Kubo and the Two Strings is a ridiculous movie title. Who is this Kubo and what exactly are these two strings? Are we talking about a kitten and a ball of twine or maybe this is a story about a kid who can snort noodles? Thankfully it’s neither, although they’ve both got serious potential on YouTube.

This story is set in ancient Japan, where Kubo is an eyepatch-wearing young boy looking after his ailing mother in a village. After a spirit awakens an age-old vendetta, Kubo must find a magical suit of armour worn by his late father in order to survive. Probably better than watching a cute kitten play with string with two hours.

This animated film features a first class voice cast including: Charlize Theron, Matthew McConnaughey and Ralph Fiennes. Each of these actors brings great depth to their characters who draw you into the magic of Kubo’s world. Although, it helps not knowing who they’re voicing in order to slip further into the illusion. Art Parkinson plays Kubo, bouncing off the name stars quite effortlessly while there’s even a credit for Star Trek’s George Takei.

The mix of stop-motion animation is mesmerising, giving the film an other-worldly feel and leaving you breathless, wondering how they managed to create such a rich and detailed visual tapestry. The flow is seamless as the lovable characters interact against the backdrop of some dynamic scenes involving beautifully realised origami. The air fills with these paper creations as Kubo uses his shamisen (guitar) to draw life out of sheets of paper and leaves.

“I made it ma, top of the world!”

The filmmakers have managed to concoct an enchanting atmosphere in which anything can happen to the tune of an authentic and beautiful soundtrack. To engender mystery they don’t answer all our questions, allowing us to sink further into the enigma as one veil of reality peels away after the other. Japanese culture, symbols and traditions are swathed with a sense of mysticism in a similar way to the video game, Shadow of the Colossus, as our hero is tasked with defeating a series of gods and monsters using his wit.

While it has the epic artistic grandeur of Shadow of the Colossus it remains relatable, drawing the comedy, warmth and appeal of Kung Fu Panda. Our hero learns more about his powers as his quest continues, banding with a group of allies including a monkey, beetle and paper samurai who help him along the way. It’s as dark and magical as Coraline, the transcendent spirituality of Miyazaki’s films and then keeps us amused by tripping into the enjoyable mix of exhilarating action and clumsy levity of Kung Fu Panda.

It’s a truly captivating tale that’s set to become a classic. We’re whisked away on an enchanting albeit perilous quest that has been so lovingly filmed that you can’t help but admire every frame. The characters are endearing: Kubo’s melancholic innocence, Monkey’s thick-skinned disdain, Beetle’s air-headed “Buzz Lightyear” heroics and most notably the kind old woman from the village. The universal themes around the power of memory and mourning are heartwarming and deeply touching for all ages.

Kubo and the Two Strings features the best of Hollywood and Japanese animation. Like Pixar’s Up, it’s one of those rare films that sees everything come together so perfectly: a top voice cast, mesmerising animation, an enchanting atmosphere, a captivating story, a beautiful soundtrack, timeless themes… making it a definite must-see if you enjoyed any of its many influences!

The bottom line: Mesmerising

Release date: 19 August, 2016
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