Brave by Pixar
Pixar's 2012 animated feature Brave stands apart from the wealth of princess-based movies which came before it. Where most princesses sit around gazing moonily at a bird and hoping for a prince to rescue them, Merida picks up her own sword, takes charge of her own life, and at the end of the film, is still proudly carving her own path - putting off thoughts of marriage until later.
It is quite clear from the very beginning that the team at Pixar knew what they were doing in the archery and sword-fighting scenes. I've taken medieval swordfighting classes for several years and have spent far more years attending reenactments and watching swordplay. The movements in Brave are nearly perfect; in many cases they were exactly what I was taught to do. I remember thinking, in a pivotal scene where Merida holds off an assailant with her sword, "hey, I know that pose!"
In the commentary we learn that the team did know how to sword-fight and mapped out all the combat sequences in real life before transferring them to the screen. So these aren't just fantasy versions of sword fights. They are realistic, authentic looks as to how these swords were handled.
The same is true for the archery. They show the details about how the arrow bends as it flies, the way the bow is held, and so on.
It's true that Merida's mom is not thrilled about Merida's sword-and-bow interests, but that conflict between mother and daughter is the whole heart of the film. Merida's mom has one, specific track in mind her for daughter - become part of a clan merger. And, to be fair, this was often the way marriage was in medieval times. Nobles had to ensure their land was protected and their borders secure. It was a quite practical situation. So the mother's stance is understandable. So is the daughter's.
I give the story great praise. Sure, it's a bit predictable. We could almost recite some of the lines along with the characters, knowing what they were likely to say. Still, the underlying message is wonderful and miles apart from the 1937 Snow White. Snow White sat around waiting for her prince to come, with no thought of doing anything for herself. Merida has plenty she wants to do with her life, and has little interest in a prince coming to take control.
Well recommended.
Buy Brave from Amazon.com
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