Kubo and the Two Strings

"I have a question. If I'm Beetle and you're Monkey, why isn't he called Boy?"

Kubo (Parkinson) lives a quiet life with his mother, Sariatu (Theron).  During the day, he tells elaborate stories in the village.  His stories are aided by origami figures that are brought to life through the music he plays on his shamisen.  The stories always draw a crowd, but he never finishes.  As the sun goes down he rushes home.

His mother warns him to never be out at night.  The Moon King (Fiennes), his grandfather, is trying to find him and remove his other eye.  They need to hide from his aunts, Karasu and Yukami (both are played by Mara), who will do anything to get him.  One day he ignores his mother's warning and stays out late.  His aunts find find him and his mother sacrifices herself for him.

When he wakes up, Monkey (Theron) is staying over him.  She is the product of the last of Sariatu's magic and is there to protect him as they look for his father's armor.  They are guided by an origami figure of his father, Hanzo.  They also meet Beetle (McConaughey), a samurai that was cursed to be a beetle with no memories.  Can they work together to protect Kubo and find the armor?


This is the fourth film from Laika Productions, after Coraline, ParaNorman, and The Boxtrolls.  They make stop-motion animated films with a darker twist.  They are fun and inventive films that older kids and parents can enjoy.  Since it premiered the film received considerable buzz.  It is also nominated for 2 Oscars: Best Animated Film and Best Visual Effects.

It is an interesting film.  The visuals are stunning and story grabs your attention from the beginning.  It is funny and action-packed.  I enjoyed the film and it deserves the accolades it received.

Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) 102 minutes
Director: Travis Knight
Starring: Art Parkinson as Kubo
Charlize Theron as Monkey / Sariatu
Matthew McConaughey as Beetle
Ralph Fiennes as Raiden the Moon King
Rooney Mara as Karasu and Yukami
George Takei as Hosato
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa as Hashi
Brenda Vaccaro as Kameyo