Disney are known for creating films that are on the surface, pretty and fun. But, they always have a message or something to take away from the experience, and Disney’s Big Hero 6 is no different.
Hiro and Baymax flying above San Fransokyo / Picture Credit: Disney+
However, what sets this animated journey apart, is its unique storyline and the way loss is incorporated into this otherwise happy story.
We are welcomed into the film by flying through the fictional city of San Fransokyo, a mix-up between, you guessed it, San Francisco and Tokyo.
You are thrown into the bright, vibrant thrill of the city, as everything is neon and colourful. It really incorporates the Japanese culture into San Francisco and the result is a stunning tour through the energetic metropolis.
Then, we see the back alley of this place where people come to watch robot fights. Creators bring their robots to places like this, and fight to win money. It is here we are introduced to our hero, Hiro (Ryan Potter).
Hiro is 14 and an absolute genius. But, instead of going to college or working on projects, he would rather spend his time at these mechanical brawls – which seems pretty normal for a teenage boy.
Despite Hiro’s robot-fighting dreams, Tadashi (Daniel Henney) convinces his little brother to put his brains towards bigger things – so, Hiro begins creating something amazing in order to get into the school his brother goes to, a school for robotics.
However, after Hiro’s success when showing off his tech to Robert Callaghan (James Cromwell), the man who runs the Robotics Lab, there is a fire after the presentation finishes. Tadashi loses his life attempting to save Callaghan.
This is when the real story begins. We follow Hiro through his journey of loss and grief – resembling real-life trauma at losing a loved one.
That is, until he meets Baymax (Scott Adsit). Baymax is a robot created by Hiro’s late brother. Tadashi was working to make Baymax a lovable healthcare robot, something that could help everyone while appearing approachable and friendly, which he certainly is.
Baymax becomes Hiro’s partner as he figures out that the fire at the lab wasn’t an accident. Baymax’s naivety regarding well, absolutely anything, is hilarious.
He can’t run fast and seems confused by cats, calling one he sees a “hairy baby”. His adorable round, white and squishy appearance is what keeps the audience amused, and also keeps Hiro distracted from his grief.
The film encapsulates loss in a way that is relatable to younger children, and even adults. It really shows that when someone you love is gone, there is always someone around to help you and that is really is okay not to be okay.
In Hiro’s case, his brother’s friends from the lab only want to help him, and Baymax’s confusion with things like a fist-bump is so light-hearted amongst the depth of the rest of the narrative, you can’t help but smile.
Hiro goes to extraordinary and even dangerous lengths to find out why the tragic fire took place, and despite his blunders coping with the loss of his brother and idol, no one leaves him behind.
The movie is funny of course, with a hilarious cast including Maya Rudolph and T.J. Miller, perfect bright visuals embedded in an important story and beautiful film, there are also perfect one-liners, jokes, and entertaining mishaps.
Whether you’re six or 26, Big Hero 6 is a wonderful movie to watch. The way the film uses fun characters such as Baymax and Hiro, and places them in a somewhat melancholic environment is a joy to watch as Hiro battles his heartache by accepting the help of his friends – and a giant marshmallow-looking robot.
Written by Melissa, who you can follow on Twitter @melissajournal
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