Brave
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Brave
Brave is a Pixar animated fantasy-adventure film set in the mystical Scottish Highlands. It follows the story of Princess Merida, a headstrong and skilled archer, who wishes to forge her own path rather than adhere to age-old traditions, particularly an arranged marriage. Her defiance inadvertently unleashes chaos upon her kingdom when she seeks magical intervention to change her mother, Queen Elinor. The film explores themes of family conflict, tradition versus individual desire, and the powerful bond between a mother and daughter as they work to reverse a beastly curse. The movie is generally suitable for older children and pre-teens due to its adventurous narrative and underlying messages about understanding and communication.
Things to Consider
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and occult themes are central to the plot of Brave. Merida directly seeks out an old witch to cast a spell that she believes will change her mother's mind. The witch provides a magical tart/potion that transforms Queen Elinor into a bear and Merida's triplet brothers into bear cubs. Additionally, mystical entities known as will-o'-the-wisps serve as supernatural guides.
Merida deliberately seeks out an eccentric old witch in the woods and requests a spell to alter her mother's actions and change her fate. The witch then conjures a magical tart that, when eaten by Queen Elinor, transforms her into a large grizzly bear. The triplet brothers also become bear cubs after eating some of the tart. Throughout the story, glowing blue will-o'-the-wisps appear to guide Merida to the witch and at other crucial moments, functioning as mystical forces rooted in Scottish folklore.
Scary & Intense Content
Brave contains numerous scary and intense scenes that may frighten younger children. The most prominent elements include the ferocious bear Mor'du, who is depicted as a large, aggressive threat, and the disturbing transformation of Merida's mother into a bear. This transformation leads to tense moments where Queen Elinor (as a bear) acts wildly, and Merida finds herself in perilous situations, including dark, creepy woods and a jump scare.
Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellion are central themes in Brave, particularly demonstrated by Merida towards her mother, Queen Elinor. Merida openly defies tradition and her mother's wishes regarding her betrothal, leading to severe consequences. Her actions stem from a desire for independence and a rejection of expectations, which initially manifests as overt disrespect and selfishness.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Ages 10 and over. While rated PG, the film contains several intense and scary scenes, particularly involving large, fierce bears and magical transformations, which may be too frightening for children under 7. Parental guidance is recommended for children aged 7-9 due to these elements and themes of rebellion.
Good to Know
Brave emphasizes themes of communication, understanding, and reconciliation within families. While Merida's initial rebellion is a key plot driver, the film ultimately highlights the importance of mending strained relationships and understanding another's perspective. The film is a standalone feature and does not have sequels or adaptations that alter its core content or themes.
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