The 3D stop-motion animation in Kubo and the Two Strings is truly incredible. The technical detail is just mind blowing.  Add an impressive score and epic tale and it’s a movie sure to leave an impression.

When: release date 18 August 2016

Words kindly provided by contributor Anna who attended the preview on behalf of Meetoo.

Young Kubo’s (Art Parkinson) peaceful existence comes crashing down when he accidentally summons a vengeful spirit from the past. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Matthew McConaughey) to unlock a secret legacy. Armed with a magical instrument, Kubo must battle the Moon King (Ralph Fiennes) and other gods and monsters to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known.

Kubo and the Two Strings is the latest epic quest journey from Laika studios

It is filled with magic, danger and a story of survival. Kubo is a young warrior living in hiding with his aging mother who holds magical powers. She needs to pass them on to her son in order to help protect him from her father’s evil spirit and her sisters. They embark on a perilous journey to find his father’s protective armor.

Some scenes can be quite dark (and it’s also heavy on violence) so it may be more suitable for an 8+ age group and older lovers of animation.

My early secondary daughter was interested as she has recently studied Coraline at school. This movie has been made by the Laika studios and is directed by Travis Knight the lead animator on Coraline. The incredible 3D stop-motion technology employed in the film certainly captured the imagination and left us feeling in awe of the work. The Japanese setting and references to Japanese culture and the origami were also of interest as she is studying Japanese.

The 3D stop-motion animation in Kubo and the Two Strings is truly incredible. The technical detail is just mind blowing. The background scenery and impressive musical score by DarioMarianellis combine to make it a memorable experience.