Kubo mesmerizes the people in his village with his magical gift for spinning wild tales with origami. When he accidentally summons an evil spirit seeking vengeance, Kubo is forced to go on a quest to solve the mystery of his fallen samurai father and his mystical weaponry, as well as discover his own magical powers.
Credits: TheMovieDb.
Film Cast:
- Kubo (voice): Art Parkinson
- Mother (voice): Charlize Theron
- Kameyo (voice): Brenda Vaccaro
- Hashi (voice): Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa
- Mari (voice): Meyrick Murphy
- Hosato (voice): George Takei
- The Sisters (voice): Rooney Mara
- Moon King (voice): Ralph Fiennes
- Beetle (voice): Matthew McConaughey
- Minae (voice): Minae Noji
- Aiko (voice): Alpha Takahashi
- Miho (voice): Laura Miro
- Ken (voice): Ken Takemoto
- Villager (voice): Aaron Aoki
- Villager (voice): Luke Donaldson
- Villager (voice): Michael Sun Lee
- Villager (voice): Cary Y. Mizobe
- Villager (voice): Rachel Morihiro
- Villager (voice): Thomas Isao Morinaka
- Villager (voice): Saemi Nakamura
- Villager (voice): Zachary Alexander Rice
- Villager (voice): Mariel Sheets
Film Crew:
- Concept Artist: Lou Romano
- Foley Artist: Catherine Harper
- Orchestrator: Dario Marianelli
- Sound Re-Recording Mixer: Tim Chau
- Production Design: Nelson Lowry
- Casting: Allison Jones
- Director of Photography: Frank Passingham
- Sculptor: Toby Froud
- Digital Compositor: Daniel Short
- Head of Story: Chris Butler
- Animation Supervisor: Brad Schiff
- Thanks: Olivia Harrison
- Editor: Christopher Murrie
- Animation: Travis Knight
- Producer: Arianne Sutner
- Storyboard Artist: Mark Garcia
- Storyboard Artist: Graham Annable
- Thanks: Jay Kogen
- Production Consultant: Taro Goto
- Music Editor: James Bellamy
- Thanks: Megan Ganz
- Foley Artist: Gregg Barbanell
- Casting Assistant: John Peter Kousakis
- Score Engineer: Nick Wollage
- Sound Re-Recording Mixer: Tim LeBlanc
- Animation: Danail Kraev
- Sound Editor: Clayton Weber
- Story: Marc Haimes
- Digital Intermediate Colorist: Valance Eisleben
- Sound Effects Editor: Thomas O’Neil Younkman
- First Assistant Editor: Anthony Pitone
- Animation: Phil Dale
- Animation: Anthony Elworthy
- Animation: Brian Leif Hansen
- Animation: Jason Stalman
- Animation: Justin M. Rasch
- Animation: Daniel Alderson
- Animation: Charles Greenfield
- Animation: Mike Hollenbeck
- Animation: Rachelle Lambden
- Animation: Adam Lawthers
- Animation: Matias Liebrecht
- Storyboard Artist: Brian Ormiston
- Animation: Kevin Parry
- Animation: Gabe Sprenger
- Animation: Anthony Straus
- Animation: Philippe Tardif
- Animation: David Vandervoort
- Animation: Ian Whitlock
- Visual Effects: Phil Brotherton
- Layout: Billy Cabey
- Animation: Jan-Erik Maas
- Information Systems Manager: David J. Rowe
- Storyboard Artist: Shannon Tindle
- Animation: Daniel Gill
- Animation: Dobrin Yanev
- Animation: Andy Bailey
- Animation: Ludovic Berardo
- Storyboard Artist: Emanuela Cozzi
- Special Effects Supervisor: Oliver Jones
- Storyboard Artist: Julian Narino
- Storyboard Artist: Ovi Nedelcu
- Animation: Florian Perinelle
- Visual Effects: Kim Slate
- Second Assistant Director: Holly Werner
- Animation: Suzy Parr
- Animation: Jeff Croke
- Story Artist: Shawn Palmer
- Animation: Baptiste Rogron
- Digital Intermediate Producer: Nancy Fuller
- Music Editor: Dominick Certo
- Music Supervisor: Sara Matarazzo
- ADR Voice Casting: Ashley Lambert
- Stunt Coordinator: Aaron Toney
- Post Production Supervisor: David E. Hall
- Scenic Artist: Leigh-Alexandra Jacob
- Animation: Thiago Calçado
- Modeling: Helen Duckworth
- Animation: Sean Gregory
- Animation: Zachary Rahman
- Animation: Alexander Snow
- Animation: Carolyn Vale
- Conductor: Geoff Alexander
- Head of Story: John Aoshima
- ADR Voice Casting: Judy Cook
