Featured Audience Ratings

• Anthony L

  
  I didn't not expect to like Brave but I find many animated films to hit and miss these days and I wasn't expecting much. I really liked it though, I thought the story was mature as well as appealing to the young. I liked the characters very much, this is often where animated… More
  I didn't not expect to like Brave but I find many animated films to hit and miss these days and I wasn't expecting much. I really liked it though, I thought the story was mature as well as appealing to the young. I liked the characters very much, this is often where animated films let themselves down by generally recycling the same character time and time again. It's nice to see a mostly all Scottish cast as well and not an American cast doing Scottish accents. I especially like Merida thought, probably because she has the same hair as my lovely niece.

• Matthew Samuel M

  
  It's a cute film. It's sweet with a good message. It leaves you with a good feeling which is nice. The visuals are beautiful. However, it is perhaps the weakest film to have come from Pixar (aside from Cars 2) as a result of bad pacing, a lack of solid humor, and actually… More
  It's a cute film. It's sweet with a good message. It leaves you with a good feeling which is nice. The visuals are beautiful. However, it is perhaps the weakest film to have come from Pixar (aside from Cars 2) as a result of bad pacing, a lack of solid humor, and actually quite boring and cliche characters. In fact, the film starts off rough and uneven, and I quickly became bored and disinterested in the plot. The twist, though, caught my attention, and the final act was done quite well. The last part of the film doesn't make up for the disaster that is the first act, but it does thrill. Overall, the movie does not really impress, but rather charms (at least in some moments). It feels, though, as if I've seen this movie before, what with overused Pixar tendencies, and a plot that is an awkward mix of Mulan, Brother Bear, Beowulf, Tangled, and The Little Mermaid. Despite the final act, there is nothing really big at stake. Though the characters look pretty, you don't really care too much about them.

• Cynthia S

  
  Oh sooo wonderful! Beautifully done. Very sweet, and funny...

• Nadira I

  
  It's Pixar. What else can you say? :)

• Jeff "

  
  Disney's Brave is a wonderful adventure that has all the usual aspects that you'd expect from a Pixar film. The film has a very good story, but at times it could have been better. However the film does have enough charm and wit to appeal to diehard fans of Pixar films, and… More
  Disney's Brave is a wonderful adventure that has all the usual aspects that you'd expect from a Pixar film. The film has a very good story, but at times it could have been better. However the film does have enough charm and wit to appeal to diehard fans of Pixar films, and it manages to be a very entertaining film despite its flaws. The animation is wonderful, but at times the plot has its flaws, and you notice that it could have been better. Pixar have always made great films, but it also could have been done better too. I enjoyed the film, and like I said, it had plenty of good things going for it, but if you put up against other Pixar films, Brave is one of the weaker one. Despite this, the voice actors are good in their roles and the story itself is fun, but is nothing remarkable either. Brave is worth seeing, but it lacks that something special that makes Pixar film so memorable. There is a good plot at work here, but when you compare Brave to others in Pixar's catalogue, you realize that it is slightly inferior. The film does have its moments however and like every other Pixar film, looks wonderful. The animation is the high point of the film, and it overcomes the slightly ordinary story. Brave manages to overcome it flaws, but compared to the others in Pixar's catalogue, it's not as memorable and it could have been better and you see the potential that the film had. Worth seeing if you're a Pixar fan like me, just don't expect another Toy Story or Monsters Inc. for that matter.

• danny d

  
  im one of the few that defended pixar after "cars 2", but it only took them one more film to actually release the first true "below average" movie. the film was made well, but a bit boring, and completely recycled from earlier disney material. i am infatuated… More
  im one of the few that defended pixar after "cars 2", but it only took them one more film to actually release the first true "below average" movie. the film was made well, but a bit boring, and completely recycled from earlier disney material. i am infatuated with scottish and irish history and culture, so i was very excited about this film, but it wasnt the story it should have been at all. for all of the scenes of merida with weapons the film had no action, and had nothing to do with conflict or conquest at all. the design and structure had potential, but none of it was realized.

