Misunderstood story but I'm giving it a thumbs up.

Rating: 7/10 (18 October 2013)

I did not understand why the movie was named "Brave" because bravery had nothing to do with this story. Like the name there were some parts of the movie which was out of place like when they used the word "destiny" and "fate". Using those words actually made us expect something which the movie never delivered.
Even though the story had some missing elements, the story was still a meaningful one which I believe mothers and teenage daughters can relate to. Most teenage girls see their mothers as people who are trying to rip their freedom away. And during this time mothers also find it difficult to understand their daughters and conflicts arrive because they can't communicate properly. But as time goes by their experiences together makes them bond, and they understand each other and compromise. This is exactly what happens in Brave.
Merida like every young girl wants freedom, she has her own ideas and she is part of a new generation. Her mother Queen Elinor, like every mother wants what's best for her daughter but they find it difficult to communicate and understand each other. In the beginning of the movie Merida wants to use magic to change her mother and takes a bad decision. As the movie progresses Merida understands her mother and her mother understand Merida. As she bonds with her mother, Merida starts regretting her decision and breaks down when it seems like the effects of her bad decision is going to be permanent.
Even though it's not what we expected, there is a message you can learn from this story, and I like how this story focused on other relationships and values besides scoring a handsome prince. Animation and artwork is absolutely beautiful. It has the right balance of humor and seriousness. It's a family movie, and a movie girls will find interesting as they might have experienced similar emotions.
Thumbs up!