Perhaps one of the best films of 2016, Kubo and the Two Strings is a highly imaginative adventure film with a powerful message for everyone.
Visually stunning and completely engaging from the opening frame, director Travis Knight tells the story of a young lad, Kubo (Art Parkinson), who goes on a quest to find his late father’s suit of armour. It holds magical powers that will help him defeat a vengeful ghost that is trying to claim his family.
Accompanied by a dry, motherly monkey (Charlize Theron) and other protectors, Kubo faces several trials before facing his final hurdle. On the surface, it doesn’t sound like anything unique, but the Asian slant to the animation allows for some incredible visualisations and picturesque scenery. Add to that the powerfully emotive message of how our stories live on through the memories of others, and Kubo and the Two Strings becomes much more than an ordinary adventure story.
The characters, both main and supporting, are all a delight, with Theron’s sarcastic monkey being a particular highlight. The screenplay by Marc Haimes and Chris Butler is very witty, and filled with such wonder and imagination that it’s sure to delight anyone who treats themselves to this film. It’s well worth the watch and should capture the hearts and minds of all ages.
Kubo and the Two Strings is by far, one of the great highlights of 2016. It’s a cinematic success that deserves a wide audience and multiple viewings. I can’t recommend it enough.
Reviewed by Rod Lewis
Twitter: @StrtegicRetweet
Rating out of 10: 10
Kubo and the Two Strings will be released on Blu-ray, DVD and for Digital Download from 30 November 2016.
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