• Greg S

  
  A stubborn Celtic princess butts heads with her equally strong-willed mother over an arranged marriage, but when she unwisely asks for help from a witch the situation gets messy and she must mend her relationship with mom to save the kingdom. The medieval Scotland setting and… More
  A stubborn Celtic princess butts heads with her equally strong-willed mother over an arranged marriage, but when she unwisely asks for help from a witch the situation gets messy and she must mend her relationship with mom to save the kingdom. The medieval Scotland setting and fairy-tale atmosphere are appealing, and except for below-par comic relief this revisionist princess story lives up to Disney/Pixar's usual high standards.

• Manu G

  
  Change your fate. Great Pixar Movie! Disney does it again! Animation is spectacular, great setting in the Scottish Highlands. Voice acting is above par. While this film may not be up there with Pixar's best, it still has a wonderful story and character interaction. Merida's… More
  Change your fate. Great Pixar Movie! Disney does it again! Animation is spectacular, great setting in the Scottish Highlands. Voice acting is above par. While this film may not be up there with Pixar's best, it still has a wonderful story and character interaction. Merida's relationship with her family feels genuine and most children will probably be able to relate. At the heart of the story is her relationship with her mother. This is more than a story about fate, but a story about obligations to family and how growing up means taking responsibility and putting away childish selfishness in place of those responsibilities. Although the core plot is unconventional and unexpected, it has a fantastic heart and once again proves that Pixar can tell a story like no other. Brave is an entertaining, humorous, and heartfelt story that will be wonderful for kids and adults alike. Merida is a wonderful new character and the entire film looks beautiful. Even if you don't have children, I recommend this film if you've loved other Pixar's before it. P.S- Stay till the end of the credits for a lil extra scene. Set in Scotland in a rugged and mythical time, "Brave" features Merida, an aspiring archer and impetuous daughter of royalty. Merida makes a reckless choice that unleashes unintended peril and forces her to spring into action to set things right.

• Mike S

  
  Choice versus responsibility. Tradition versus personal freedom. <i>Brave</i>, as far as its story themes go, may not blaze any new trails. I mean, how many times before have we not met an unruly princess, who just wants to live a normal life, away from forced betrothals… More
  Choice versus responsibility. Tradition versus personal freedom. <i>Brave</i>, as far as its story themes go, may not blaze any new trails. I mean, how many times before have we not met an unruly princess, who just wants to live a normal life, away from forced betrothals and overdemanding parents? Canvassed from that point of view, Pixar's latest adventure scores no points for originality. Yet, there's something about this old-fashioned fable that really agreed with me. Not just in the artistic sense, for it is indeed visually stunning with its beautiful Scottish scenery. I think the prime reason why I liked it is linked to my avid love for history and derring-dos set in the Middle Ages. Plot-wise, it's a bit on the thin side, but princess Merida is an enchanting character, whose free-spirited nature made for a captivating watch. Add to that the memories it evokes of Mel Gibson's <i>Braveheart</i> (one of my favourite epics of all-time), and there was no way I wouldn't be compelled to follow the journey through. Predictable yes, but also fun and incredibly vibrant, with heartfelt performances from its magnificent voice cast. Billy Connolly alone would have been presence enough to give it soul. So for those prone to labeling this as "one of Pixar's weakest efforts", I can perfectly understand your reasons, but in my book its strengths outweighs the evident familiarity. Maybe not brave enough to aim its arrows for something new, but I for one found myself charmed by this lush and colorful fairy tale.

• paul o

  
  The animations were beautiful as well as the voice of the lovely Kelly MacDonald. Right after the amazing short film "La Luna", Brave set the story immediately and brought out the best from the Scottish Highlands. A great addition to Pixar films and redeems them for their… More
  The animations were beautiful as well as the voice of the lovely Kelly MacDonald. Right after the amazing short film "La Luna", Brave set the story immediately and brought out the best from the Scottish Highlands. A great addition to Pixar films and redeems them for their misadventures in Cars 2.