- Data Wrangler: Jason Potter
- Conceptual Design: August Hall
- Special Effects Supervisor: Steve Emerson
- Costume Design: Deborah Cook
- Associate Producer: Jocelyn Pascall
- Set Designer: Carl B. Hamilton
- Visual Effects: Emily Greene
- Animation Coordinator: Claudia Amatulli
- Production Design: Daniel R. Casey
- Casting Associate: Ben Harris
- Foley Mixer: Darrin Mann
- Sound Mix Technician: Brian Tarlecki
- ADR Mixer: Carlos Sotolongo
- Digital Intermediate Colorist: Mike Sowa
- Gaffer: James WilderHancock
- Systems Administrators & Support: John Henry Frankenhauser
- Thanks: Dawn Yamada
- Production Coordinator: Tyler M. Saunders
- Compositor: Nicholas Childs
- Second Assistant Director: Jodi Clark
- Publicist: Maggie Begley
- Art Direction: Alice Bird
- Producer’s Assistant: Christina Mackin
- Data Wrangler: Nik Siefke
- CG Animator: Joe Gorski
- Compositor: Daniel Leatherdale
- First Assistant Director: Samuel Wilson
- Concept Artist: Ean McNamara
- Prop Designer: Joe Kortum
- Set Dresser: Andy Berry
- Software Engineer: Owen Nelson
- Sound Recordist: Eric Stolberg
- Assistant Production Coordinator: David J. Epstein
- Legal Services: Jenniphur Ryan
- Visual Effects: Brian McLean
- Compositing Lead: Tilman Paulin
- Title Graphics: Monica Fedrick
- Foley Editor: Travis Crotts
- Compositor: Brice Shultz
- Graphic Designer: Josh Holtsclaw
- Accountant: Danika Burtt
- CG Animator: Michelle Ross
- Compositor: Matthew Beightol
- Animation: Joel Hasse
- Animation Technical Director: Alastair Macleod
- Art Department Coordinator: Casey Zander Anderson
- Assistant Camera: Jake Carlson
- Assistant Camera: Jesse Levitt
- Assistant Editor: Mandy Hutchings
- CG Supervisor: Richard Sevy
- Compositor: James Pina
- Compositor: Mike Terpstra
- Compositor: Sara Ireland
- Costumer: Annika Schindler
- Costumer: Colette Nickola
- Data Wrangler: Amelia ‘Mia’ Sires
- Digital Compositor: Curtis Darwin Zinn
- Gaffer: Trahern Wells
- Graphic Designer: Tim Garbutt
- Lighting Director: Joe Strasser
- Matte Painter: Joe Beckley
- Musician: Clive Bell
- Musician: Hibiki Ichikawa
- Musician: Kevin Kmetz
- Musician: Melissa Holding
- Producer’s Assistant: Emily Shinyi Hsu
- Production Assistant: Daniela Scovel
- Production Assistant: Desiree Ong
- Production Runner: Andrew Hollandsworth
- Production Runner: Evan Hailstone
- Production Runner: Kara Sinclair
- Production Runner: Marina Capizzi
- Production Runner: Matthew J.D. Thill
- Script Coordinator: Kj Pilar
- Second Assistant Director: Alicia Cortes
- Animation: Jeffrey Riley
- Systems Administrators & Support: Nickolas Zolotko
- Third Assistant Director: Brett Alexander Nichols
- Third Assistant Director: Finley Mulligan
- Visual Effects: Nick Mariana
- Visual Effects: Takashi Kuboto
- VFX Artist: Karl Kohlman
- VFX Artist: Holly Webster
- Visual Effects Coordinator: Andrew Gotham
- Vocals: Melanie Pappenheim
Movie Reviews:
- Frank Ochieng: Every once in a while there is family-friendly entertainment that lives up to its wonderment in imaginative storytelling and stunning visual scope. Certainly this is the case with the stimulating yet meditative Japanese animated fantasy-adventure **Kubo and the Two Strings**. Undeniably vibrant and philosophical in committed heart and soul, **Kubo and the Two Strings** is a majestic masterpiece in its colorfully realized presentation that ambitiously binds together opulent elements of ancient Far East folklore, eye-opening anime and origami (the finesse art of paper-folding). The competition for jaw-dropping animation within recent years (or even this year) has been remarkably stellar thus far but Kubo confirms its superiority above the ranks. No one can doubt the masterful film-making technique administered by the film’s director Travis Knight in this glossy, whimsical medieval gem.
