It’s Pixar’s chance to steal the spotlight for this week’s post, as tomorrow celebrates the anniversary of Brave’s premier in the UK. Crazy to believe its been thirteen years since its release!
I always believe Brave to be one of the ‘forgotten’ stories of Pixar. It’s no surprise when contended with the likes of Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Monsters Inc etc. But as an animated film in its own right, this film holds strong emotion and delivers an important message; that of communication (or rather, in this case, mis-communication) and family relationships.
We first meet Merida as a young girl curious of the world around her, and showing great interest in the bow and arrow belonging to her father. And it’s in this opening scene where we’re first introduced to the family dynamic – a loving, playful one with a touch of parenting disagreements in regard to Merida. Blink and you’ll miss it, but there’s a great frame depicting a subtle unapproving gaze from her mother towards her father when Merida is given her own bow; this comedic touch portrays a real life moment in such a way, that it can almost feel as if we lose the fictional barrier.
The relationship between Merida and her parents (in particular her mother) is at the core of the storyline. Merida chooses her own hand, and rebels the societal request of marriage. Subsequently creating tension between herself and family in the process. Yet this relationship is fractured only due to lack of communication and willingness to hear each other’s side. A mother-daughter bond is a special one, and these two characters are perhaps more alike than they believe. They just haven’t mastered that skill of listening.
Like Merida, I personally find it quite difficult to communicate to those close to me too. I can sometimes get caught up in my own vision and not take on board fully other’s opinions or thoughts on the matter. It was perhaps her headstrong attitude and spirited nature which I resonated so much with in the first place. Either that, or the unruly hair and not-so-stereotypical princess appearance! She is a character who knows what she wants (despite it not following expectations), and one who is often a bit naive and gullible at times too. Her encounter with the witch first shows this; persuaded and enticed by only the ‘fix’ of the spell, she fails to take on board the severity of the side effects. Namely the effect of the spell being made permanent.
But it’s only through this journey between the bear and the girl that we see the princess mature and develop. Coming to terms with the fact Merida may lose her mother to the behaviour of an actual bear, brings to light the importance of the mother-daughter relationship. She begins to understand her mum in a way she hadn’t considered before, and realises her family’s intentions were valid. They were done so out of love. During these moments we are treated to some beautiful animation of nature and their surroundings; accompanied perfectly with a heartfelt song. (A little note to highlight the score of this movie – despite only having two lyrical songs, they play such a prominent part in these pivotal moments). To come out of the other side and see their reunion is something which hits hard. The relief in each other’s eyes, the tight hug, and the emotions they share are all symbols of the love they have for one another.
We cant analyse Brave without a mention of her love interest – or rather the lack of. For we see, right from the off, Merida had no intention of settling down with any of the clans presented to her, and instead wanted to shoot for her own hand. She values the importance of letting herself choose her fate, and if that meant going against traditional ways, then so be it. Nothing is fully confirmed as to being the reason why she opposed the arrangements: it could simply be due to not wanting to settle with someone you only know as being the best out of three in a sport – there’d certainly be a lack or emotional connection there. Or perhaps she’s not yet ready for, or even wanting, that kind of commitment in her life. She strikes me instead as someone full of adventure with different life priorities.
Whichever the case, it’s this breaking from expectations that I can relate to – in fact, I haven’t really followed any of the traditional pathways in life. Least so that desire to get married and settle down with children etc. But I know I’ve carved the way for a life lived in my own way. And like Merida, that’s only because I’ve been brave enough to choose my fate and be true to myself.
I couldn’t not show a little appreciation for Merida’s horse, Angus in this post.. so a special mention to this beautiful Shire who just radiates so much happiness when on screen. And thanks to Pixar for choosing not to make him a talking side character, but simply that of Merida’s companion – I loved to see it!
Leave a Reply