Pixar Brave
A Defiant Princess Changes Her Fate

After a sequels Toy Story 3 and Cars 2, Pixar created an entirely new film called Brave. Formerly titled "The Bear and the Bow," Brave is co-directed by story artist Mark Andrews, who also co-directed the Pixar short One Man Band.

Pixar's First 'Anti-Princess' Movie

Taking place in Scotland during medieval times, an impulsive, headlong princess named Merida intends to defy tradition as she prefers to make her mark as a great archer. A clash of wills with her mother compels Merida to make a reckless choice, which unleashes unintended peril on her father's kingdom and her mother's life. Merida struggles with the unpredictable forces of nature, magic and a dark, ancient curse to set things right. (Original text by a Disney Press Release dated April 8, 2008)

Mark Andrews described Princess Merida in a recent interview as being an "anti-princess" because she doesn't like to wear nice clothes and only will when her strict mother forces her to for special occasions. Merida prefers outdoor life and escapes the castle at every opportunity to explore the woods.

Brave focuses less on "girl power" and more on the the relationship between Merida and her mother, who have opposing personalities. While this film appears darker than the previous Toy Story 3 and Cars 2 movies, there is still plenty of comedy and light-hearted fun that makes Pixar movies so endearing.

Disney Pixar Brave Synopsis

Confined to the traditions of the Scottish Highlands, Princess Merida is headstrong and defiant against her mother, Queen Elinor. Determined to change a fate she despises and persue her own path in life, Merida takes matters into her own hands and inadvertently unleashes chaos in the kingdom. To undo this curse, Merida must use all her skills and resort to enlisting the help of her cunning triplet little brothers before the spell sets in permanently.

Merida discovers the real meaning of what it is to be brave, and develops a strong and binding love with her mother, who also goes through many changes. Read all the details here along with some amazing screen shots from the movie:

• Brave movie plot

The characters of Brave are unforgettable: dirty, hairy people (as titled in one of the special features of the Blu-Ray DVD). Each character is unique looking and most are voiced by Scottish actors.

• Main Brave Characters: Merida, King Fergus, Queen Elinor and the Triplets.
• Minor Brave Characters: Includes the witch, clan leaders and their sons, and more.
• Brave Nonhuman Characters: Bears, Wisps, Horse and more.

Here's the official Pixar Brave movie trailer:

What About the Short Film for Brave?

Brave opened with a short film called La Luna, which translates to "The Moon" from Spanish or Italian. It is about a boy, his Papa and Grandpa as he discovers his family's unusual livelihood.