A dazzling work of art

Rating: 10/10 (28 May 2017)

Disney (Pixar) has created another inspiring princess to grace our world forever. I was truly blown away by this film and have watched it dozens of times, always finding something new to appreciate.
This film has something for everyone. Merida is a truly relatable character who strives to lead her own destiny and shatter the expectations that her mother and the rest of the world have for her. Her wild, untamable hair symbolizes her wild and carefree spirit. Her mother's tight braids symbolize her uptight personality, a complete contrast to Merida's.
Brave is a groundbreaking Disney Princess Movie for several reasons. One, no romantic interest for the princess! Two, the mother is not only ALIVE but she is one of the focal points of the story for once! Three, there is arguably no "true" villain in this film. Mor'du is really more of an antagonist than an actual villain. You may say the true villain in this film that needs to be slain is conformity. And Merida succeeds! Four, Merida is the first Disney princess to have brothers. Five, Merida is the first princess to not have perfectly kempt hair! The visuals in this movie are absolutely stunning. It is more than just a movie, it is a truly thrilling experience. They really know just how to pull you in to the story and make you feel like you are a part of it. My favorite visuals were the little wisps, I thought those were really beautifully done. Elinor's transformation may seem a little silly at first but poetically and artistically it is VERY well done. You can accurately imagine the queen simultaneously with the bear. At least I could! I've seen some reviews complaining that Merida didn't sing and although I do love the musicals in Disney, this story line was so brilliant that I really didn't miss it.
My favorite part in the movie is when Elinor and Merida are playing together in the stream. It shows how unbridled the queen is now in this "wild" state and she leaves her crown behind which symbolizes that she is purging a part of herself. In the end, Merida and Elinor both learn to be more like the other and finally mend their bond. This film will surely make you love your mother/daughter more and make you want to have a daughter if you don't already have one! In one word--AMAZING!!!