Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Synopsis:
Kubo is a young boy with a magical gift for bringing origami to life through his storytelling, captivating the people in his village with his enchanting tales. His peaceful life takes a dramatic turn when he accidentally summons a vengeful evil spirit, forcing him to flee his home and embark on a dangerous quest. Joined by Monkey, a protective companion, Kubo must uncover the truth about his fallen samurai father and locate his mystical weaponry while discovering his own hidden magical powers along the way. This animated adventure follows Kubo's journey as he faces supernatural threats and unravels family mysteries, learning what it truly means to be brave and heroic in a world where ancient magic and family secrets collide.
Where To Watch: Kubo and the Two Strings
Parental Feedback
Kubo and the Two Strings carries a contemplative, emotionally rich tone that blends Japanese-inspired folklore with moments of genuine peril and loss. Parents should expect a visually stunning adventure that moves at a measured pace, balancing whimsical origami magic and lighthearted banter with darker themes of grief, family separation, and vengeance. The storytelling is layered and sometimes melancholic, requiring patience and emotional maturity from younger viewers who may find the intensity of certain sequences and the weight of its themes challenging.
Why Kids Should Watch Kubo and the Two Strings
This animated adventure offers several compelling reasons for family viewing that extend beyond entertainment.
The storytelling celebrates creativity and the power of narrative, as Kubo uses his magical gift for spinning tales with origami to captivate his village. This emphasis on imagination and artistic expression can inspire children to explore their own creative abilities.
The quest to solve the mystery of Kubo's fallen samurai father and discover his own magical powers provides a meaningful exploration of identity and heritage. Young viewers witness a protagonist who must confront his past to understand his present and future.
The animation showcases exceptional artistry and craftsmanship that can help children appreciate different forms of visual storytelling. The unique aesthetic rooted in Japanese culture offers exposure to folklore and traditions beyond typical Western narratives.
The tagline "Be bold. Be brave. Be epic" reflects core themes of courage and perseverance that resonate throughout the journey. Children see a young hero facing overwhelming challenges and learning to harness his inner strength.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Kubo and the Two Strings
Despite its family-friendly classification, several elements may give parents pause before viewing with younger children.
The presence of an evil spirit seeking vengeance and supernatural antagonists including The Sisters and the Moon King creates genuinely frightening moments. These sequences involve magical combat and peril that may be too intense for sensitive or very young viewers.
Themes of loss, grief, and family separation permeate the narrative, including references to Kubo's fallen samurai father and complex family dynamics. The emotional weight of these mature subjects may prove confusing or distressing for children not yet ready to process such concepts.
The measured pacing and contemplative storytelling style may not hold the attention of children accustomed to faster, more action-packed entertainment. Younger viewers might struggle with the film's quieter, more reflective moments that build its emotional depth.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Kubo and the Two Strings earns approval for families with older children who can appreciate its artistic merit and handle its emotional complexity, though parents should preview for younger or more sensitive viewers.
What Parents Should Know About Kubo and the Two Strings
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, Kubo demonstrates courage, perseverance, and the importance of honoring family and heritage throughout his quest to discover his magical powers and solve the mystery of his father. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, themes of loss, grief, vengeance, and family separation create emotionally complex and sometimes intense moments that may be difficult for younger or sensitive children to process. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the evil spirit and antagonists face consequences for their vengeful actions, though the resolution involves nuanced themes of forgiveness and understanding rather than simple punishment. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, Kubo's journey involves working alongside companions and learning to trust others, demonstrating the value of collaboration and accepting help when facing overwhelming challenges. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the narrative emphasizes being bold, brave, and epic while exploring themes of courage, the power of storytelling, honoring one's heritage, and discovering inner strength through adversity. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally praise the exceptional animation quality and artistic vision while acknowledging the emotional sophistication required to fully appreciate the story. Many families appreciate the cultural richness and positive messages about courage and family, though some note that younger children may struggle with the darker elements and slower pacing. The consensus suggests this works best for older elementary-aged children and up who can handle intense supernatural sequences and process complex themes of loss and identity. Parents value the opportunity to discuss heritage, storytelling, and bravery, but recommend previewing for households with particularly sensitive viewers or those seeking lighter fare.
Official Kubo and the Two Strings Trailer
Why Kids Love Kubo and the Two Strings
Kubo brings his origami to life with magical powers, making paper figures fly and fight right before everyone's eyes. When an evil spirit comes after him, he discovers he can command his shamisen guitar to create incredible magic, turning everyday objects into weapons and shields during fast-paced chases through dangerous landscapes.
A grumpy talking monkey and a goofy beetle warrior join Kubo on his quest, creating an unlikely team that argues and jokes their way through one epic battle after another. The beetle's clumsy fighting style and the monkey's no-nonsense attitude make every encounter unpredictable, whether they're facing mysterious enemies or solving ancient puzzles to find magical samurai armor.
The action explodes when Kubo's evil aunts, called The Sisters, swoop down from the sky hunting for him. Their supernatural abilities force Kubo and his friends into wild escapes across mountains and oceans, with origami creatures battling dark magic in spectacular showdowns that get bigger and more intense as the adventure builds toward a final confrontation with the powerful Moon King.
Every challenge requires Kubo to think fast and use his unique gift in creative ways, whether he's animating paper warriors to fight off attackers or using his music to unlock secrets. His growing powers and his team's combined skills turn impossible situations into thrilling victories.