Few things are more ingrained into modern culture than the children’s movies produced
by Disney. These films are seen by millions of children and adults both in the United States and
abroad. These movies are a huge part of popular culture and have given rise to many well-known
and instantly recognizable characters. The Disney princess series has been particularly
influential, beginning in 1937 with Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, and continuing to the
present with the 2013 release of Frozen. The majority of these films follow a similar format,
including a plot centered around finding romantic love, a princess in need of rescuing from some
physical or emotional danger, and a brave handsome prince. One film in the Disney princess
series challenges the traditional princess pattern and offers a new perspective. That film is Brave.
When viewed through the lens of feminist criticism, it becomes clear that Brave makes great
progress in resisting patriarchy and offers young girls a female character that is different from
models traditionally seen in the media.