Film Review - Brave

Directors: Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman and Steve Purcell

Starring: Kelly Macdonald, Emma Thompson and Billy Connelly

Run Time: 100 minutes

Certificate: PG

IMDb Summary: Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse.

Pixar is back on form with 'Brave', a visually stunning adventure that follows Merida, a fiery heroine with an untamed disposition to match her wild, flaming locks. Set in the luscious Scottish lands, this sweeping journey is crammed with suspense, thrills and plenty of heart - just a small example as to why Pixar, despite minor flaws in the past (ahem, Cars 2), still provides the best animated tales on our screens. 'Brave' is certainly a film to be marvelled at. The colours and setting are truly breath taking, deep greens, cool blues...a forest so alive that one can barely tell it has been created by a computer. It must be said that the prestigious animators have coped very well with the very 'human' side of the craft, having opted for animals, monsters and even toys in the past. The leading Merida is herself a work of art, not to mention the studio's very first female heroine, who neither seeks nor requires a male in her pursuit of happiness - a feat for Disney, what with such a refreshing and unorthodox approach against their regular 'damsel in distress' narratives.  Merida is certainly not a girl to be trifled with, as is evidenced by her fragile relationship with Mother Queen Elinor, which provides the emotional foundation for the story.  
As is customary with Pixar, there is still the expected sentimentality and moral heart of the film, so as to provide a clear character arc. And in this respect, perhaps the film isn't quite as original as one would wish, seeming to stick to the same pattern that is clear in the studio's previous successful creations. But why break something if it isn't broken? The partnership of Disney and Pixar is, without a doubt, a force to be reckoned with - they are the true pioneers of film animation, not simply by their technical innovation, but by there high level of consistency in producing fine films - and 'Brave' is no exception. 
A joy from start to finish, crammed with loveable characters and visuals to die 
for, this film is a must see for all the family.