Kubo and the Two Strings

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Kubo and the Two Strings

PG

2016

1h 42m

Kids & Family

Fantasy

Adventure

Action

Animation

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

229 Reviews

86%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Young Kubo's peaceful existence comes crashing down when he accidentally summons a vengeful spirit from the past. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey and Beetle to unlock a secret legacy. Armed with a magical instrument, Kubo must battle the Moon King and other gods and monsters to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known.

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Critics Consensus

Kubo and the Two Strings matches its incredible animation with an absorbing -- and bravely melancholy -- story that has something to offer audiences of all ages.

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Tara Brady

Irish Times

12/27/2016

4/5

Sweeping tableaux, a wonderful voice cast and adventure that feels genuinely folkloric make this a film that definitely deserves to be taken out of cellophane.

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Kate Muir

The Times (UK)

10/10/2016

4/5

A glorious flight of the imagination.

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Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

09/11/2016

5/5

It explores unexpectedly profound ideas of rebirth and destiny rewritten, like origami paper sheets refolded into another form.

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Gavin Spoors

FILMHOUNDS Magazine

Aug 20

4/5

Thrilling, gorgeous to look at, and packs an emotional punch. This new 4K release provides the best method for rewatching a masterpiece.

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JD Duran

InSession Film

08/19/2024

A

Kubo and the Two Strings isn’t a film that relies on emotion, but rather, it earns its affection by delivering a fun story that is engaging and moving...

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Jason Best

Movie Talk

08/07/2024

What casts the film’s most potent spell is the exquisite animation, haunted by centuries of Japanese art and thoroughly bewitching throughout.

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Randomation H.

@LimberisLuke2319 May 31

An animated epic that everyone should witness

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Cenny 4

@KenTan May 27

A very simple and cliche film about a child hero. I find this movie rather corny and cliche, causing me to roll my eyes at some supposedly ‘touching’ or ‘emotional’ moments. The plot is very predictable and there are some unexpected twists like the grandfather becoming mortal in a very ironic twist, and Hanzo being the cockroach man all along. But I think this movie can be played after a long and tiring day, just to destress and relax. But I have something to nitpick with this movie. First, after hearing the backstory about Hanzo and the mother’s love story, I find it hard to continue supporting the main protagonist’s actions. The mother did betray her family just because of some man’s words and ‘loving gaze’? My first thought when hearing this was ‘what a player’. How can Hanzo fall in love with his enemy just on first sight? This may be a typical ‘love at first sight’ analogy but I personally don’t buy this. It seems ridiculous to me lol. 6/10, still a fun watch.

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Paul S

@PManRager Mar 21

Stop-motion movies have always had a magic to them that makes them incredible to watch, and Kubo And The Two Strings fully encapsulates that magic. The visuals are breathtaking, and the story is beautiful and heartwarming, and there were so many awesome moments that left me hooked. I definitely recommend it!

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Saddpie T

@Coolman1000butawoman Jan 10

It’s lovely and amazingly done! As you expect from Laika studios, of course.

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Jack F

@MovieFan111 Jan 1

It can get unsettling, but it's really good. Very unique.

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Salamander B

@RT84093401 Nov 5

A rare, slow-paced film yet a feast to the eyes. Kubo and the two strings is a beautiful film, and the effects make you wonder: 'How is this Stop-motion?'

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Travis Knight

Director

Charlize Theron

Monkey

Art Parkinson

Kubo

Ralph Fiennes

Moon King

George Takei

Hosato

Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa

Hashi

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Kubo and the Two Strings: Trailer 4

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Kubo and the Two Strings: Trailer 3

2:14

Kubo and the Two Strings: Trailer 2

2:25

Kubo and the Two Strings: Trailer 1

1:59

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Synopsis

Young Kubo's peaceful existence comes crashing down when he accidentally summons a vengeful spirit from the past. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey and Beetle to unlock a secret legacy. Armed with a magical instrument, Kubo must battle the Moon King and other gods and monsters to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known.

Director: Travis Knight
Producer: Arianne Sutner, Travis Knight
Screenwriter: Marc Haimes, Chris Butler
Distributor: Focus Features
Production Co: Focus Features, Laika
Rating: PG (Scary Images|Action and Peril|Thematic Elements)
Genre: Kids & Family, Fantasy, Adventure, Action, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 19, 2016, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 8, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $48.0M
Runtime: 1h 42m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)