The Art of Brave

Synopsis

Brave is Pixar's thirteenth feature film, but it marks two big firsts for the award-winning animation studio. It's Pixar's first feature film driven by a female lead and its first set in an ancient historical period. Against a backdrop of castles, forests, and highlands, Brave follows the fiery Merida as she clashes with the duty of her royal life and embarks on a journey through the rugged landscape of the dark ages of Scotland. At once epic and intimate, this Pixar masterpiece weaves a story of magic, danger, and adventure and the fierce bonds of family.

Featuring behind-the-scenes interviews with the film's many artists and filmmakers, The Art of Brave showcases the gorgeous concept art that went into the making of this movie, including color scripts, storyboards, character studies, environment art, sculpts, and more. A foreword by Brenda Chapman and Mark Andrews, the film's directors, and a preface by Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter shed light on the creation of this landmark film.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Myth of Fearlessness

* Summary: Debunks the idea that fearless people exist and asserts that true bravery lies in facing and overcoming fear.
* Example: A soldier who admits their fear of combat but still charges into battle because they believe in their cause.

Chapter 2: The Ten Attributes of the Brave

* Summary: Outlines ten qualities that characterize brave individuals, including courage, humility, vulnerability, empathy, and perseverance.
* Example: A nurse who comforts a frightened patient even when they are feeling scared themselves.

Chapter 3: The Power of Small Braveries

* Summary: Emphasizes the importance of practicing small acts of bravery in daily life to build confidence and resilience.
* Example: A teenager who stands up to a bully in school, even if they are outnumbered.

Chapter 4: The Anatomy of Fear

* Summary: Analyzes the physiological and psychological responses to fear and provides strategies for managing them.
* Example: A public speaker who uses breathing exercises and positive self-talk to calm their nerves before giving a presentation.

Chapter 5: The Courage to Be Vulnerable

* Summary: Explores the power of vulnerability and how it can lead to deeper connections and greater strength.
* Example: A leader who admits their mistakes and asks for help from their team.

Chapter 6: The Courage to Let Go

* Summary: Discusses the importance of releasing resistance to change and embracing the unknown.
* Example: A business owner who closes a failing business to start a new venture that aligns with their passions.

Chapter 7: The Courage to Believe

* Summary: Emphasizes the role of belief in fostering bravery and inspiring others.
* Example: A volunteer who continues to help those in need, even when they have faced setbacks.

Chapter 8: The Courage to Stand Alone

* Summary: Explores the challenges and rewards of standing up for what is right, even when it is unpopular.
* Example: A politician who votes according to their conscience, despite knowing it will cost them votes.

Chapter 9: The Courage to Forgive

* Summary: Discusses the transformative power of forgiveness and its ability to break down barriers and create connections.
* Example: A victim of abuse who finds the courage to forgive their assailant, allowing them to heal and move forward.

Chapter 10: The Courage to Love

* Summary: Concludes the book by emphasizing the importance of love as the ultimate source of bravery and the foundation for a fulfilling life.
* Example: A couple who remains together through difficult times, supporting and encouraging each other.