FILM with Debbie Lyn Elias
This week’s release of “Brave” raises Pixar’s already astronomically high bar for level of excellence even higher, as writer/director Mark Andrews and co-writers/directors Steve Purcell and Brenda Chapman, take us into the mystical, magical world of ancient Scotland to a time of kilts and Celts, celebrating its famed beauty and fabled lore with stunning visuals, a strong confident story and a Scottish Princess named Merida – the first female protagonist to grace Pixar’s palette.
The flaming curly-haired Merida is the apple of her father’s eye. A princess born to rule, King Fergus teaches Merida the important things in life – self-preservation, honor, defending oneself and the kingdom, riding, shooting, and above all, having fun. From the moment Fergus gifts Merida a bow and arrow for her birthday, her destiny is written. Or is it? Shortly after receiving her gift, Merida is mesmerized by the magical will-o’-the-wisps she sees dancing on air in the forest. Already fearless and a wild lass at heart, she follows their lilting blue glow, setting out on her own birthday adventure. But screams and cries call her back to her birthday picnic just in time to see her father lose his leg to a ferocious bear many thought to be mythical.
Fast forward to an adolescent Merida. Still her father’s daughter, Merida now has three toddler triplet brothers, all with the same curly ginger hair – and just as rambunctious and energetic – as Merida. Content with living out her life riding, hunting, gallivanting and seeking adventure, life takes a downward turn when Merida’s mother Queen Elinor demands that the time has come for Merida to learn to be a proper lady so that she may marry a proper man from another clan, further strengthening the bonds of the kingdom. Marriage? Merida? “Yuck” is Merida’s only response. Nevertheless, Merida embarks on a stringent regimen under tutelage of Elinor, grousing every second of every day until she can find time to steal away and celebrate her waning days of freedom.
Deciding to hold a contest for eligible suitors from the three other leading clans in which to win Merida’s hand in marriage, the pickings are beyond slim. Getting more furious with her mother by the minute, Merida sparks an idea – she will compete for her own hand. And the challenge will be archery. Believing that she has outsmarted her mother when she wins her own hand in marriage, what Merida has actually done is set events in motion that could destroy the peace of the kingdom that Fergus long ago achieved.
Adding to the sensory delights are the voicings. Calling on true Scotsmen (and women) for authenticity, we are blessed with the brogues of Billy Connolly, Craig Ferguson, Kelly Macdonald (her first time voicing) and Kevin McKidd as King Fergus, Lord Macintosh, Merida and Lord MacGuffin/Young MacGuffin, respectively. For McKidd, who tackles the junior and senior MacGuffin, he called upon his own father’s timber to help create distinctive voicings for the two. Joyous is Emma Thompson who brings elegance to the voice of Elinor, not to mention enabling the animators to capture some of her own facial expressiveness in visualizing Elinor’s emotions. The true Scottish accents make it a pleasure to actually listen to the dialogue. Adding to the mix is the divine talent of Julie Walters who easily tackles the craggy old witch. And of course, what would a Pixar film be without the work of John Ratzenberg who voices Fergus’ trusty servant, Gordon.
Merida – Kelly Macdonald
King Fergus – Billy Connolly
Queen Elinor – Emma Thompson
Lord Macintosh – Craig Ferguson
Lord MacGuffin/Young MacGuffin – Kevin McKidd
The Witch – Julie Walters
Written and Directed by Mark Andrews, Steve Purcell and Brenda Chapman, with co-writer Irene Mecchi, based on a story by Chapman.
Rated: PG; Running Time: 100 mins
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