RATING★ 6.5
WORTH IT? MAYBE
Big & Little backdrop
🏆

Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Big & Little.

View Review →
WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Big & Little Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2016)

His last big journey took him from Stein am Rhein to faraway Japan. Theo Plakoudakis and Marco Salituro had developed the script especially for Mathias Gnädinger. And so the popular actor filled the role of "Big Summer" with a lot of heart: The former wrestling king Anton Sommer is forced by the ten-year-old boy Hiro to accompany him to Japan. Hiro wants to become a sumo wrestler like his father. Zurich-based Stefan Jäger has staged a modern fairy tale that becomes an endearing homage to Mathias Gnädinger. He died on Good Friday 2015.

Advertisement

✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Comedy, Adventure cinema, then Big & Little offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2016 landscape.

Advertisement

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Comedy films
Fans of Adventure films

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Comedy, Adventure cinema, the 2016 release of Big & Little stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into His last big journey took him from Stein am Rhein to faraway Japan. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy, Adventure are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "His last big journey took him from Stein am Rhein to faraway Japan. Theo Plakoudakis and Marco Salituro had developed the script especially for Mathias Gnädinger. And so the popular actor filled the role of "Big Summer" with a lot of heart: The former wrestling king Anton Sommer is forced by the ten-year-old boy Hiro to accompany him to Japan. Hiro wants to become a sumo wrestler like his father. Zurich-based Stefan Jäger has staged a modern fairy tale that becomes an endearing homage to Mathias Gnädinger. He died on Good Friday 2015."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. While the script occasionally leans into familiar territory, the efforts of Mathias Gnädinger ensure that the emotional beats of Big & Little always land with sufficient weight. Mathias Gnädinger provides a steady, reliable performance that anchors the film through its narrative shifts.

The direction by Stefan Jäger is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 98 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Big & Little truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Comedy, Adventure, then this is a highly recommended entry that delivers on its promises while offering a few surprises along the way.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 6.5/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Big & Little explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2016 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Stefan Jäger respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Big & Little serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Mathias Gnädinger or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Big & Little is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: RECOMMENDED - QUALITY CINEMA

⏳ Time Investment

98MIN

At approximately 1.6 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

Advertisement