Release: 2012-06-21
Runtime: 1h 33m (93 minutes)
Brave is set in the mystical Scottish Highlands, where Mérida is the princess of a kingdom ruled by King Fergus and Queen Elinor. An unruly daughter and an accomplished archer, Mérida one day defies a sacred custom of the land and inadvertently brings turmoil to the kingdom. In an attempt to set things right, Mérida seeks out an eccentric old Wise Woman and is granted an ill-fated wish. Also figuring into Mérida’s quest — and serving as comic relief — are the kingdom’s three lords: the enormous Lord MacGuffin, the surly Lord Macintosh, and the disagreeable Lord Dingwall.
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Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Animation, Action, Comedy, Family
Cast: Emma Thompson, Kelly Macdonald, Robbie Coltrane, more
Emma Thompson
as Elinor (voice)
Kelly Macdonald
as Merida (voice)
Robbie Coltrane
as Lord Dingwall (voice)
John Ratzenberger
as Gordon (voice)
Julie Walters
as The Witch (voice)
Kevin McKidd
as Lord MacGuffin / Young MacGuffin (voice)
Craig Ferguson
as Lord Macintosh (voice)
Billy Connolly
as Fergus (voice)
Steven Cree
as Young Macintosh (voice)
Peigi Barker
as Young Merida (voice)
Patrick Doyle
as Martin (voice)
Steve Purcell
as The Crow (voice)
Pete Docter
Executive Producer
Andrew Stanton
Executive Producer
John Lasseter
Executive Producer
Irene Mecchi
Screenplay
Mark Andrews
Screenplay
Mark Andrews
Director
Gary Rydstrom
Sound Re-Recording Mixer
Gary Rydstrom
Sound Designer
Dennie Thorpe
Foley Artist
Jerome Ranft
Sculptor
Lindsey Collins
Thanks
Jana Vance
Foley Artist
Brave is set in the mystical Scottish Highlands, where Mérida is the princess of a kingdom ruled by King Fergus and Queen Elinor. An unruly daughter and an accomplished archer, Mérida one day defies a sacred custom of the land and inadvertently brings turmoil to the kingdom. In an attempt to set things right, Mérida seeks out an eccentric old Wise Woman and is granted an ill-fated wish. Also figuring into Mérida’s quest — and serving as comic relief — are the kingdom’s three lords: the enormous Lord MacGuffin, the surly Lord Macintosh, and the disagreeable Lord Dingwall.
Change your fate.
Brave, released on 22 June 2012, is an animated fantasy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, the film features voice performances from Kelly Macdonald, Emma Thompson, and Billy Connolly, among others.
Set in the stunning Scottish Highlands, the story follows Princess Merida, who rebels against an age-old custom that forces her into a marriage arrangement. When her mother, Queen Elinor, falls victim to a curse and turns into a bear, Merida must embark on a journey of self-discovery and bravery to save her family and her kingdom.
Brave is significant as it is the first Pixar film to feature a female lead and showcases the studio's new animation technology, known as Presto. Originally titled The Bear and the Bow, the film was first announced in April 2008 and later underwent various changes, including the addition of new creative leadership.
The film premiered at the Seattle International Film Festival on 10 June 2012 and was well-received by audiences, grossing over $539 million worldwide against a budget of $185 million. It won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and a Golden Globe for the same category.
Merida, voiced by Kelly Macdonald, is depicted as an adventurous and skilled archer, breaking the mold of traditional Disney princesses. The character's journey emphasizes themes of family, freedom, and the importance of bravery. The film also highlights the bond between mothers and daughters, a central element that resonates throughout the story.
Alongside the engaging plot, the film features a beautiful score by Patrick Doyle, incorporating traditional Scottish sounds to enhance the movie's setting and emotional depth. Songs like "Touch the Sky" and "Learn Me Right," performed by Julie Fowlis, add to the film's charm.
Brave not only delivers an entertaining experience but also serves as a cultural milestone for female representation in animation. It has paved the way for future Pixar films, inspiring characters and stories that celebrate diverse perspectives and strong female leads.