As with the majority of adventurous and challenging narratives that seek the high-minded exploratory vibes in its execution, **Kubo and the Two Strings** is about the creative coming-of-age quest of a young boy and the spellbinding encounters that materialize as a result. Knight and screenwriters Marc Haimes and Chris Butler oversees a profound and aesthetically remarkable production highlighted by notable voiceover performers (such as Academy Award-winners Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey), stylish and glowing animation and a hypnotic showcase that is an exquisite treat for moviegoers from all walks of life.
Importantly,** Kubo and the Two Strings** is aided by its heralded association with the Oregon-based studio Laika whose treasured reputation in the stop-motion animation process is tremendously noteworthy. Among Laika’s previously outstanding cinematic samples include 2009’s _Coraline_, 2011’s criminally underrated _ParaNorman_ and 2014’s _The Boxtrolls_ so indeed Knight’s superlative **Kubo and the Two Strings** is among exceptional stock. The detailed imagery in **Kubo** is indescribably luscious and the brilliant artistic manufacturing of Laika’s refined flourishes only elevates Knight’s enticing animated vehicle as a compelling journey into the ancient Japanese Edo period mythology.
One can tell that the coveted **Kubo and the Two Strings** is destined to stay true to its mystical leanings especially when the beginning film’s sequence features the caustic quote: ““If you must blink, do it now” …because “if you look away, even for an instant, our hero will surely perish.” As previously mentioned the story takes place in ancient Japan where we find the gifted 11-year old Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson from “Game of Thrones”) existing with his ailing mother on the outskirts of a nearby village. The young Kubo’s talents is such that he is a natural story-telling magician that can skillfully convey his expressive communication through origami. Kubo enjoys the gesture of entertaining the local villagers. However, his mother advises that Kubo must be home before nightfall. Unfortunately, Kubo does not heed her advice but that is not due to his personal defiance or negligence.
In fact, Kubo’s no-show at home is large in part cue to the dubious agenda of his grandfather Moon Father (Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes). In instructing his dastardly daughters to track down their beleaguered nephew the stakes are high especially when Moon Father was instrumental in the demise of his slain samurai father. Hence, Kubo must locate his late father’s magical armor-related belongings and reclaim a sense of honor. The tag-a-longs at Kubo’s side include the woolly-looking snow Monkey (Theron) and buff warrior Beetle (McConaughey). Together, the travelling trio is confronted by beastly specimens and other deceptive supernatural forces en route to the ultimate showdown with his sinister grandfather Moon Father. Armed with resiliency and determination Kubo and his crafty companions face uncertainties that are quite unimaginable to say the least.
