Kubo and the Two Strings

by Huw 12 September 2016

'If you must blink, do so now'

Have you ever stepped out of a movie theatre and felt totally fulfilled? Satisfied that no moment of your time has been wasted? Such was my experience of Kubo and the Two Strings that I left the cinema beaming from ear to ear - it's rare to find such a film with such charm and integrity that leaves one pleased on so many levels.

Kubo and the Two Strings unsurprisingly follows the story of Kubo (Art Parkinson), a young boy with a penchant for telling stories but not for finishing them. After a cataclysmic event forces him from his home he must embark upon a quest to find three pieces of armour and arms (the sword unbreakable, the breastplate impenetrable and helmet invulnerable) that will help him evade and eventually defeat his foe, the dreaded Moon King (Ralph Fiennes). In his quest Kubo is accompanied by two companions, the protective yet harsh Monkey (Charlize Theron) and the cursed amnesiac samurai Beetle (Matthew McConaughey). The small cast play well against each other with a clear chemistry existing between Theron and McConaughey, their vocal performances and the excellent animation really selling these characters in this predictable yet charming tale.

To say that Kubo is a masterfully crafted piece of cinema would be an understatement. Presented to us is the culmination of years of work and development from Laika, and it's CEO Travis Knight who moves from lead animator to director in his directorial debut. Knight's name is one known by few but one that should be known by many. His work over the past decade has helped to keep the once dying animation form of stop motion on the agenda and earned him a place alongside Henry Selick, Peter Lord and Ray Harryhausen in the pantheon of stop motion gods. Of course Kubo is not the achievement of just one man - produced by many talented animators and artists, the love and care that has been poured into this film really shows.

This is a film with heart, and everyone who watches it will leave feeling warm and satisfied. Not unlike eating a hearty and wholesome meal, Kubo, it seems, is just good for the soul. Should you be in the need for cheer and a good time then Kubo is for you.