Kubo and the Two Strings Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A one-eyed kid plays the guitar and his paper cutouts fight his grumpy grandpa who wants to steal his other eye so they can live on the moon where feelings don’t exist, but feelings win anyway.

🍿 Kubo and the Two Strings: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Kubo’s World

Kubo, a young boy with only one eye, lives with his ailing mother in a seaside cave. He uses his magical shamisen to bring origami figures to life, entertaining villagers with stories of his samurai father, Hanzo. His mother warns him to never stay out after dark to avoid the wrath of her family, particularly her father, the Moon King, who stole Kubo’s eye.

The Attack and the Quest Begins

During the Bon Festival, Kubo disobeys his mother’s warning and attempts to contact his father’s spirit. This attracts his mother’s twin sisters, who attack the village. Sariatu, Kubo’s mother, sacrifices herself, giving him magical wings to escape and instructing him to find Hanzo’s armor. Kubo is then guided by Monkey, a charm brought to life by his mother’s magic, to seek the legendary armor.

Allies and Challenges

Kubo and Monkey encounter Beetle, an amnesiac samurai cursed to live as an insectoid warrior. Together, they journey to find the Sword Unbreakable, the Breastplate Impenetrable, and the Helmet Invulnerable. They face perilous challenges including a giant skeleton and the Garden of Eyes, testing their courage and strengthening their bond.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Kubo (Art Parkinson): A one-eyed boy with magical powers who must find a suit of armor to defeat a vengeful spirit.
• Mother (Charlize Theron): Kubo’s protective mother, who is also a powerful warrior and protector.
• Beetle (Matthew McConaughey): A samurai cursed to be a beetle who joins Kubo on his quest and is also his father.
• Moon King (Ralph Fiennes): Kubo’s power-hungry grandfather who seeks to take Kubo’s remaining eye.
• The Sisters (Rooney Mara): The Moon King’s sinister twin daughters who relentlessly hunt Kubo.
• Kameyo (Brenda Vaccaro): A kind elderly friend in Kubo’s village, offering guidance and support.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Kubo: “If you must blink, do it now.” – Kubo’s opening line immediately draws the audience into his world of storytelling and adventure.
• Monkey: “I suppose even the mightiest warriors benefit from a good scrub.” – Monkey’s dry wit provides comedic relief while highlighting her protective nature towards Kubo.
• Beetle: “Honor is a fool’s prize, but it is a prize nonetheless.” – Beetle reflects on the importance of honor and the power it holds.
• Kubo: “Stories are what remain of us.” – Kubo emphasizes the importance of stories and memories.
• Moon King: “Why cling to this fleeting world of dust and decay? Let me take you to a place where nothing fades.” – The Moon King offers Kubo an escape from the imperfections of the mortal world, setting up their central conflict.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $60,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $48,023,088
• Worldwide Gross: $76,249,438

💥 Kubo and the Two Strings Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’! The stop-motion animation is breathtaking; it feels like watching a moving work of art. The storyline is original, beautiful, and incredibly heartfelt. I found myself completely drawn into Kubo’s world and emotionally invested in his journey. I was particularly moved by the scenes that explored the importance of memory and family. Definitely a must-see!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of stop-motion animation”
  • “Viewers who appreciate Japanese folklore and culture”
  • “Those seeking a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film”
  • “Families looking for a thought-provoking animated adventure”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Some frightening imagery and dark themes may not be suitable for very young children”
  • “Deals with themes of loss, grief, and revenge”
  • “Fantasy violence”

Professional Reviews

• Rama’s Screen: “Laika has done it again! ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ isn’t just one of the best-animated films of the year, it’s one of the best films of the year, period. With stunning stop-motion animation, excellent voice talents, and a well-told story, ‘Kubo’ resonates much deeper than just the aesthetics. Perfect for the whole family.
• Medium Rare TV: “What is truly exceptional about ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ is not the story but the presentation of it. The film hearkens back to the old style of painstaking, stop-motion animation with a splash of 21st-century wizardry. Any shortcomings in the script are quickly forgiven when the evil sisters float into the scene.
• N/A: “While the movie excels in visuals and animation, it is let down by the weak writing/story. The dialogues have no impact, the conversations between monkey and the Beetle could have been so good, and it TRIES so hard to be funny and yet falls flat.

Audience Reactions

Viewers praised the animation for its stunning visuals and unique artistry.: Most people agree that the stop-motion animation is a game-changer for the medium, making it visually stunning and unforgettable.

Fans loved the heartwarming story and themes of family, memory, and love.: Audience members say this movie is one of the best all-time family and emotional experiences.

Overall Consensus: ‘Kubo and the Two Strings’ receives high praise for its groundbreaking stop-motion animation and moving story, although some found the plot to be somewhat predictable.

Awards

1. BAFTA Awards (Best Animated Film)- 2017

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The Skeleton Demon is the largest stop-motion puppet ever built, standing at 18 feet tall.”
• “Laika used 3D-printed faces to create nuanced expressions for the characters, allowing for a greater range of emotions.”
• “Regina Spektor’s cover of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” features a shamisen solo by Kevin Kmetz, blending Eastern and Western musical traditions.”

🖥️ How to Watch Kubo and the Two Strings?

Kubo and the Two Strings is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Kubo and the Two Strings, you might like these similar films:

• Coraline (2009): Another visually stunning stop-motion animated film from Laika Studios with a dark and imaginative story.
• Spirited Away (2001): Shares themes of Japanese folklore, spirits, and a young protagonist on a transformative journey.
• Princess Mononoke (1997): Features similar themes of nature, spirits, and a clash between the human and spirit worlds in feudal Japan.
• Mune: Guardian of the Moon (2015): Similar coming of age story with unique visuals and whimsical characters.
• The Dark Crystal (1982): A visually unique fantasy film with intricate puppetry and a hero’s journey to restore balance to the world.

🛒 Kubo and the Two Strings Related Products

• Kubo and the Two Strings [Blu-ray]: Enjoy the film in stunning HD with bonus features including behind-the-scenes footage and deleted scenes. A must-have for collectors!
• Kubo and the Two Strings: The Junior Novel: Relive the adventure with this captivating novelization! Perfect for young readers and fans of the movie.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Kubo and the Two Strings – Kubo: Add this adorable Kubo Funko Pop! to your collection. A perfect way to showcase your love for the movie.
• Uno Kubo and the Two Strings Edition: Immerse yourself and the family in Kubo’s world with a themed deck of Uno that makes the perfect gift and pastime.

🎧 Soundtrack

Kubo and the Two Strings features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” – performed by Regina Spektor
• “Kubo’s Theme” – performed by Dario Marianelli
• “The Story of Hanzo” – performed by Dario Marianelli

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

FLIPBOOKS from the movies I worked on

Curious about the intricate animation process behind Kubo and the Two Strings? Check out this video where the creator showcases collectible flipbooks from the movie and shares fascinating insights.

Kubo and the Two Strings Is A SEQUEL!? – Gaijin Goombah

Dive deep into the cultural influences and hidden connections of Kubo and the Two Strings. Prepare to be surprised as this video explores its possible ties to an ancient Japanese folk tale.

White Washing in Kubo and the Two Strings!? – Reactionary vs Subtlety

Join a thought-provoking discussion about the portrayal of Japanese culture in Kubo and the Two Strings. This video examines the concerns of whitewashing while acknowledging the film’s commitment to authenticity.

Artist Confuses The Internet With His Illusions

Meet the talented stop-motion artist behind Kubo and the Two Strings. Watch as he creates mind-boggling illusions that have captivated the internet, offering a glimpse into his unique artistic vision.

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