3. Brave (2012)
Disney Pixars hit Brave met with almost universal praise upon its release last summer and this year was crowned Best Animated Film at the Academy Awards. The movie tells the tale of young Scottish princess Merida, voiced by Kelly MacDonald, whose refusal to marry causes unprecedented havoc which only she can resolve. The film received applause for the independent, free-spirited Merida, whose wilful personality was perceived as a much-needed reimagining of the traditional Disney Princess stereotype. The movie was also commended for its vivid and thrilling representation of the Scottish Highlands. The Pixar animators travelled to Scotland in order to gain inspiration and, as a result, the beauty and history of the Highlands are brilliantly brought to life. Whilst the Scotland depicted in Brave might be an animated, mythical version of the country, Pixars stellar animation results in it still being one of the best representations of the Highlands on film. The movie's success gave rise to an international marketing campaign led by Disney and VisitScotland. It is easy to see why the film encouraged tourism: no one could fail to fall in love with the Scotland depicted in Brave. For that reason Brave is absolutely a must-see: a funny, exciting, moving and above-all-entertaining movie that can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages.