PIXAR'S 13TH FULL-LENGTH FEATURE “BRAVE” HAS MANY FIRSTS
Since ancient times, stories of epic
battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across
the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. From Disney and Pixar, a new
tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald)
confronts tradition and challenges destiny to change her fate.
“Brave”
follows the heroic journey of Merida, a skilled archer and headstrong daughter
of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma
Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old
custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin
(voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and
cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions
inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an
eccentric Witch (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated
wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her skills and
resources—including her clever and mischievous triplet brothers—to undo a
beastly curse before it’s too late, and discover the meaning of true bravery.
“Brave”
represents Pixar’s most daring, sophisticated and complex feature film to date.
It also establishes numerous firsts for a Pixar film. It is the studio’s first
film to feature a female protagonist, its first period piece in which
historical references intersect with a fantasy world, and its first epic
adventure set in a natural human world.
“The
film is about a teenager’s struggle with finding herself, with creating her own
destiny,” says director Mark Andrews of Disney•Pixar’s 13th full-length
feature. “More specifically, it’s about Merida’s struggle in reconciling how
the world sees her versus how she sees herself. True courage must be found on
the inside.”
Directed
by Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and produced by Katherine Sarafian, “Brave” is a
grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor
that audiences of all ages around the world have come to expect. Based on an
original story by Chapman, “Brave” was written by Andrews, Steve Purcell and
Chapman & Irene Mecchi.
Infusing
drama, authenticity and spirit in “Brave” is a phenomenal vocal ensemble
comprised largely of actors with Scottish roots. Kelly Macdonald (“Boardwalk
Empire,” “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows—Part 2”) brings heart to the
tempestuous teenager Merida. Acclaimed Oscar®-winning actress Emma Thompson
(“Sense and Sensibility”) gives a transformative performance as the regal and
proper Queen Elinor. Renowned Scottish comedian/actor Billy Connolly voices
King Fergus, the jovial patriarch of the kingdom and a heroic warrior who longs
for a rematch with the demon bear Mor’du that took his leg. Voicing the
strapping Lord MacGuffin and his son, Young MacGuffin, is Scottish actor Kevin
McKidd (“Made of Honor,” “Grey’s Anatomy”). Popular late-night talk-show
host/actor Craig Ferguson (“Winnie the Pooh”), also a Scottish native, voices
the boisterous, battle-ready Lord Macintosh. Glasgow native Robbie Coltrane
(“Harry Potter” films) adds plenty of pluck to scrappy Lord Dingwall, and
acclaimed British actress Julie Walters (“Harry Potter” films) conjures up some
vocal magic as the mysterious Witch.
“I
am so proud of this film for its beauty, its story, its drama, its humor and
its action,” says John Lasseter, chief creative officer for Walt Disney and
Pixar Animation Studios and an executive producer of “Brave.” “It’s a
beautifully balanced film that just sweeps you away in this incredibly gorgeous
world with these really entertaining characters. It’s unlike anything you’ve
ever seen. That’s what we love to do at Pixar. We love to go to new worlds and
present stories that you’ve never seen before. It’s a tour de force of
technology and artistry. There’s great storytelling, humor and vocal
performances.”
Concludes
Lasseter, “Brave” is notably groundbreaking in every way. “It raises the bar
for the art form on every level—human animation, hair and clothing; animation
of animals, including bears and horses; believability of organic, natural
environments and historical settings. It’s an incredible blend of action and
humor, with magic, mystery, sorcery and real adventure—a genuine
edge-of-your-seat experience. You can’t wait to see what happens next.”
Distributed
by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International, “Brave” takes aim at
Philippine theaters on August 01, and will be presented in Disney Digital 3D™
in select theaters.
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