BRAVE directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, written by Andrews, Chapman, Steve Purcell and Irene Mecchi, with the voices of Kelly Macdonald, Emma Thompson, Billy Connolly and Julie Walters. A Walt Disney Pictures release. 93 minutes. Opens Friday (June 22). For venues and times, see Movies. Rating: NNNN
After the tonally bizarre Toy Story 3 and the flashy emptiness of Cars 2, Pixar gets its groove back with this lovely, stirring and very funny mythical adventure about Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald), a Scots princess bristling at what she perceives as constant criticism from her mother (Emma Thompson) while her father (Billy Connolly) brokers an uneasy peace.
When Merida refuses to be married off at a gathering of the clans, she not only defies her parents, but brings the kingdom to the brink of civil war – and then something else happens that makes the story even more urgent and personal.
Lifting elements from Disney and Studio Ghibli, directors Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman have constructed an entirely new myth, rooted in Scots mysticism, human pride and a very relatable mother-daughter conflict. And they’ve built a gorgeous movie around it, filled with spectacular visuals, inventive action sequences and a passionate heart.
See it before people spoil it for you.
