Overview
A headstrong princess defies tradition to forge her own destiny in a magical Scottish realm.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- warm
- whimsical
- family movie night
- weekend viewing
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film entertaining and visually impressive, with strong voice performances, Scottish atmosphere, and meaningful family themes, though its story was considered less substantial than Pixar's best work.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Merida rejects the prescribed role of princess and insists on choosing her own path as an archer and future leader.
The central emotional conflict develops between Merida and Queen Elinor as both learn to understand the other's fears and expectations.
The film places its princess adventure in a mythical Scotland shaped by clans, stone circles, Highland landscapes, and folklore.
Pixar's animation emphasizes Merida's flowing hair, rugged Highland scenery, atmospheric forests, and detailed medieval-style kingdom design.
Films like Brave, and why
Tangled
Shared animated coming of age storytelling, family relationships, fantasy adventure, and emotionally warm humor.
The Emperor's New Groove
Shared Pixar-style animation, youthful rebellion, family reconciliation, fantasy transformation, and uplifting tone.
Kiki's Delivery Service
Shared fairy-tale fantasy, strong-willed young heroine, parent-child conflict, and vivid worldbuilding.
Movie Details
- Directors
- Brenda Chapman, Mark Andrews
- Release Date
- 2012-06-21
- Runtime
- 93 min
- Rating
- 7.0 / 10 (14472)
Cast
- Kelly Macdonald
- Emma Thompson
- Billy Connolly
- Julie Walters
- Robbie Coltrane
- Kevin McKidd
- Craig Ferguson
- Peigi Barker
- Steve Purcell
- Patrick Doyle
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Disney Plus
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Brave about?
- A fiercely independent Scottish princess must repair the magical consequences of her defiance while learning that courage also means changing a fractured family.
- What is Brave like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Brave as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Brave violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Brave as mild.
- What did critics think of Brave?
- Critics broadly found the film entertaining and visually impressive, with strong voice performances, Scottish atmosphere, and meaningful family themes, though its story was considered less substantial than Pixar's best work.
- Which films are like Brave?
- Films with a similar feel include Tangled, The Emperor's New Groove, and Kiki's Delivery Service.
- How long is Brave?
- Brave runs 93 minutes.
- Where can I watch Brave?
- In United States, Brave streams on Disney Plus.
