Brave

Everyone loves a good Pixar film and Brave does not disappoint. Brave is the heart-warming, family film that we expect from Pixar, but is unusually set in the Scottish Highlands. We follow a feisty red head, Merida (Kelly MacDonald), who lives with her Mother (Emma Thompson), Father (Billy Connolly) and triplet brothers in a medieval castle. As her Father is King Fergus of Clan DunBroch, Merida is betrothed to the first-born son of another clan who successfully wins the Highland Games. Angered at being forced into being engaged to someone she doesn’t know or love by her Mother, Merida has a witch (Julie Walters) make an enchanted cake to give her. Unfortunately this backfires and changes her Mother into a bear. Merida must try to save her Mother and the fighting clans before it’s too late.

At first glance, this sounds like a film that will be all about a budding romance between Merida and a potential suitor, but this is far from it. In fact, it focuses mainly on the relationship between mother and daughter, with hilarious quips from Billy Connolly and splashes of cuteness from the three mischievous triplets.

Brave combines Pixar’s comedic flare with Scottish mythical twists; full of will-o’-the-wisps, magical tapestries, and ferocious bears. If you want a film that makes you smile and wish you lived in a fantastical old castle, then come and see Brave! Don’t forget your kilt.

Jennifer Billot