‘Big World’ Netflix Movie Review - A Highly Emotional Story

Liu Chunhe has spent his life defying expectations. Born with cerebral palsy, he has long felt the weight of the world pressing down on him, but his indomitable spirit refuses to be confined by his condition. He moves through life with quiet determination, fueled by the fierce and unconventional love of his grandmother, Chen Suqun. An eccentric, strong-willed woman, Chen Suqun does not coddle Chunhe or shelter him from life’s hardships. Instead, she pushes him toward independence, urging him to work, study, and explore the world as any other child would. To her, he is not a burden—he is perfect.

However, beneath their unbreakable bond lies a fractured family. Chunhe’s mother, Chen Lu, remains distant, tangled in unspoken regrets and unresolved conflicts. Where Chen Suqun sees possibility, Chen Lu sees vulnerability. She believes that Chunhe’s world must remain small to keep him safe, while Chunhe yearns for a life that is limitless. Their strained relationship festers in the shadows of unspoken fears, and Chunhe struggles to bridge the chasm between them.

Then, he meets Yaya. She is a force of nature, a girl unafraid to dream big and chase the impossible. Through Yaya’s eyes, Chunhe begins to see a version of himself that he has never dared to imagine: independent, self-sufficient, and capable of standing tall in the world. Inspired by her unwavering confidence, he dares to dream of becoming a teacher—someone who will not just be accepted, but truly respected.

But his dream threatens to pull him further away from his mother. Chunhe sets his sights on a distant teachers’ college, a place where he can finally carve out his own destiny. To Chen Lu, this is unthinkable. The thought of her son—her fragile, precious boy—venturing into a world that may not understand or accept him fills her with fear. She wants to keep him close, to protect him from the hardships she knows too well. She has already lost too much, and she is not ready to lose him too.

Yet, Chunhe knows he cannot remain in the cage of his mother’s fears. As he stands on the precipice of change, he faces the most difficult battle of all—the battle for his own autonomy. His grandmother, the woman who has always championed his freedom, is growing frail. His mother’s heartbreak threatens to shackle him to a life of dependence. And the world beyond his small, familiar home is vast and uncertain.

As the lights dim on the small stage where Chunhe has spent a lifetime proving himself, a new curtain is about to rise. The road ahead is treacherous, and the stakes have never been higher. Will he take the leap into the unknown, or will the weight of love, duty, and expectation hold him back?

The world is big—but does it have a place for Liu Chunhe? Big World is an emotionally gripping film that beautifully portrays the power of resilience and love. With stunning cinematography and deeply heartfelt performances, the film takes viewers on an intimate journey through Chunhe’s struggles and triumphs. The storytelling is rich with emotional depth, ensuring that every moment resonates with authenticity. A powerful exploration of family, dreams, and the battle for independence, Big World is a film that lingers in the heart long after the credits roll.

Final Score- [7.5/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times