Kubo and the Two Strings

In a coastal village, a young storyteller named Kubo conjures vivid tales with origami that come to life, enchanting the townspeople. His art catches the attention of a vengeful spirit, whose return forces Kubo to flee his home. Armed with a magical instrument and memory, he begins a perilous quest to uncover the truth behind his legendary samurai father and the weapons he left behind. Along the way he befriends a cunning monkey and a warrior-scarred guardian, each offering aid and caution. As specters close in, Kubo must master his own emerging powers and piece together fragments of his family history without giving away crucial surprises. Along the way he learns to listen to memories, letting them guide his choices rather than control him.

Directed by Travis Knight, the film is an original story crafted by Marc Haimes, Shannon Tindle and Chris Butler, produced by Laika as a stop motion adventure. It debuted in 2016 after a development and showcased the studio's tactile animation.

Worldwide, Kubo and the Two Strings earned about 76.25 million dollars against a 60 million budget, signaling solid performance for a stop motion release. The results underscored Laika's ability to attract family audiences to craft oriented fantasy.

Its handcrafted visuals and story rooted in family memory set it apart from other animated fare in the late 2010s. The film uses imaginative origami action to explore grief, resilience and the bonds that bind a child to his parents, echoing themes from folklore. These moments resonated with attentive audiences.

Critics praised the artistry, emotional depth and world building, though some noted pacing at times. The film centers on memory and identity, showing how a boy learns to accept his past and shoulder responsibility without becoming overwhelmed by the past’s weight. It delivers a hopeful message about reconciliation and families.