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Brother Bear

Play trailer 2:01 Poster for Brother Bear G Released Nov 1, 2003 1h 25m Kids & Family Adventure Animation Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
37% Tomatometer 131 Reviews 66% Popcornmeter 100,000+ Ratings
Kenai (Joaquin Phoenix) is a young Indian brave with a particular distaste for bears. When his brother Sitka (D.B. Sweeney) is killed by one, Kenai in turn kills the bear, only to be magically transformed into one himself. To make matters worse, his other brother Denahi (Jason Raize) vows to kill the bear Kenai has become. Kenai's only hope is a magical mountain where he believes he can be changed back to a human, and he enlists a real bear cub, Koda, to get him there.
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Brother Bear

Brother Bear

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Critics Consensus

Brother Bear is gentle and pleasant if unremarkable Disney fare, with so-so animation and generic plotting.

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Critics Reviews

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Sheila Norman-Culp Associated Press Disney hides the morality tale behind a rip-roaring soundtrack, goofy moose sidekicks and enough bear slapstick to delight any child. Jan 23, 2019 Full Review Neil Norman London Evening Standard While the animation itself (from the same team as Mulan) is charming and at times beautiful, the script is banal and uninspired. Jan 11, 2018 Full Review Nell Minow Common Sense Media Lackluster story only for kindergarteners. Rated: 2/5 Dec 22, 2010 Full Review Carson Timar ButteredPopcorn While the film can definitely be annoying in its comedy and have some misses such as the soundtrack, the emotional core of the film is still wildly strong with a moving and mature conversation that is honestly one of Disney's best. Jan 21, 2023 Full Review Sergio Benítez Espinof A succession of sequences already seen many times before that turn the film into a predictable trance. [Full Review in Spanish] Apr 29, 2020 Full Review Mark Steyn The Spectator Rough rule of thumb: the more an animated movie drones on about the Great Spirit, the less likely it is to have any great spirit. Feb 3, 2018 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Daisy V Brother bear is a wonderfully emotional movie. The target audience is young children, which should be obvious but many people are leaving negative reviews saying that it’s only entertaining for children which is the whole point. It’s a great movie to teach perspective and emotional regulation. It’s nice to see people of color in film. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/11/24 Full Review Scarlett Z Brother Bear is an absolute masterpiece that continues to hold a special place in my heart. From its stunning animation to its heartfelt story, this movie truly stands the test of time. The way it blends humor, adventure, and deep emotional moments is nothing short of brilliant. The film takes you on a journey of self-discovery, redemption, and love, and it's impossible not to feel connected to the characters. Kenai’s transformation into a bear is a captivating metaphor for growth and understanding. His journey with Koda, the young bear cub, is at the heart of the movie and forms one of the most touching bonds ever shown in animation. The relationship between the two evolves so beautifully from reluctant companions to an unbreakable family, and it’s impossible not to be moved by their connection. What truly sets Brother Bear apart is its exploration of themes like family, responsibility, and the interconnectedness of nature. The film challenges perceptions about what it means to be a "man" and what it means to be a "bear." It reminds us that the world is bigger than our individual lives, and that every action we take affects the world around us. The idea of learning to see things from another’s perspective is beautifully explored, especially when Kenai learns to empathize with the very creatures he once sought to destroy. The animation in Brother Bear is breathtaking. The vibrant, natural landscapes of the Pacific Northwest are brought to life in such a way that it feels like you’re right there in the forest with Kenai and Koda. The soundtrack is also unforgettable. The songs by Phil Collins are so deeply woven into the story and emotions of the film that they elevate every scene to another level. "Great Spirits" opens the first movie with a powerful and spiritual anthem, setting the tone for the entire journey ahead. In Brother Bear 2, the song "Welcome to This Day" by Melissa Etheridge echoes the film’s themes of new beginnings and growth, perfectly complementing the continuation of Kenai and Koda’s story. Overall, Brother Bear is an incredible journey that reminds us of the importance of love, family, and seeing the world through the eyes of others. It's a film that doesn’t just entertain—it teaches and makes you reflect on your own place in the world. It's an absolute must-watch for anyone who appreciates a film that combines heart, humor, and meaningful life lessons. 5 out of 5 stars, without a doubt. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/10/24 Full Review Bella N This movie is so cute and with the music I would still watch the wonderful movie. this is so enjoyable and so fun to sing along with the music and it is a must see. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/29/24 Full Review Zara T A very good Disney movie which pulls at the heartstrings. Great storyline and voice actors. Beautiful music by Phill Collins. If only Disney made movies like this now a days! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/06/24 Full Review Rocky S Such an underrated movie. Gives a different pot of view in a culture that’s not wildly popular. Makes me cry every time Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/21/24 Full Review Jace E I like "Brother Bear" quite a bit. It isn't an all-time classic like "Lion King" or "Hercules", but it's much better than some of the other post-renaissance films. At its core, "Brother Bear" has a fantastic message about respect and perspective. Other than the theme of the film, the music is the other real standout. Phil Collins delivers again with a worthy follow-up to Tarzan. Take away those two elements and the movie falls short in many ways, particularly in the second act. Though the film starts strong, once the transformation takes place, the story is boring and the humor is lackluster. There is one great moment in the middle of the film, which is when Koda talks about the "monster holding the stick" but that is it. Luckily, things pick up in the third act with Kenai tells Koda the truth about his mom (heartbreaking) and the epic finale. It's too bad that the film isn't more well-rounded, but it's still a good Disney movie. Best Character: Sitka Best Quote: "The story of a boy who became a man, by becoming a bear." - Denahi Best Scene: Koda snuggling human Kenai Best Piece of Score: "Three Brothers" Best Song: "Welcome" with an honorable mention to "On My Way" and "Transformation" Rated 3 out of 5 stars 09/16/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Brother Bear

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Cast & Crew

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Movie Info

Synopsis Kenai (Joaquin Phoenix) is a young Indian brave with a particular distaste for bears. When his brother Sitka (D.B. Sweeney) is killed by one, Kenai in turn kills the bear, only to be magically transformed into one himself. To make matters worse, his other brother Denahi (Jason Raize) vows to kill the bear Kenai has become. Kenai's only hope is a magical mountain where he believes he can be changed back to a human, and he enlists a real bear cub, Koda, to get him there.
Director
Aaron Blaise, Robert Walker
Producer
Igor Khait
Screenwriter
Tab Murphy
Distributor
Buena Vista Pictures
Production Co
Walt Disney Pictures
Rating
G
Genre
Kids & Family, Adventure, Animation
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Nov 1, 2003, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 1, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA)
$85.3M
Runtime
1h 25m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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