Movie review: Big hero 6

Big hero 6 is your typical hero-saves-the-day Disney cartoon. The story started with a young boy named Hiro, who is a 14-year-old robotics genius. His older brother, Tadashi, invented Baymax, a healthcare robot. After Tadashi's death, Baymax became Hiro's companion along with Tadashi's university friends, GoGo Tomago, Wasabi, Honey Lemon and Fred. Hiro found out someone was mass producing his invention, microbots, which is a swarm of tiny metal robot that can take any form your mind desires. Hiro, Baymax and his friends decided to go and find out who was the man that stole Hiro's invention and his intentions.

Microbots

It is quite a funny yet touching movie. I was laughing throughout the movie but the ending of the movie was so touching that I had tears in my eyes. There are certain subtle messages in this movie that I can see. It's a movie about love, friendship, sacrifice and forgiveness.

From top: Hiro, Aunt Cass and Tadashi

The brotherly love between Tadashi and Hiro was very clear. Tadashi was always trying to keep Hiro out of trouble and worried about Hiro's safety and future. Meanwhile, we can see Hiro's grief when Tadashi died in the fire. It was obvious he loved his older brother very much. We can also see the love of their aunt, Aunt Cass. Their parents passed away and they were raise by Aunt Cass. This love is shown through physical touch (hugs) and words of encouragement and comfort.

From left: Wasabi, Honey Lemon, Hiro, Baymax, GoGo Tamago and Fred

Then there is friendship. GoGo, Wasabi, Honey Lemon and Fred were actually Tadashi's friends. But they welcomed Hiro and became friends with him. They were willing to risk their lives to help Hiro find the villian (or the Mask Man that stole and was mass producing Hiro's microbots). Through their actions and support, they showed their love and care for Hiro. Even though they disagreed with Hiro at one point and Hiro said some hurtful words to them, they still went back to find Hiro and never stopped being friends with him. This is what I call true friendship. Friends that never gave up on each other even on bleak times.

Baymax and Hiro

We see Baymax's sacrifice towards the end of the movie. For me, this is the most significant and touching part. Hiro and Baymax became really close friends even though Baymax was only a robot. Somehow, Baymax was like another Tadashi for Hiro. Baymax, a robot, cares so deeply for Hiro that he (or it) is willing to sacrifice itself so that Hiro can be saved. Sacrificial love is the most significant love.

The Mask Man

Last but not least, forgiveness. Hiro found out that Tadashi's death was not accidental and that the Mask Man was the murderer. This caused Hiro to go into a rage and he wanted to kill the Mask Man to avenge Tadashi's death. This is when Hiro's friends stopped him from doing it.  Through Baymax and his friends, he realised that Tadashi wouldn't have approved of his actions. Tadashi wanted to help people not harm people, hence the invention of Baymax. In the end, Hiro forgave the Mask Man as he knows nothing good will come out of his actions. It will only caused more hurt and harm not only to himself but to the people around him. He didn't kill the Mask Man. Instead, he helped the police catch him and put him behind bars.

It's hard to forgive your enemies. But revenge is not a good option also. Baymax asked: "Will killing the Mask Man make you feel better?" We should also ask ourselves this question. Again I say this, nothing good will come out of revenge. It will only cause more hurt and harm not only to yourself but to the people around you.

Even though the movie is a little cliché, but the animations are really good and the message it brings out is clear. I would rate this movie 8/10. =)

Story - Broken promises

Hello, my readers! My sincerest apologies for not updating my blog for a long time. Been extremely busy with assignments and stuffs. Now that I have a little time to spare, I think it's time to do a little updating. Here is a little short story. Enjoy! =)

She looked out the window. The sky was darkening, the wind was blowing and the tree branches were shaking. She can hear the distant rumble of thunder. "It's going to rain soon..." she thought to herself. Then, she turned her attention to her laptop in front of her. "It's time..." she whisper softly to herself.

2 years... I have to face it... I cannot let this continue to haunt me...

