The opportunity to determine our future is important to all of us but it becomes very interesting in a situation where one’s desire for freedom clashes with some very old customs in Brave.
As soon as the misty Highlands come into view, the movie grabs ahold of one’s attention. A figure stands poised on ramparts, bow drawn, silhouette outlined by fading light-an unspoken declaration that following a prescribed script is not an option. The initial scene alone exudes an undeniable defiance.
The story takes a different turn with the arrival of the princes who are not able to attain what is meant for the king’s son. There is much laughter around, although every failure betrays a hidden truth; on top of missing the target, one can’t escape the feeling that they are carrying too many hopes of the others. But when the rightful contender emerges to break all rules with an act so bold as to be seen as nothing less than insane, it is more than just shooting arrows – it symbolizes an individual voice which speaks out for freedom and self-expression at all levels.
Afterwards, one hasty wish takes the story through even rougher twists. The magic disrupts the normal power relations within a family, and leads to a dangerous dynamic of miscommunication. As they witness how love deteriorates under the influence of spells, what seemed like a fun escapade becomes all too serious – they have to understand each other or remain enemies, but either way return mutual love that had been lost through an imprudent act of hope.
In these crucial times, Brave manages to combine humor and emotion very well. In the midst of all this there are three younger siblings who are very playful but at the same time not aware of what they are doing, they constantly appear within the storyline and in a way comfort their brothers; this fact also proves that family bond is not a simple thing. One can feel that there is somebody or something watching over at the background but remains invisible, and it gives an impression as if it is moving – a cue that one’s curiosity should take him or her along some secret ways than usual.
Brave is different because of how it integrates the theme of making choices or having a set fate in each scene. This film does not contain any explicit moral teaching but only well thought out scenes after watching which you will wonder – who has the power to determine what will happen with us and how?
In the height of the story, a small deed done to fix something speaks volumes – a tapestry that has been repaired with great care. It shows that real bravery is about doing what is right, admitting one’s faults and then being able to mend any damage caused to interpersonal connections patiently. This silence in the plot is very significant and it explains that connections can be flexible enough not to break provided there is understanding kept within them.
As the last scene disappears, one gets the feeling that the voyage has ended. The character who at the start was bound by custom ends up changing the course of destiny which was meant not only for him but for the whole kingdom as well. From this we can learn that it is not enough to be free if you don’t break some rules, and being brave is more than just taking risks, because there is courage in any reasonable act of self-preservation or protection of loved ones.
This film provides an excellent reflection and guide for every person who does not know what to follow: his hopes or someone else’s will. It advises us that going back home is usually the hardest way out.
