Brave

Merida was OK for her role in the movie. What I think annoyed most people (including me) is that her archery stunt in the trailers, while awesome, didn't look like a smart way to solve her dilemma (it did not) and just made her look like a stubborn fool.

Here's something I just realized: the TRUE reason Elinor may have wanted Merida to be the "perfect, obedient princess" may have been... that she wanted someone else in the family to be like her. Everyone one of her *four* children took after her husband, and while nice people, they were all impulsive, unwise and (probably) not fit for good rulers. I can only imagine how frustrating that might be. Parents aren't supposed to play favorites, but its just human nature.

Yes, I know that was supposed to be obvious -Merida directly accuses her of it- but the film doesn't make it that evident, mainly because Elinor just always seems to be right all the time (and therefore, Merida is 'wrong'.) Maybe if they had included, I dunno, a scene where The King and queen discuss the situation and they reveal that yes, they COULD try to change the marriage tradition if they really wanted to, Merida's case would be more sympathetic (and the ending make more sense.)

edited 14th Jul '12 8:35:48 AM by Sijo

And then they barely ended up using the archery.

I just can't relate to her. I'm one of those rare teenage girls that actually does what their parents say.

And no, I have not been male nor British. Sorry to disappoint.

And my family problems are with my Step-dad. Which makes me notice that the only time a daughter-father bond is played with problems is The Little Mermaid. (I'm certian there are others but that is the only one that I know of) Otherwise, Daddy's Girl is in full effect.

edited 14th Jul '12 12:58:01 PM by phoenixdaughterAM

...I can't picture you as a girl because I can't imagine you without the beard from your avvie...

-laughs- Oh the image!

0_o

And then they barely ended up using the archery.

It seemed oft-used to me.

"I want to ride with my hair flowing in the wind, firing arrows into the sunset!"

Still an awesome moment.

Perhaps it got used a lot, but in the end it was never really that useful.

True...

Alt title: ITT: We all drop bridgets on blueflame

Well, it was used in the fishing scene, where it was useful and in both encounters with Mor'du, though, it was destined to be useless there, Mor'du had survived hundreds of arrowshots.

However, it didn't really have any plot bearing elements except for the scene in which Elinor tosses the bow into the fire which was understandable when Merida had just slashed the tapestry.

edited 14th Jul '12 9:31:24 PM by PippingFool

Just saw this today and, I have to ask, while I can see how the spell the witch gave Merida could "change her fate," I don't see how it made her mother more like her...unless, that's, like, the only spell the witch knows or something...

It's the only spell the witch knows, I'm guessing.

Or at least, I imagine she bearly knows any others.

@Pipping Fool

Nah, was just kidding about that. You're an aussie girl right?

Maybe we should all just reveal our genders, clear up some confusion.

Ay, you'd be correct.

(That seems like a good idea though)

edited 15th Jul '12 4:20:54 AM by PippingFool

Very interesting article about the movie. I find myself agreeing with it.

That's not a review. That's a Masters thesis!

edited 15th Jul '12 7:45:22 PM by Shota

Okay. This is important. Now, usually, I hate having to read extraneous material to understand a work. If the narrative and characters aren't compelling on their own, why should a deeper analysis be?

So this is me sticking a massive, bear-sized foot in my mouth and following it up with a serving of crow.

I appreciate the movie better now for having read that.

Definitely, best review of the film I've read yet. A bit long, though.

edited 15th Jul '12 8:16:38 PM by Sijo

...Well, I actually got that, as in what was in the essay, the first time around, I mean me and the people I was watching with were practically praying that it wouldn't turn into the "Princess doesn't want to marry anyone, until Prince Charming appears, and all that goes out the window," and were pleasantly surprised when it didn't. However, I would've never been able to put that as well as the essay did.

edited 15th Jul '12 8:17:58 PM by deathpigeon

They had said beforehand that there wouldn't be a Love Interest.

Not all of us had seen those statements.

Dang, that's one impressive and well-written essay. I like. I very much like.

That was a very good essay. The acts of Bravery were examined and compared well.

After reading that essay, I have to say - Brave is probably the boldest and gutsiest movie Pixar has made since Wall E.