I’ve said this before, but some movies resonate with me, some in a good way and some in a bad way. And by bad way I don’t mean that the movie was bad, just that it struck a powerful nerve with me about something in my life. Kubo and the Two Strings is a movie in that vein. Some movies are very good at evoking powerful memories and coincidentally, Kubo is about that very thing.
So here’s the basic rundown, don’t worry, I’m not going to spoil anything that isn’t in the trailer, yet. Kubo tells stories through origami. Magic Origami when he is playing his guitar. When Kubo’s village is attacked his mother sacrifices herself to save him and start him on his quest. Yes, this is a Hero’s Journey. Kubo must journey with Monkey, a companion created by his mother to find his father’s magic armor and defeat his enemy. Along the way he meets Beetle (yes a giant beetle), who was his father’s student. Along the way Kubo must learn to master his magic.
So from here on out there may be spoilers. There is a reason this is not just your average Hero’s Journey type movie. Kubo initially uses his magic in an attempt to bring his mother out of her “funk” for lack of a better word. This is a result of the loss of his father. You see, I know what it’s like to live that life and be in Kubo’s shoes. After my father passed away I experienced the same thing with my mother, and I had to go on my own journey of discovery and growth. No I didn’t have anyone trying to kill me and my village. But I know what it’s like to be alone and have to discover the power and strength within yourself. So it is safe to say that this movie resonated with me. It brought back some painful memories and experiences. But that’s not a bad thing. To me that is the mark of a good story. And Kubo and the Two Strings is an outstanding story. I can’t wait to share it with my family and you should not wait either.
Kubo and the Two Strings
NOW PLAYING EVERYWHERE
Kubo and the Two Strings is an epic action-adventure set in a fantastical Japan from acclaimed animation studio LAIKA. Clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of “Game of Thrones”) ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato (George Takei), Akihiro (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), and Kameyo (Academy Award nominee Brenda Vaccaro). But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Academy Award winner Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen – a magical musical instrument – Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King (Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara), to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family, and fulfill his heroic destiny.
Director: Travis Knight
Writers: Marc Haimes and Chris Butler (“ParaNorman”)
Voice Cast: Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron, Ralph Fiennes, Rooney Mara, George Takei, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Brenda Vaccaro, and Matthew McConaughey
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I was sent on an all-expenses paid trip to Los Angeles for the Kubo and the Two Strings Press Junket. Regardless, all opinions expressed are my own. Please note, this post may contain affiliate links.
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