The only thing that took me by surprise more than the movie itself was how few people had actually seen it.

Genre: Fantasy / Adventure

“If you must blink, do it now.” 

From the get-go, this movie demands your attention. And I think it deserves it. “Kubo and the Two Strings” is the latest work by animation studio LAIKA, the awesome crew behind “Coraline”, “ParaNorman” and “Boxtrolls”.

On the surface, the story seems to be a simple quest. Kubo is a boy whose left eye was stolen from him by the Moon King, his grandfather. After accidentally revealing himself, Kubo embarks on a journey to find his father’s armor, the only thing that can protect him from his grandfather’s forces.

Building on the quest storyline, the film creates a breathtaking world with magic, myths, and a rich culture based on customs of ancient Japan. The film itself is a spectacle to watch. Its stop-motion style immediately sets it apart from other animation studios. The soundtrack captures the epic scope of the story and lures you in. The characters are relatable, iconic and you can’t help but love them. And on top of everything, the film, at heart, is a story of loss, self-discovery, and humanity’s imperfections. Such themes are ones we all can relate to, and so “Kubo” is guaranteed to leave an impression after you leave the theater.

I have to praise this movie for its boldness. Despite being an animated movie, the film is not scared to walk down the darker path in order to really convey the struggle of a hero.

“Kubo and the Two Strings” is an intense, emotional and adventurous ride, boasting characters that you’ll root for in a world you’re going to lose yourself in.

I would recommend this for any fan of animation, especially if you loved “The Lion King”, or anyone looking for a gripping adventure. For those of you thinking animation is just for young kids, you’ll be surprised at the daring steps this movie makes.