Set in the fictional metropolis of San Fransokyo—a delightful combination of San Francisco and Tokyo—Disney’s Big Hero 6 tells a profound tale of loss and healing, with lots of hilarity and nerd fun in between.
The story is about a 14-year-old robotics genius and underground bot-fighting enthusiast named Hiro Hamada (Ryan Potter) who experiences loss and grief at such a young age. His parents are gone, and when his older brother Tadashi (Daniel Henney) unexpectedly dies, too, life becomes just too sad for Hiro.
Every cloud has a silver lining, though, and Hiro’s path to healing comes in the form a ridiculously big inflatable marshamallow-like healthcare-providing robot called Baymax (Scott Adsit)– the late Tadashi’s project. When they both discover evil lurking in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro tries to reprogram Baymax into a crime-fighting hero. And along with four other friends (GoGo, Wasabi, Honey Lemon, and Fred), Hiro embarks on a determined and emotional mission—and the fun and adventure begins.
Big Hero 6, based on an obscure Marvel comic series in 1990’s, is a Disney breakthrough. We may be bombarded with superhero blockbusters of late, but this animated film stands out for its big heart.
To begin with, the animation is just perfection; each frame visually delights, strikingly gorgeous for the rich details. The vibrant, artful clash of East and West, the ancient and modern, is new and exciting in a Disney film. Envision San Francisco dotted with cherry blossoms, incorporated with Japanese culture, and complete with imposing futuristic architecture—it is truly a sight to behold. Also, the characters' superb facial expression, voice, and distinct personalities make them look and sound real. Everything is just so beautiful to look at.
The heart and soul of the film is, of course, Hiro and Baymax's friendship. Their relationship is a rich tapestry of emotions (imagine a robot as a source of care and compassion). Baymax’s robotic single-mindedness—to fulfill his duty as a nurse—is actually what makes him hilarious (not to mention his impractical design as a crime-fighter). Every time Baymax moves or talks, the entire mini theatre at the press screening would erupt into shrieks of laughter
Big Hero 6, from the makers of Frozen and Wreck-it-Ralph, is a pleasure every second of its 108-minute running time, and will surely appeal to all ages. Never mind its commonplace superhero origin elements—because with its sharp and intelligent storytelling, you’d be laughing (loudly and prolonged) and feeling so many things in your heart with its sweet, uplifting, and moving tale of redemption.
Catch it in 2D or 3D—and make sure to be early enough to see the pre-movie treat, the short animated film Feast, a delicious appetizer to the superior main course. Also, wait for the post-end credits for a surprise clip.
4.5/5 stars
Opens Nov. 6, 2014
Photos courtesy of Walt Disney Studios
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