Review of Kubo and the Two Strings (2016) by K Nife C — 19 Sep 2016

Upon viewing the trailers for this film, I groaned at the weeaboo fetishism, the excessive CG, and the anglo-fied voice acting and dialogue. You can imagine my surprise to learn that it is a mostly stop-motion feature that respectfully portrays Shinto culture and mythology in a familiar western context.

More surprisingly, I left the theater weeping from an odd mixture of childlike joy and exuberantly plucked heart strings. Within "Kubo..." is a thrilling family-friendly tale that manages to avoid being condescending or cynical.

Once you get past the visuals, and I can't deny it - they are amazing, there is a simple, not simplistic, coming of age/hero's quest. Structured not unlike a "Legend of Zelda" video game, the characters progress through the film and uncover their past battling multiple evil incarnates, but somehow it happens fast enough and earnestly enough that even when you know what's coming up next, there is still a fresh sense of wonderment.

Uncharacteristic of a film set for this market demographic, the themes of memory and mortality are extremely heavy and deep, and I imagine will have a lasting impact on younger viewers' souls. This is on a short list of the best films of the year, but I imagine it will have a legacy that far outlasts this year's award season.