• Directors C

  
  [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img] While it is somewhat dissapointing by Pixar's incredibly strict standards and unmemorable in comparison to their masterpieces, Brave is nonetheless a charming, heartwarming tale with a fantastically… More
  [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img] While it is somewhat dissapointing by Pixar's incredibly strict standards and unmemorable in comparison to their masterpieces, Brave is nonetheless a charming, heartwarming tale with a fantastically convincing voice cast and awe inspiring, wonderfully crisp, absolutely stunning CGI animation. Although I felt the film was beggining to get a bit overly sentimental in the second half rather than emotionally involving, it's a perfect blend of comedy, action, fantasy, adventure, that people of all ages should enjoy. Admitedly though it was a minor let down, considering it wasn't as breathtaking as classic Pixar such as Monsters Inc, Up and Toy Story. But I was kind of expecting that, every studio has it's weaker feature. Brave is certainly a good quality family movie, it still beats out a handful of the competition out there when it comes to CGI animated films, and is miles better than Cars 2 (No pun intended). It is quite simply an imaginative, heartfelt, beautifully shot fairy tale that has everything you could possibly want from a summer family film, except a mind blowing story, something Disney/Pixar collaborations has never been short of (with one other exception). And it's interesting vision of the Scottish highlands is reasonably haunting, it set out the tone perfectly with a realistic quality, without losing any of the charm of the slapstick comedy, or the cartoonish bow and arrow action. So if your a fan of Pixar like me and you want something perfect like Monsters Inc. I can assure you that you will be let down enormously. It is a forgettable Pixar flick, and that is something I confidently thought i'd never have to say. But it could have been so much worse, it's not terrible, the characterisation is decently constructed and the magically mesmerising spirit of previous Pixar efforts still lives on it's genetics. And as a bonus, the tradition of having a short film before a Pixar main feature continues with Brave. The short "La Luna" shown just before Brave almost had me weeping. Brave didn't, but it featured a lot else that I found very entertaning, although balancing out quality isn't what i'm used to from Pixar, it's good fun.

• Candy R

  
  Good storyline about a princess and her mother's relationship. The Queen is preparing her daughter for her duties but the princess just wants to be free. Funny and moving. The wild bear scenes might frighten children.

• Emil K

  
  With top notch animation and heartfelt story, Brave ranks up there as the best work so far from Pixar animation studio. Here is a film which has adventure, drama, suspense, comedy and most of all heart. Directors/co-writers Brenda Chapman and Mark Andrews does fantastic work with… More
  With top notch animation and heartfelt story, Brave ranks up there as the best work so far from Pixar animation studio. Here is a film which has adventure, drama, suspense, comedy and most of all heart. Directors/co-writers Brenda Chapman and Mark Andrews does fantastic work with this story of a young princess Merida. Merida is a great lead character with her teenage rebellion against old habits. She is a girl who loves archery, horse riding, nature and most of all her independency. When her mother and father wants her to continue the old royal tradition of marrying someone from the nearby clans, her rebellion against old habits rises. This rebellion unleashes a chain of events which will change Merida's and her family's life for good. While the milieu for this film feels certainly epic it's strory is more intimate and smaller in scope. This is just not some film about comedic sidekicks or slapstick. This is important film about the relationship of mother and daughter. Their journey together is the film's beating heart. Brave has just fantastic animation. This is easily one of the best looking animation films i've witnessed so far in my life. For the first time the heavy use of cgi-animation did not bother me at all and actually felt lively. Merida's journeys to a nearby forest, which is surrounding her home castle, are truly enchanting and atmospheric. These woods with thick fog and eerie presence of magical beings are something to behold. They also serve the film's most powerful and suspenseful moments. Sure, you could say that there are some cliches within the story of Brave. There is old wicked witch who lives in the forest, a mythical evil beast which Merida has to face and some comedic sidekicks in the form little brothers of Merida, but none of these elements feel old or cliched. Somehow Chapman and Andrews manage to give all these elements a fresh feel and look. And when the film reaches it's suspenseful and very emotional climax it is hard to hold back tears. It is such an beautiful story which touches the deepest corners of the heart. With Brave Pixar has created a fantastic animation for the whole family and in my opinion the best animation of this year so far. Anyone looking for a great cinematic adventure with heart will find it from Brave. This is outstanding film and by far Pixar's best work.

• Paulo G

  
  The animation is top-notch and a great factor to why it's worth the watch, but although heartfelt and sincere, Brave lacks what other Pixar masterpieces offer which is a deeper sense of plot and a story that's actually worth the wait.

