“Brave” delivers a good time for the family! The animation is fantastically executed and the voice work is top notch. It features Emma Thompson as Queen Elinor and Kelly Macdonald as Merida.
Merida is told by her mother that there will be suitors for her hand in marriage. One problem, she doesn’t want to marry yet, and especially if it means the winner of an archery contest. She is better than her suitors and that doesn’t sit well with Merida.
A curse is placed on her mother which turns her into a bear. This takes place after a terrible argument between mother and daughter. Merida feels horrible when she can’t restore her mother to her former womanly self. She sets out to make things right and in this Scottish land we get a lot of humor along the way. That said, there are a few jump scenes including a bear jumping up suddenly at a character and one young child at the screening I attended cried out and then cried for a time. It is too intense for young children and features a lot of violence, albeit fantasy and animated violence. For this purpose, we are recommending the movie for ages twelve plus although some parents might be comfortable with kids nine and up watching it. We suggest parents consult the content listing below.
The themes of forgiveness and continuing to learn in life are to be commended. We are pleased to award this film five Doves, our highest rating. Come on, be brave and take someone along to see it with you soon.