**Kubo and the Two Strings** is an astonishing offering that taps into its pulsating pulse with its mild intensity that should not deter the youngsters from fully experiencing the escapist vision of young Kubo and his offbeat sidekicks. Parkinson’s Kubo is idealistic and has a fearless approach to questioning the unassuming world around him. The combination of roguishness and wide-eyed innocence is certainly appealing to the intrigued tots that may view Kubo’s wily exploits as exciting and surreal in the name of his heroic daddy’s destiny. Theron’s acid-tongued Monkey is inspired in grand impishness with snarky flair. As for McConaughey’s flippant gung-ho Beetle he is an odd serving of comical relief and well-intentional courageousness. Fiennes makes for an ideal unctuous rival as his Moon Father is the Darth Vader to Kubo’s impressionable Luke Skywalker blueprint. Also, Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara is wickedly delicious as the scheming aunts–the twin sisters of Kubo’s sickly mother. Rounding out the supporting cast are the supplied voices of Asian contributors such as George Takei’s (“TV Star Trek’s original Sulu”) Hosato, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa’s Hashi and Minae Noji’s Minae among the Kubo personalities that populate Knight’s dazzling display of a transcendent Japanese-flavored Grimm fairy tale.
Naturally the real selling point for **Kubo and the Two Strings** is the standout computer-generated technology and other incorporated genres of animation that gives this polished fantasy fable its magnificent sheen. Knight, a first-time director whose background as Laika’s primary animator is evidenced in the celebrated animation studio’s first three films, demonstrates the authenticity of his amazing craft courtesy of the stop-motion precision that defines his sensual cinematic landscape.
Overall, **Kubo and the Two Strings** radiates with sweeping charm, boldness, curiosity and depth as it exemplifies the epitome of the awestruck construction of an enlightening, sophisticated feature length animation. The mixture of humor, thrills, drama and tragedy is decidedly triumphant allowing **Kubo and the Two Strings** to flex its reflective, throbbing mysterious muscles.
**Kubo and the Two Strings** (2016)
Focus Features
1 hr. 41 mins.
Starring: Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Ralph Fiennes, Rooney Mara, George Takei, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Brenda Vaccaro
Directed by: Travis Knight
MPAA Rating: PG
Genre: Fantasy & Sci-Fi/ Action & Adventure/Animation
Critic’s rating: **** stars (out of 4)
(c) **Frank Ochieng** 2016
- Reno: **A boy, a monkey and a giant beetle team up for a quest.**
This is not an old fashioned stop-motion animation. This is a very modern, a hybrid of multiple techniques that includes 3D printing and digital special effects. The directional debut for the producer of ‘ParaNorman’ and ‘The Boxtrolls’. The tale is about a one eyed boy named Kubo, who has been hiding in a seaside mountain cave near a small village from his grandfather, the moon king, ever since his birth, protected by his mother. He grew up listening the stories of a legendary samurai warrior Hanzo. But one day after he himself exposed to the moonlight, the troubles follow. Now his only chance to survive is to find his father’s armours and so the quest begins where he teams up with other two.
This is a Japanese story, takes place somewhere in a fictional ancient Japan. Technically, this film was so good, very pleasant for viewing, especially the framerate was higher than normal stop-motion animation. The character models, music, the length of the film, the pace of the narration, all were so brilliant, but not the story. It was average, I mean very, very simple and familiar. Still, it is a very likable film, particularly the children would love it. I’m going to repeat again like I always say while reviewing stop-motion animation films that this kind of films are rare, so when they make one, that automatically goes to a must see list. Whether you’re going to like it or not, I hope you won’t miss it.
_7/10_
- r96sk: Great, creative story.
‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ is a fun film, I enjoyed it all. I love the animation style that Laika use, they also tend to get the vibe of their stories pretty bang on. This is my favourite work of the studio’s so far, at least before I watch ‘Missing Link’.
The casting could’ve been more appropriate, though I’m a believer of anyone playing anyone when it comes to voice roles. Art Parkinson, Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey make for an undeniably strong trio. Parkinson and Theron do particularly good jobs, though McConaughey is my standout. Elsewhere, Ralph Fiennes and George Takei are, minorly, involved.
The lovely story and top animation are the biggest takeaways from this. Recommended.