A trip down memory lane. She typed in the website address slowly. Her fingers trembled. When the website appeared in front of her, she closed her eyes and cover her face with her hands. "I cannot do this..." she told herself. "Yes, you can!" another side of her urged, "You have to do this!" She moved her hands away from her face and opened her eyes. His photo on the screen looked back at her. She took a deep breath and plunged into the sea of memories. The memories she has kept locked up tightly in the most remote part of her brain. Now, she is opening it and letting it flood her brain again.

2 years ago... 

"Hey!" A simple greeting. The beginning of a wonderful yet disastrous short friendship. She, an innocent young girl who can't wait to see the world around her. He, a charming young man who has just stepped out into the world and discovering the world around him. She, bright and happy. He, serious and brooding. An unlikely pair, but somehow they clicked.

"I like you!" he blurted out during a meet up after a month of knowing each other. He blushed. "I mean... um... I like you... as... a, um, friend! Yea! A friend that is a girl!" he stumbled over his words, trying to cover up. She smiled mischievously, feeling very much amused at his flustered face. "I like you too. As a friend. A friend that is a guy." she said cheekily, amusement written all over her face. He blushed harder, speechless.

He showed her the blog that he created. "Here. When I am away, we will communicate through this blog. You write about your day and I write about my day. Deal?" She smiled. "Sure!" He caught her hand, holding it tight and said seriously, "I promise to be with you through everything. I promise to take care of you and protect you. I promise."Promise. That's a big word, you know." she teased him. "I know. I am serious." he said. She looked into his eyes and believed him, giving him her heart.

Present...

She shivered. That friendship survived a few months. She looked at all the blog post that he and she had written over that few months. Full of promises for the present and future. But... Yet... Slowly, a tear slide down her cheek. She was too innocent. Now, she is left with nothing but a broken heart, broken promises and bittersweet memories.

The best way to heal a broken heart and forget the sorrow and hurt is to face it. During these 2 years, she has grown up. She might still be innocent but she knows better now. She is now exploring the world around her. So fascinated and amazed at what the world has got to offer. She has kept those memories locked up tight but she knows sooner or later, she will have to face them again.

She put her face in her hands and wept. How many times has she cried over this boy? She looked at his photo again. "This will be the last time I cry about you..." she thought. She will never let him haunt her again.

That night...

"I am sorry... I just can't..." he said.
"But, why? You said..." she cried.
"I am sorry..." he said.
"No..." she sobbed.
"Goodbye." he said.
"..... Bye..." she whispered brokenly.

Present...

She shook herself mentally, bringing herself back to the present. Her face wet with tears. She barely remember what was said that night. All she remember was the sadness, hurt and betrayal she felt.

For quite some time after that incident, she lived like a possessed person. His words haunted her. His entire being haunted her. His broken promises kept repeating in her head. She never let anyone get close to her. Nor does she trust anyone easily. She closed her heart to everyone, living in the past, trying to mend her broken heart.

She took a deep breath and wiped away the tears. She came to her senses after a while. She seek comfort from her friends and family around her, immersing herself in events and activities with her friends and family. She swept up all his memories and dump it in the drawer and locked it up tight. But from time to time, the memories will leapt out and loom over her like a shadow.

"There is always an air of sadness around you, love." her friend observed one day. She just shrugged her shoulders, saying nothing. "The best way to overcome a memory that haunt you is to face it." her friend said gently. She looked at her friend, not knowing what to say. "I know it's hard and painful. But you cannot just let it be and not do anything about it. It will keep coming back. It will stop you from moving on. Face it once and for all and it will not come back and haunt you ever again." her friend said, "You will be at peace and you can live again." "Are you sure?" she asked softly. "Yes. It's just like a physical cut on your hand. You tend to it, it will become better. But if you don't, it will become worse. You understand?" her friend explained. She nodded her head. "I know you can do it. You are a strong and brave girl. Whatever it was, you will be able to face it and get over it." her friend encouraged her. She smiled softly, nodded her head and giving her friend a hug.

Here she is, facing the memory of him and their past together. Much to her surprise, she felt like a heavy weight was lifted from her shoulders. She felt more at peace and calmer. She realised she will never have to run or hide again from the memories. She has overcome it all. Now, she can live. She sniffed and smiled. Then, she shut down her laptop.

I promise...
Sorry...

"Promise."