Freedom, Responsibility, and Courage in "Brave"

Have you ever wanted to change your fate or walk along a path of your own choosing? Brave, the 2012 animated movie from Pixar, is about this question. A free-spirited Scottish princess (Merida) who wants to change her fate away from the responsibilities of her position must accept that if she wants others to change, then she herself must change. I think this is a very positive message for young people because it shows that you can be both independent and responsible, and it also shows the true nature of courage.

The difference between daughter's and mother's hair and personality.

At the beginning of the movie, Merida is shown to be an energetic, wild, and adventurous young woman. Her flaming red hair is long, curly, bright, and uncontrollable. It is impossible to imagine Merida wearing a hat. She complains constantly about the duties of being a princess in the same way that her mother, Queen Elinor, complains about weapons on the table. Being free and without responsibility is great, but it is also selfish. The more Merida acts for her own benefit, the more she hurts the people around her. Her mother and little brothers are turned into bears, her father becomes obsessed with hunting and killing the bear, and the clans all want to fight each other. However, when Merida begins to understand her selfishness and her responsibilities, bonds that were broken are mended. Finally, Merida learns responsibility and earns her independence, but, at the same time, is bonded (tied) to her mother and to her duty. Brave shows that a young person can have both of these important qualities.

Since the name of the film is Brave, it is not surprising that courage is one of the ideas explored in the story.Sure, Merida

Merida faces the consequence of selfish pride.

overcomes fear when climbing high cliffs or fighting the demon bear Mor'du, but it is the other aspects of courage that she has more difficulty displaying. Admitting that she was wrong and selfish and must accept responsibility show Merida's bravery, too. I think it is also brave of Merida's mother at the end of the movie to trust her daughter's path. As a parent myself, I know that it is easier to choose the way for my children rather than letting them go their own ways.

I don't think that Brave is the best movie ever or even the best Pixar movie, but it doesn't have to be. It is full of memorable characters and positive messages about responsibility, independence, fate, and courage. It's a great movie for young and old to watch and understand each other.