Kubo and the Two Strings review: Proof that stop-motion animation still has a place for modern audiences.
Kubo and the Two Strings review by Kat Hughes, September 2016.
Kubo and the Two Strings review
Kubo (Art Parkinson) is a young Japanese boy who makes a living for himself and his mother by telling tales to the local townsfolk. His simple existence is thrown into turmoil when some shady figures from his past, namely his evil aunts and grandfather, re-enter his life, pushing him to embark on a sacred quest. In order to save himself and his town Kobu must locate a magical suit of armour that belonged to his late father. Aided by Monkey (Chalize Theron) and Beetle (Matthew McConaughey), Kobu faces a plethora of challenges as he seeks to finish his mission.
If you think stop-motion animation films are dated then you have to check out Kubo and the Two Strings directed by Travis Knight who has previously produced and helped animate The Boxtrolls and ParaNorman. Knight’s love of the medium shines through every frame. The visuals are truly stunning and you’ll have to keep reminding yourself that all that is on-screen is modelling work. With each 4.3 seconds taking around a week to complete, the finished film took around five years to bring to life. Blood, sweat, tears and love are soaked into every fibre of the film and you can’t help but be seduced by it.
Kubo and the Two Strings review
The beautiful pictures are paired with a sumptuous soundtrack. Scored by Dario Marianelli, the sounds of Kubo’s guitar jump off of the screen and thrust a magical spell over the audience. Marianelli manages to play on the heart strings in just the right way to engage all the emotions.
We also get a strongly written story. Very different to other children’s animations on the market, Kubo has a more serious and important tale to tell. This is a story about family and the power of memory. These themes really resonate and are much more relevant than the string of slapstick humour that we usually get. Easily one of, if not the best, animated films of 2016.
Kubo and the Two Strings review
Whilst Kobu and the Two Strings is a fantastic family film, it might be a little too scary in places for the youngest of youngsters. The Sisters, both voiced by Rooney Mara are really sinister and creepy. Then there’s the extended battle sequences, one featuring a mighty skull, the other some giant disembodied eyes.
If we have to draw a negative from the film it would be that, given its target market is children, the film is ever so slightly too long. It’s not by much, and it’s a struggle to think where would be best to cut the time down from, but some young bottoms may start shifting towards the end.
Kobu and the Two Strings is a dazzling and delightfully animated film that provides a strong message for its captive audience. Proof that stop-motion animation still has a place for modern audiences.
Kobu and the Two Strings review by Kat Hughes, September 2016.
Kobu and the Two Strings is released in UK cinemas on Friday 9th September 2016.