• Phil H

  
  Set in 10th century Scotland this is a fairly reasonable attempt at a dark-ish fairytale by Pixar. Its nice to see some originality being used for the fable and a good effort in keeping some realism or historical accuracy, visually at least, at the same time (I think, looks… More
  Set in 10th century Scotland this is a fairly reasonable attempt at a dark-ish fairytale by Pixar. Its nice to see some originality being used for the fable and a good effort in keeping some realism or historical accuracy, visually at least, at the same time (I think, looks historically fine). The film looks tremendous, first thing you notice hands down are the visuals. Pixar have really gone to town here and put together some of the most gorgeous vista's I've seen for some time. Scotland has never looked so magical, colourful and enchanting. The rolling greens, rough Highlands, deep dark forests that harbour little blue will-o'-the-wisp's which flitter around and the fiery red hair of the main character 'Merida'. To be utterly brutally honest this is the films one and only high point, the reason for seeing it. The story is akin to your typical fairytale of witches in the woods turning people into beasts which works well but I found myself growing slightly bored. Yes kids will love it but for adults there isn't really anything that will grasp your attention like certain other Pixar films. The film is really aimed at young girls which is quite unique really. The relationship between a young girl and her mother, nothing wrong with that, nice angle but ultimately a bit sickly for the blokes. I found myself liking the characters of 'Merida's' family more, the comical set of stooges from various other clans and 'Merida's' father voiced by Billy Connolly. These guys were good fun and I especially liked the highland games sequence. The plot was kinda weak and merely revolves around 'Merida' trying to reverse a spell, its not even explained why the witch screws her over with the spell, just does. Its also interesting to note the film appears to have no real villain either, not really no, this creates issues for a kids film like this. Family characters and the overall sumptuous feast for your eyes clearly the films plus points. The usual high caliber animation from Pixar naturally but overall the story is kinda thin on the ground, even the musical score could have been better if you ask me.

• Lorenzo v

  
  <i>"If you had a chance to change your fate, would you?"</i> 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… More
  <i>"If you had a chance to change your fate, would you?"</i> 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. <center><font size=+2 face="Century Schoolbook"><b><u>REVIEW</u></b></font></center> Pixar rebounds from last year's weak entry with a vivacious, delightful, and exquisitely rendered tale of growing up and independence. Merida's adventures detail her period of adjustment to what society expects from her, and how this might be in direct opposition to what she dreams of becoming. In between we have her mother, the queen, a strong presence who has for years tried to keep things in order in her kingdom. With her jolly husband and her four children, things are a bit challenging. It is time to join the various kingdom with a prearranged marriage, and the day of the tournament, things don't quite go as expected. Soon, Merida has struck a deal with a legendary member of the forest, and things go from bad to worse. This being Pixar, it all happens in a very entertaining way, making the story move fast, with plenty of visual gags, and enough emotions to pull a tear or two from the audience. Merida begins to appreciate what she is about to lose, and she must race against the clock, as a spell will become permanent in two sunsets, unless she is able to realize a way to fix her mother's condition. The film is at best enchanting, as we travel through the Scottish lands and listen to the various clans interact with each other. The film retains a magical aura throughout, even in the most intimate scenes, and how far we have gone with CGI that now it seems to blend or recreate nature in a more convincing way. Kelly McDonald and Emma Thompson give royal performances as Merida and her mother, and it is my pleasure to note that know every single pair of eyes, particularly the mother bear have an incredible real and affecting look. This is a film that will bewitch its audience and extend Pixar's standards to new highs.

• Everett J

  
  Pixar makes the best animated movies today, bar none. They consistently deliver fresh, innovative, and creative movies that adults and children will love. "Brave" is absolutely no different. This is such a good twist on the whole princess fairy tale, that I think all… More
  Pixar makes the best animated movies today, bar none. They consistently deliver fresh, innovative, and creative movies that adults and children will love. "Brave" is absolutely no different. This is such a good twist on the whole princess fairy tale, that I think all little girls should see. Guys, this is a movie you will like, I promise, but as an uncle to 2 nieces I love how this movie will empower them. The story is pretty simple, but like all Pixar movies, it's original. It revolves around a Princess named Merida, who is a complete tomboy. Her mother, The Queen, wants her to be more like a Princess and less like her father, so they are always clashing. When they butt heads over whether or not she should marry one of a group of suitors, Merida turns to a witch to chance her life for what she thinks will be the better. Merida is strong, funny, and scottish. The accents are great and very charming. Her triplet brothers are especially hilarious. The animation is beautiful and by far the best of 2012, actually I'd say this is the best animated movie of the year. Maybe, the last few years. Definitely check this out.

