that so many princesses throughout history have had with their moms. Still, in the back of my mind I wondered what the point of that title was.
Then, after an emotional reunion with her mom where they both realize they were misunderstanding each other throughout the whole movie, Merida narrates the lines I quoted above just before the credits roll.
Brave. Here I thought it was going to mean she was a fighter, like Mulan. But no. It means she fought, not with a weapon, but for what she believes in.Her values, her desired fate, her future. She didn't want to be betrothed to someone. Her mom insisted that's what princesses do. After an encounter with a witch and a scary bear, turns out princesses don't have to do it that way.
I wanted to bring Peanut to this movie because of her current fascination with princesses, since Merida is brave and strong. My suspicions were right. Merida is a wonderful role model who, while she has issues with her mom, takes a stand for her family. Her love for them is evident throughout, even when they are in conflict. Oh, added bonus: Merida is a princess who has two parents throughout the entire film too.
Disney and Pixar outdid themselves with the animation and the message. And even though Peanut was afraid of the mean bear, I would recommend this movie to children her age. A little warning: there is a bit of nudity. Yes, nudity. Some quick, humorous mooning. And there is a bit of violence. (Thus, the PG rating.) Overall, the film has some funny and heartwarming moments. And the end gave me goose bumps, made My Director cry, and left Peanut smiling and clapping. It's also a great mother-daughter movie.
Brave gets three very enthusiastic thumbs up from the DKL family.
For more on Peanut's princess fascination, click here to see which ones we tracked down on our Disney adventure.
Looking forward to taking my pack to see it.
ReplyDeleteNice review.
They're gonna like it. There's enough fun stuff for boys in it too. Enjoy.
DeleteI loved how the parents weren't just both alive and still married, they also LOVED one another! Shocker!
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You are so right. Forgive me for not including that crucial point. Thanks for pointing it out. Their love is not only evident, it's a major theme throughout.
DeleteOf all the reviews I've seen for Brave, this review means most, not only because I trust you, but because our daughter's are the same age and love princesses. My wife wants to take her on a mommy-daughter date; I'll recommend this movie.
ReplyDeleteNice. It IS scary though. And of course, the nudity. Be warned.
DeleteI was looking for a good honest review of this film as I was thinking about taking my daughters to see it but I am always a bit hesitant as it costs a fortune over here for the cinema and I don't like to waste money.
ReplyDeleteSounds like they might enjoy it from what you have said so I might take the plunge!
Yes... depending on age and the individual child... I would say this one is worth it. We don't take Peanut to the movies (cinema) that often because of cost too. So we pick and choose and we're happy we chose this one.
DeleteI took my 6 year-old daughter a few weeks ago and even though I loved the message, we both thought the movie was VERY scary for the target audience (which I am assuming would be the 4-8 year old age range). I wish they could have toned it down a little bit so it could have been rated G. If it doesn't take much to scare your child, I wouldn't recommend it (unfortunately).
ReplyDeleteFair enough. I agree that they could have made it less violent. If it helps, My Director sometimes use this site if we're unsure whether a movie is age-appropriate: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/
DeleteThanks for your honest response. All opinions always welcome.
I took my 4 year old son and he loved it! The only parts that startled him were the bears but that really only happens twice. Otherwise, it was the first movie in the theater that he sat all the way through.
ReplyDeleteThe visual effects were stunning in this one. Dad loved it too!
That's great. Yes... a bit scary... but I didn't think overwhelmingly so.
DeleteGreat review, and as my kids are way too old now, I've a
ReplyDeleteready requested the dvd for me, for Christmas! I love the fact that it has strong female characters. Thanks for the review. :-)
Yes. Female characters so strong that one of them turns the other one into a bear. That's some serious shizz. Thanks for reading!
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