Big Hero and the 6 stages of Grief

Big Hero 6

by Jay Pinder

Despite the added extra stage of grief to this title, Big Hero 6 fits the formula for dealing with grief. Big Hero 6 is a colorful film created by Disney and the Studio that brought you Wreck it Ralph and Tangled. It also directly follows the explosively popular Frozen.

This film centers itself around the life of Hiro, a 13 year old boy who has already graduated high school, become a master tech wiz, and only focuses himself in illegal bot fights to earn quick cash. Hiro is left only with his aunt and big brother Tadashi after losing his parents at 3 years old. This leaves Hiro unmotivated to do anything with his natural technogifts. Tadashi spends his time in the movie trying to sway Hiro onto a productive path, and takes him to his lab to see where he goes to school. Hiro then is set to invent something amazing to get in. It’s no secret that Hiro then loses his big brother Tadashi, leaving behind a short legacy and a robot built to help heal the sick.

This sets in motion the main theme of the film…Grief. The adorable robot Tadashi left behind as his legacy spends the movie unconventionally helping Hiro through all of his stages of grief.

This film is set in the futuristic town of San Fransokyo, elevating the normal circumstances of loss and grief to large high tech super hero battles. The film is also riddled with a cast of colorful characters. Most notably is Hiro’s supporting super team starring: the hilarious T.J. Miller, from How to Train Your Dragon and, most recently, Transformers 4; and Damon Wayans Jr., from New Girl.

Though Disney refutes this film is a part of the Marvel Universe, it has worked so hard on, but it does stand alone, as a typical Marvel Film, with its very own Stan Lee Cameo and end credit scene.

This film masterfully mixes the high stakes and action of a super hero film with the deep seeded message of how to effectively deal with grief and loss. This film’s animation work is phenomenal and not one to miss reaching new feats.

If you are looking for a fun adorably funny film, some great action, or maybe you want an interesting perspective on grief and loss, this film is for you. I highly recommend seeing this one in theaters.