I had no preconceived opinions or notions about the movie Brave before the kids and I sat down June 14th for a pre-screening of this adventurous Disney/Pixar movie. When I accepted the invite I thought this would be a great movie to take my daughter to. I mean it is Disney and animated and I figured it would be “her” thing. The boys joined as and unfortunately my husband was stuck at work until just about 7pm and missed coming with us. I was hoping I was correct and this movie would be appropriate for my young daughter.
The Brave movie we attended was in the Digital 3D. I love 3D movies! I don’t want to give away too much of the movie I don’t want to ruin it for others. The moral or main story plot revolves around Merida being forced to live up to her mother’s expectations when they are different then what she herself wants. The movie takes you through the ups and down of the mother/daughter relationship and how the mishaps in the story bring an understanding to both Merida and her mother. I found this story to be beautiful and really made the movie for me, it was a story of learning, understanding, and bravery.
The color was rich and the animation beautiful. The characters came to life and jumped off the screen, literally (you know 3D). Merida could be likened to your typical teenager wanting to break free and be her own person. Her three small brothers were mischievous little boys causing unexpected chaos and helping Merida and her mother at one point break out of the castle unnoticed. These scenes gave the movie Brave some of the funniest moments.
The appearance of bears is abundant from the beginning until the end. It is the actions of the bears, the loud growls and fighting is part of what gives this rating a PG. If you ask me what age I think this movie is for I must say it is definitely a case by case basis. In my opinion I would say not under the age of 6. My daughter is 6 1/2 and she enjoyed the movie however there were parts in the movie when she grabbed my arm and said she was a little scared. This was usually when the screen was dark, and the bears were present. The movie having many scenes in the woods does appear dark at times and many of the scenes take place during the night. There is a scene where Merida is trying to get away from a bear that can be intense for young children.
PG Rating
A PG-rated film may not be suitable for children. The MPAA says a PG-rated should be checked out by parents before allowing younger children to see the movie. There could be some profanity, some violence, or brief nudity, however there will not be any drug use in a PG film.
I loved that the setting of the movie was in Scotland, and enjoyed the Scottish accents by the actors portraying the characters. I asked each of my children what their favorite part of the movie was. Each of them had a different answer and when they answered each of them agreed with the other. There were several great parts of this movie. I laughed a lot during this movie. I also cried at a few parts as well. To be fair it doesn’t take me much to cry ever since I had children. However the movie definitely brought out a range of emotions and I found it refreshing.
To sum it up my opinion of the movie is a “must see”. I loved it and enjoyed it immensely. In fact I wouldn’t mind seeing it again. Though my age recommendation is 6 and above it is really dependent on your child and how you handle darker screens, and loud noises, and some violence.
BRAVE (In Disney Digital 3D™)
Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In “Brave,” a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts.
Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Wise Woman (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late.
And just have to save totally LOVE the big red hair so jealous!
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
I’m thinking you’re pretty accurate about the age range of this. So glad you all enjoyed it!
Kenda @ Remaking June Cleaver says
I love reading all the new reviews – I want to see this so bad. If I don’t get to the theater in time I’m going to be so mad at myself.
Sarah VM says
I can’t wait to take my daughter to see this movie. I know she is going to love it. The animation looks awesome!
Sharon Graham says
Sounds delightful! The previews have my 7 year old son laughing. Thanks for your opinion and we will certainly add this to our list.
Cassie says
I agree that with you that it is a case by case. I took my 3 and 6 year old and they both loved it. My 6 year old didn’t find any of the move scary and there was only one part that my 3 year old jumped. It is defiantly one of those movies that you really need to look at your child and their personality to know if it will be right for them. =) Disney*Pixar did an amazing job with this film, but I expected nothing less from them.
courtney b says
i wanna see this sooo bad! i love reading movie reviews.. thanks for sharing!
Brandy says
I’m glad you loved it even though it was a bit tough for your young daughter. I’ll have to see it.
Betty Baez says
Great! Thanks for reviewing it We’ll be seeing it this weekend
MomStart (Ashley) says
I want to see this movie! Looks SOOO good! Thanks for the review.
April Decheine says
Man I missed going last night! Glad you enjoyed it and I am so looking forward to it!
Rhiannon Rowland says
Sounds like a fabulous Disney movie, as usual!
Jenn says
Is it wrong to leave your toddler with grandma so you can go see a kid movie? That’s what I’m going to have to do!
Kelly says
I can’t wait to see this movie!
