Summary
Archery expert Grizzly Jim praises Pixar's Brave for its accurate representation of archery, highlighting the detailed portrayal of the skill.
The portrayal of archery in the movie Brave is precise, highlighting the importance of fluid motion and showcasing the authenticity of the arrows as they slightly wobble upon release, mirroring their behavior in real life. This accurate depiction of the sport further establishes Merida as a unique protagonist, emphasizing her passion for archery and her longing for autonomy.
Archery expert Grizzly Jim commends Pixar's film Brave for its exceptional portrayal of archery. The movie centers around Merida, the daughter of Scotland's King Fergus, who aspires to pursue her passion for archery and forge her own path in life. Notably, there is a scene in the film where Merida demonstrates her prowess with a bow and arrow by hitting the target dead center twice consecutively. In a video featured on Insider, Jim expresses his admiration for the impressive realism displayed in Pixar's Brave.
Starting at 7:56, Jim commends the movie for its detailed portrayal of archery, highlighting how accurately it captures the skill. Read some of Jim's insights below:
The key to archery is not releasing the string forcefully. Instead, it's about aiming to no longer hold the string. You need to loosen your grip and allow your hand to flow back. If you try to forcefully open your hand, you'll never be faster than the string. The string will always outpace your reactions. Therefore, if you can reach your anchor point and then relax your hand while returning, you'll achieve a much smoother release. Just observe how her hand effortlessly relaxes in the process.
That's 10 [out of 10]. One of the best representations of the way an arrow and a bow work together.
Why Brave Needed To Have Accurate Archery
In addition to Merida's shooting technique, Jim points out how Brave effectively portrays the importance of freedom of movement during archery practice. The film also captures the realistic motion of the arrow as it wiggles when launched from the bow, according to Jim. Considering Pixar's departure from traditional Disney princess conventions in Brave, it is only fitting that Merida's passion for archery is portrayed with utmost realism.
Merida's love for archery reflects her defiance against societal expectations placed upon her as a Scottish princess. This sentiment is further manifested in Merida's character design in the movie Brave, which deviates from the traditional portrayal of princesses in animated family films. However, the story of Brave unfolds with Merida being compelled into a role she resents, leading to a series of events involving a magical witch and her family's transformation into bears, ultimately bringing her closer to her parents.
Jim's admiration for Brave's depiction of archery illustrates how the film's accurate portrayal of this skill contributes to Merida's distinct persona as the main character. This aspect further strengthens Brave's portrayal of Merida as a one-of-a-kind princess, unlike any other depicted in animated films in 2012. The precision of the archery depicted in Brave adds to the movie's impact as a memorable tale about a young woman's quest for independence.
Source: Insider/YouTube
