Brave
In the mystical Scottish Highlands, Merida is the princess of a kingdom ruled by King Fergus and Queen Elinor. An unruly daughter and an accomplished archer, Merida one day defies a sacred custom of the land and inadvertently brings turmoil to the kingdom. In an attempt to set things right, Merida seeks out an eccentric old Wise Woman and is granted an ill-fated wish. Also figuring into Merida's quest — and serving as comic relief — are the kingdom's three lords: the enormous Lord MacGuffin, the surly Lord Macintosh, and the disagreeable Lord Dingwall.
Critics Sentiment
Merida competes for her own hand in archery
Clans approach warfare while Fergus hunts bear Elinor
The film peaks with Merida's defiant archery competition then gradually declines through the magical transformation plot before recovering somewhat in the emotional finale.
Brave starts strong with stunning visuals and Merida's memorable rebellion, but loses momentum in its middle act as the bear transformation plot feels less innovative than typical Pixar fare. The film recovers with genuine mother-daughter emotion in the finale, though critics felt it never quite reached the studio's highest standards despite its technical achievements and heartfelt themes.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 31
Kelly Macdonald
Merida (voice)
Emma Thompson
Elinor (voice)
Billy Connolly
Fergus (voice)
Julie Walters
The Witch (voice)
Robbie Coltrane
Lord Dingwall (voice)
Kevin McKidd
Lord MacGuffin / Young MacGuffin (voice)
Craig Ferguson
Lord Macintosh (voice)
Peigi Barker
Young Merida (voice)
Steve Purcell
The Crow (voice)
Patrick Doyle
Martin (voice)
John Ratzenberger
Gordon (voice)
Sally Kinghorn
Maudie (voice)
Eilidh Fraser
Maudie (voice)
Steven Cree
Young Macintosh (voice)
Callum O'Neill
Wee Dingwall (voice)
Emma D'Inverno
Additional Voices (voice)
Rudi Goodman
Additional Voices (voice)
John Hasler
Additional Voices (voice)
Kevin Howarth
Additional Voices (voice)
Emma Rose Lima
Additional Voices (voice)
Crew
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