Review of Big Hero 6 (2014) by Kai82 — 26 Jul 2021

It won me over with its cast, themes, story and world. I missed this movie when it was in the cinema and later on TV. Over the years I heard a lot of my friends and colleagues saying that this is a hidden gem and so I finally watched it.

After watching it I agree that this is a really good animated movie with depth, lovable characters and relatable themes. The story follows the 14 year old Hiro Hamada (Hero?) who is a genius in robotics and already passed high school but now spends his time a bit aimlessly competing in robot fights.

When he is saved by his older brother Tadashi from trouble he tries to give him a goal by taking him to his research lab where he shows him the robotics program, the inflatable robot Baymax he created and he meets Tadashi’s amazing group of friends.

This inspires him to give all for his schools showcase. However there will be an event that changes everything. Here I will stop with this set up. The story impressed me as Hiro’s character development, struggles and heroes journey are excellent.

The themes are relatable and the motives of the characters are fully understandable and genuine (I am again vague to avoid spoilers). Then there is the awesome world they create. The story takes place in the city of San Fransokyo which is a mixture of San Francisco and Tokyo.

It is a beautiful mixture and visually impressing. It has a unique style and I read that they put a lot and I mean a whole lot of effort into the setting. Then there is the technology. It is our world but marvelous technologies are in the development or prior to be released for everyone.

Now to the next strength of the movie the characters. Hiro voiced by Ryan Potter is an excellent protagonist. He is relatable to the viewer in many ways and like I said his struggles, development and journey is as enjoyable as immersive.

Tadashi voiced by Daniel Henney is a role model for the older brother. He is caring and also mixture of father figure, friend and mentor for Hiro. Then there is the colorful cast of Tadashis’s and Hiro’s friends with Go Go (Jamie Chung), Fred (T.

J. Miller), Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez), Wasabi (Damon Wayans) and Baymax (Scott Adsit). Those are truly great and enhance the movie. Other than those I will praise Rober Callaghan (James Cromwell) and Cass (Maya Rudolph).

A really good cast. Also special praise for a familiar face you may recognizes (You will know it;-). Presentation wise the movie is truly remarkable. It has a unique style atop on being visually impressive.

Like I already said they put a lot of hard work, hearth and soul into creating this world. This you can see in all scenes and locations. I think like San Fransokyo the style is alos a beautiful mixture of western and anime style.

It was so good looking that I want to visit this city for sight seeing. The soundtrack is probably really good but not entirely my cup of tea. Something can be great but not for your taste at the same time.

This can be quite common in music, books, movies or food to name a few examples. Finally there are the themes and there is a lot to discus with friends. Be it philosophical, moral or technological there is something that can or will grab your attention.

Overall this was a really good experience. It slightly misses to be an all time masterpiece for me but does so many things right that I will give a bonus point to get a 10/10 rating.