• Mark W

  
  Ever since "Toy Story" in 1995, Pixar Animation Studios have consistently delivered the goods. The only possible exceptions being "Cars" and it's sequel. On the whole though, they have gained a reputation for delivering high quality and innovative story-lines.… More
  Ever since "Toy Story" in 1995, Pixar Animation Studios have consistently delivered the goods. The only possible exceptions being "Cars" and it's sequel. On the whole though, they have gained a reputation for delivering high quality and innovative story-lines. However, they have now reached a point where they are in danger of becoming victims of their own success. Nothing but the best is expected. This one attempts to go against their usual standard of storytelling and although some have criticism for it's change of direction, I personally found it as appealing as ever. In the Scottish highlands, bold young princess Merida (Kelly Macdonald) defies an rejects the services of her mother Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson), who has arranged for her to be married. Merida would rather hunt in the forests with her skills in archery and when her mother refuses to back down on her betrothal, Merida flees from the kingdom where she seeks the help of a witch (Julie Walters). This impulsivity brings a curse upon Merida's family and one that she must undo before it's too late. Not only have Pixar changed their formula in having their first female protagonist in Merida, but they also had their first female director in Brenda Chapman. It was Chapman who conceived the project under it's original title "The Bear and the Bow" but due to creative differences she was replaced by Mark Andrews. Added to which, Merida was originally to be voiced by Reese Witherspoon, who declined due to scheduling constraints. These post production issues could be the very reason why some critics claimed this film to be uneven. However, one of the silver-linings was the dropping out of Witherspoon as that meant that Scottish actress Kelly Macdonald could replace her. As it is, she's perfectly fitting. What aids this film immeasurably is it's authenticity in terms of it's language and voice cast. It's predominantly filled by Scottish performers and their delivery is pitch perfect. There are Scottish words and references peppered throughout, that although it's not a requirement to understand them, the "patter" and idiom are well served and add a very personal touch that strike a chord and deliver many good laughs. Some characters are certainly stereotypical but they're fun and endearing nonetheless and surprisingly, for a Pixar movie, there's a lack of furry animals and cuddly toys to grab the attention of children - although Merida's three little brothers are adorable. What this mainly has, is heart, passion and the welcome change of a leading female character with a strength and independent spirit. The mother/daughter relationship at the films core, possesses a real depth that Pixar are not usually known for. 2009's "Up" touched upon it but human relations don't tend to feature heavily in their films. This is a different direction Pixar have taken but it's not, altogether, an unsuccessful one. Admittedly, the story is a tad light and formulaic and ultimately, it gives way to the films colourful pallet. But what a pallet it is; it's simply astounding. The whole film is exuberantly done and visually it's an absolute kick in the eyeballs; from Merida's flowing, fiery red hair to Angus her mighty Clydesdale steed and the vast, abundant, Scottish landscapes. The attention to detail is near flawless and it marks a highly impressive new achievement in Pixar's animation. Okay, it might not reach the heights of the "Toy Story" trilogy in terms of imaginative storytelling but this is visually beyond anything Pixar has done before. At one point in the film, a character lifts up his kilt and playfully exposes his arse to another clansman, taunting him with the words "Feast yer eyes". These are the very words that I would choose to recommend this sumptuous film... "Feast yer eyes" indeed.

• Carlos M

  
  After Cars 2, Pixar continues in its downward spiral with another subpar animation. On one hand, it is great to see an independent princess who doesn't need a prince to protect her - but a pity though that the weak script relies on a quite obvious, unoriginal message.

• Alice S

  
  I wasn't into this at all. The miscommunication between mothers and daughters about marriage, duty, and honor are so played out. There's nothing new in this trite script, borrowed from so many Amy Tan novels. The bear plot is unsatisfying as well, but mostly because I… More
  I wasn't into this at all. The miscommunication between mothers and daughters about marriage, duty, and honor are so played out. There's nothing new in this trite script, borrowed from so many Amy Tan novels. The bear plot is unsatisfying as well, but mostly because I abhorred the animation. The mother bear isn't pretty/cute enough :~P, but in all seriousness, she looks too cartoony and not a manifestation of the actual queen character. Disney/Pixar's foray into the new princess movie without a love interest is lifeless and contrived.

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