Disney Breaks out Scottish Princess in BRAVE

 

As a little girl, I vividly remember being so angry with my mother that I wished someone else was my Mom. I even said, “you’re not my real mother because my real mother would let me do what I want”. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out how that little episode ended.

As I watched Brave, I was surprisingly reminded of being that spoiled, yet strong-willed little girl, much like Merida, I was determined to do things “my” way.

Set in the lush, breathtaking greenery of Scotland, we are instantly welcomed into this modern,yet mythical story of a young girl’s independence from being a traditional Princess. This princess has a mane of thick, curly auburn hair that matches the fire of her personality and is not looking for a prince but for the next target of her bow and arrow.

She loathes being in ‘princess training’ and relishes the moments where she and her loyal horse explore the woods, waterfalls and rock climbing. Now that’s what I’m talking about!!!

When the possible suitors for prince turn out to be one doofus after another, Merida puts them all to shame with her archery skills. This insights a horrible disagreement with her Mom, where a family tapestry is ripped and Merida runs off.

While in the woods, she runs into a witch whom she request a spell to be placed on her Mom to change her mind about her being betrothed.

Disaster breaks out when her Mom and brothers take a bite out of the cake Merida received from the witch, turning them all into bears.

Without completely ruining the film for those who have not viewed, let’s just say that having a family of bears is not a good thing especially when Daddy is hellbent on killing them.

I found myself sobbing at the end when it looked like the spell would not be broken. The sight of little Merida realizing that she is never “too grown” to need her “mommy” wore me out! In a singular moment, I was reminded how wonderful my mother is and how lucky I have been that the universe gave me her to be “my” mommy.

So, the moral of the story is as they say in Brave…”change your fate by mending the bonds you break”. A lesson and wise words for us all.

Note: As a grown woman, my Mom and I are very close. Not one day goes by that we don’t talk, text, Skype or email:) I am still strong-willed, but now mature and open enough to ring Mom for her advice. Sometimes the advice is lovingly warm, but always honest and from the heart. Love you mommy:)