This is a lovely film, visually and every other way.

Also three little brothers who aren’t perhaps quite as bad as Merida originally thought. True to the Disney way, there are both hilarious and outrageous fights, chases, stuffed shirts that get brought down, smashing of crockery and overturning of all manner of structures, and a good time for the kids of all ages. This one is herself brave, and that makes all the difference to the story line. What’s great about this is that when I was a child, Disney princesses were basically rescued by brave men. She runs away, encounters a witch who agrees to help her “change her mother.” But we all know it’s necessary to be very, very careful when making requests from witches, don’t we? Of course she wins the archery competition, but her mother insists this does not mean she need not marry. Of course, they are all ridiculous in one way or another, and Merida decides she will compete for her own hand.

The day comes when she must be presented for the competition to win her hand in marriage, and the scions of three important clans present themselves for competition.

She also has terrific talent with a bow and arrow, although her mother Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson’s voice) has done her level best to polish her into a proper princess. Brave she is, even to the point where courage meets foolhardiness. Not to mention a pretty wild Irish heart. A brilliant piece of animation by Pixar/Disney! Princess Merida (Kelly Macdonald’s voice) has flaming red hair and a lovely Irish accent.

Brave 2012 elinor