An In-Depth Analysis of Why 'Brave' Failed to Become a Blockbuster Movie

The 2012 animated film 'Brave' was met with a mixed critical reception, released during a period of intense competition with other major summer blockbusters. Although it contained elements of adventure and the familiar family structure typical of Pixar films, the movie's approach to storytelling and audience expectations played a significant role in its box office performance.

Mixed Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Brave' received a range of reviews. Critics praised its visual landscapes and voice performances, but found the story's more unconventional approach to the traditional hero's journey somewhat lacking. Unlike the classic Disney princess narrative, 'Brave' introduced a heroine who defied the typical prince-meets-princess narrative by focusing on personal growth and familial bonds. This non-traditional storyline garnered differing opinions, with some audiences feeling disappointed by its departure from the familiar Disney formula.

Competition

Released during a competitive summer season, 'Brave' faced stiff competition from other major films. The sheer number of high-profile releases could have drawn audience attention and ticket sales away from the movie. While titles like 'The Avengers' and 'The Dark Knight Rises' dominated the summer, 'Brave' struggled to gain the same level of traction. The film's release date also played a significant role in its marketing and distribution strategy, limiting its potential impact.

Marketing and Theme

Pixar's marketing campaign emphasized 'Brave's adventurous aspects, which included the heroines journey through mystical landscapes and the training of a mother-daughter bond. However, the deeper thematic elements of family and personal development may not have been effectively conveyed to the broader audience. This misalignment between the film's marketing and its core themes likely contributed to its weaker performance at the box office.

Audience Expectations

Given the success of films like 'Snow White', 'Sleeping Beauty', and 'Cinderella', audiences had certain expectations for new Pixar releases. 'Brave', with its unconventional plot and emphasis on family rather than romance, did not align with these expectations. The film's ending, particularly the lack of a traditional "kiss and happily ever after" scenario, disappointed some viewers. This mismatch between audience expectations and the film's actual content is one of the primary reasons for its perceived failure as a blockbuster.

Cultural Resonance

'Brave' stood out in its approach to its fairy tale narrative, offering a story that was more grounded in reality and less ethereal. Films like 'Mary and the Witch's Flower', released in 2017, further highlighted this with its more magical and unpredictable nature. 'Mary and the Witch's Flower' features an enchanting story with young heroines discovering magic and facing unexpected challenges. Unlike 'Brave', this film provides a more familiar, albeit modern, experience that aligns closely with the traditional adventure narratives audiences have come to expect.

The contrast between 'Brave' and 'Mary and the Witch's Flower' lies in their approach to storytelling. 'Mary and the Witch's Flower' offers a slightly more predictable yet magical journey, appealing to a broader audience. While 'Brave' may have ventured into uncharted territory, it is this very experimentation that set it apart and perhaps contributed to its unique cultural resonance.

Although 'Brave' did not achieve the blockbuster success of some of its Pixar predecessors, its exploration of modern fairy tale stories and deeper thematic content paved the way for unique narratives in animation. The film deserves recognition for its innovative storytelling and diverse representation, even if it didn't resonate as widely with audiences as initially hoped.