Canadian Mom Blogger says
I am so excited to see this movie. My daughter and I are going to go to it alone.
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy says
Great review. I too think it’s a bit scary for the young ones 😉
Marcie W. says
I honestly agree when I say parents know their children best and should act accordingly when allowing them to see this film. It was great though and I’m happy you and your kids had fun!
Elena says
I can’t wait to see this movie! Thank you for the review.
Jenn @therebelchick says
Sounds great!
Billie says
I”m excited to see this movie, glad you guys had fun!
Kathleen says
Can’t wait to see this with the boys today!
Barbara Platt says
I was worried this would not be good for my granddaughter who just turned 5 and she asked to go see it
shelly peterson says
Thanks for your review of this movie, my son wants to see it and makes me want to see it even more:)
Holly Thomas says
I am a sucker for “kids Movies”.
Lolo says
This was such an amazing and beautiful meaning. I also believe that parents know their kids best and can decide if they should take their little one to see it.
Abby Bohn says
I don’t think I’ve even seen previews for this and I hear everyone talking about it.
Harmony B says
Cant wait to go see this movie. Disney and Pixar never disappoint.
Wendy T says
The colors and the animation do look lovely.
I may take the children I care for to this film when they return in July.
Rebecca Xavier says
Sounds like an awesome movie! I have also heard that the bear scenes are kind of scary. Thank you for the review.
Maryann says
This looks like another great Disney movie. Thanks for the heads up about the bear scenes. I think my boys will be able to handle it. They have been asking to see this and are excited.
Kevin E says
I love all Pixar movies, so I will definitely be taking my kids to see Brave!
Jenn McCullar says
I think my kids would like this one, can’t wait to see it.
Carol ONeil says
I agree I loved this movie!
Minta says
This movie looks so cute.
Kimberly M. says
Thank you for the review. I think I will hold off on taking my grandsons to this movie as they are 5 and almost 3.
Sandy V. says
This movie looks great!
Michelle Bartley says
My granddaughter Olivia,3,loved this movie and so did I!
Meg Tucker says
The previews alone are just delightful! I love how Disney/Pixar has really taken movies up a notch! 🙂
Azslyn Cole says
This movie sounds like a good movie i have been wanting to see this for a while and i think my son would enjoy it also =}
Karen Glatt says
I really loved taking my sister and niece to see this movie! It is such a great and interesting movie that I loved watching!
Rosalinda Vargas says
I have mixed feelings. I guess I’ll keep them to myself.
heather hayes panjon says
I can’t wait to see the movie, thanks for your recommedation!:)
Christy Maurer says
I saw this movie with my two teenagers and their teen friend 🙂 We all loved it! We also saw it in 3D, but I’m sure it is just as good in 2D. I thought the story was so sweet and touching.
Caitlin Robson says
I saw this and was a little let down. I was hoping the story would be stronger because it had such a great female lead. I think I would have rather rented in…
Karen Che says
My nieces and I rather enjoyed this film. A lot of people missed hat it was about a mother and daughter at its core and wanted other things from the fim (i.e. an epic adventure to far off lands and more action).
Rebekah Mercier says
I cant wait for this movie to come out esp now that I read your review of it. The kids and I will love it.
valerie says
My daughter saw the movie with her aunt and she was also a little scared of the darker, bear scenes. But overall she really liked the movie. I’m hoping to include the dvd as one of her Christmas presents. Watching it at home with the lights on will make those scary parts not so scary, I hope. Thanks for the review.
Alicia K says
Yes, even i screamed at that one bear scene!!
Kathaleen says
I’d like to see this movie, it looks really cute.
Marcy Strahan says
I really want to see this. As an adult I love how there is a historical plot theme to it ! I read many romance novel & love to envision at long lost time & place & lifestyle. This is why I think I would be charmed & entertained by this movie!
Heather says
I absolutely loved Brave! Wish I had seen it in 3D.
kelly nicholson says
this movie scared the crap of the kids..look out!
heather says
thanks for the movie review i actually have this movie sitting here and plan to watch it this weekend.
Erica Ardali says
I just watched this the other day. I loved it!
Sherri Lewis says
I still haven’t gotten around to seeing this one yet. It sounds good though so I will have to add it to our list. Thanks for the review!
Heather says
I really loved Brave. Definitely on the favorites list!
Priscilla says
I loved Brave! I assumed I’d think it was cute but I truly enjoyed it even as an adult.