When we think of healing from grief, we often consider family as the central support system. However, Disney's Big Hero 6 reminds us that friendships, too, can play a pivotal role in rebuilding hope and finding joy after a devastating loss. Through Hiro Hamada’s journey, we see how relationships outside of family can become a lifeline, helping us move forward without leaving cherished memories behind.
Themes of Grief in Big Hero 6
In the wake of his older brother Tadashi's tragic death, Hiro finds himself lost in a sea of anger, sadness, and isolation. The film does not shy away from showing Hiro’s pain or the unhealthy coping mechanisms he initially employs, such as withdrawing from loved ones or focusing solely on revenge.
Through Baymax, Tadashi’s invention, and a newfound circle of friends, Hiro learns that healing doesn’t mean forgetting. Instead, it's about discovering new ways to honor those we've lost and allowing others to help fill the void they’ve left behind.
Key themes in the movie include:
- Finding Connection: How the people around us can help us navigate grief, even when we think we need to face it alone.
- Purpose Through Creation: Hiro channels his pain into innovation, finding a sense of purpose in his brother's legacy.
- The Importance of Self-Care: Through Baymax’s caregiving and insistence on Hiro's well-being, the film emphasizes the need for physical and emotional healing.
Cultural Relevance and Impact
Upon its release, Big Hero 6 was lauded for its nuanced depiction of loss and recovery. Actor Ryan Potter, who voiced Hiro, said in an interview, "Hiro's story resonates because it shows that grief isn’t a straight path. It’s messy, unpredictable, but ultimately, with the right support, it becomes bearable."
The movie also introduced audiences to a multicultural, intelligent cast of characters, setting an example for inclusive storytelling. With its blend of humor, action, and heartfelt moments, Big Hero 6 grossed over $650 million worldwide and earned an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Lessons for Families
Big Hero 6 offers an opportunity for families to discuss grief in a way that highlights the importance of community and resilience. Here are some ways to explore these lessons together:
- Emphasize the Role of Friends: Talk with your children about how friends, mentors, and even pets can be a source of comfort when facing hard times.
- Channel Creativity into Healing: Encourage your child to engage in a creative activity that can help them process their emotions.
- Talk About Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Use Hiro's journey as a way to discuss what healthy versus unhealthy responses to grief look like.
Practical Takeaways
- Build Your Support System: Encourage your child to identify friends, teachers, or other trusted adults who can be part of their "team" during tough times.
- Celebrate the Legacy of Loved Ones: Create something—a drawing, a project, or a memory box—that helps your family honor a lost loved one’s memory.
- Focus on Small Acts of Kindness: Just as Baymax helps Hiro, small gestures of kindness can have a big impact.
Explore More Animated Stories of Grief
If Big Hero 6 resonated with you, don’t miss how Coco celebrates the connection between memory and love or how Inside Out explores the emotional complexity of grief and joy.
Read our previous post: “Coco: Remembering Loved Ones Through Storytelling”
Or our next post: “Inside Out: Navigating the Emotional Labyrinth of Loss”.
At Jurni, we're working to bring these themes of grief, healing, and hope to life through an animated short film inspired by our story. If you’d like to support this project, please visit our Kickstarter campaign or learn more on the Jurni website. Together, we can create something meaningful for families navigating their own journeys.