The Overlooked Masterpiece: Kubo And The Two Strings

[@rikmcdik6662]

“Maybe the real armor was the friends we made along the way”

[@darktacoyt3807]

holy shit thats fucked up

[@magegamer806]

This actually works in this context lol

[@marcelszekowski315]

@@darktacoyt3807 holy shit thats fucked up

[@marstheclown9314]

@@darktacoyt3807 holy shit thats fucked up

[@brentpolk652]

Nah bro it was just plot armor and people armor

[@EverTheFractal]

Bothers me when people aren't happy with pacifist endings. Like... Not everything has to be decided in bloodshed.

[@potatodude1124]

But squishy squishy blood splurt sound cool

[@SMcGowan287]

Right?! It really mirrors exactly how so many people in the town were annoyed that Kubo's stories didn't have endings.

[@admech590]

Actually, I feel as the end is a bit of a letdown in terms of the battle. Imagine if kubo had to fight his grandpa like a samurai showdown? That'd be badass.

[@EverTheFractal]

@@admech590 yeah but that's not really the point of the movie tbh. Plus Kubo is just a young kid, he shouldnt have to resort to that especially when his grandfather sees humanities soul as a weakness

[@karlazeen]

I like pacifier endings but I think the Lego movie pulled it off better.

[@yoko3182]

Kubo's main problem in the box office is it came out around the same time as Moana and Disney has a reputation for burying their competition.

[@hunterfox6176]

When I found out how poorly this film did, I made it a personal mission to show it to as many people as I could over Netflix(that way at least some money would go back to the creators)

[@Twokidsinatrenchcoat_]

Is it still on there?

[@hunterfox6176]

@@Twokidsinatrenchcoat_ Unfortunately, no. The only options right now are to rent or buy

[@zyourzgrandzmaz]

@@hunterfox6176 "talks about supporting the creator" "complains about having to pay for it" wut?..........

[@zzodysseuszz]

Although this movie was kinda shit should’ve been very successful with children yet wasn’t. Surprising and unfair

[@zzodysseuszz]

@@zyourzgrandzmaz yeah lmao some people are kinda dumb ngl

[@izzylizzy4630]

I feel like Kubo was secretly meant for adults. That’s why it didn’t do as well. After viewing it I knew that if I was a kid the movie would have flew right over my head.

[@alpha_jasperflair1097]

Im pretty sure its targeted to preteens 11 above because kids who are above 11 already has the knowledge about life choices and decisions so kids like this can understand but of course they still needed the parental guidance thats why this movie is PG it means parents will guide and explain their children

[@frickinfrick8488]

All of the Laika films aren’t exactly kids movies, more all age or teen movies. I think that’s why they usually don’t do very well unfortunately, for some reason media companies think anything other than completely child friendly or completely adult doesn’t sell

[@MrJamaigar]

I'm so sick of people seeing animation as nothing more than kids' entertainment. Spoiler>/spoiler> Did you know The Spirit almost got an animated movie back in the 80's? Brad Bird was the one in charge of that project, which never got off the ground. Why? Same old reason.😑😠 Producers just couldn't wrap their heads around the idea of an adult-oriented animated movie. Spoiler>/spoiler>

[@cringycoolkid1542]

I was 6 when I watched it so I disagree, kids are smarter than you give them credit for.

[@hidden_animator522]

Watched this movie with my mom. She doesn’t really like animated movies and tends to fall asleep during them, but she thoroughly enjoyed this one. It holds a special place in my heart because of that.

[@megamaggotman7025]

Epoc

[@SassafrasTee7366]

Awesome

[@bobfink4055]

Just watched it with mine too…she did sleep through all but the first 20 min

[@Eythenal0-0]

Sorta ironic considering the beginning of the movie 0-0

[@bobafett1589]

Something beautiful I noticed: It‘s implied, that the entire movie is a story in itself, told by Kubo, to cope with the death of his parents. At the beginning of the movie (before it even really starts), he says this line, which in the movie he tells, whenever he tells a story to the townfolks: „If you must blink, do it now“ and at the end of the movie he says: „The End“. The only story he ever finished was the one, that helped him cope with all of this. During the entire movie there were hints to some other things: The skeleton is shown on a painting later on, that painting is Gashadokuro, a japanese Yokai who is said to embody all the fallen, but never buried soldiers of a war (hence the swords stuck on its head too). The helmet as a bell symbolizes protection from evil, since in Japan, bells are kind of a symbol to ward off evil. Not quite sure what the eye-monster implies to be honest, but the mother (monkey-form) tells Kubo and Beetle as some birds fly over them, that it is said, „they resemble the souls of the departed, carrying them over to wherever they need to go“, since they walk the same direction as these birds go, I feel like it might‘ve been implied, that that was Kubo‘s last stretch to cope with their death, helping them carry on into the afterlife. I‘m not sure about any of this, but I‘d love to think that that‘s what they were trying to tell us: A coping story, told by the boy who lost his father in a war and his mother due to a head injury (or the likes). All in all, I love this movie and I‘m glad you do too :)

[@leonardosomma4196]

Yeah, I think its him telling the story of his life to a bunch of villagers.

[@ryanborelli827]

as someone who lost a sibling to murder, I think maybe I just understood this movie more. like its about processing grief and then choosing forgiveness/empathy over revenge. This stands as my all time favorite.

[@megamaggotman7025]

Nice

[@Doyoufolkslikecoffee]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost a very close friend to murder and it's the worst way to loose someone. It's so senseless and in leaves you hurt and angry. I hope your got thru things ok.

[@SassafrasTee7366]

Oh crap that is horrible. I’m sorry that happened.

[@RandomDrawer_tm]

@@Doyoufolkslikecoffee imo, the most painful way to lose a friend is them commiting suicide.

[@gaychainsaw646]

I am sorry for your loss. May i joke? I lost my cousin, He Ended himself, Because he had a Small bananana.

[@LyricNear]

As a Portland resident we are legally obligated to watch every Laika film. I’ve seen it five times.

[@decoded360]

Ikr! My Mom is friends with one of the animators, super cool stuff.

[@arkroyalthelolicon808]

She loves her sister a lot

[@SuperXrayDoc]

You're also legally obligated to burn down your city every weekend

[@decoded360]

@@SuperXrayDoc we call it protest Tuesday, it's more of a tradition now than anything else. Can't imagine life without toasting marshmallows with grandma over the ashes of an apartment complex!

[@TailGreat]

Me and my sister saw it over 8 times xd

[@deformedchad8616]

My Japanese mother basically forced me to watch this and all I can say is, I definitely did not regret that forced experience. Movie absolutely slaps.

[@SMcGowan287]

I absolutely LOVE this movie. People really did sleep on this one.

[@novaamulet9223]

They really did, the plot and animation is amazing

[@kit-kat6267]

See this movie got me into stop motion I hadn't really liked coraline all that much till I watched this one

[@alexis-marie_9920]

yes i caught it on Netflix a while back.. This and Rise of the Guardians are some the best family movies made within the last decade

[@papertape7911]

Same, this os one of my favorites

[@mr_eden7572]

The detail and just the overall look is awesome, though there were parts that didn’t stick with me which I cannot remember, I would give it a 8 or 9 out of 10.

[@Emperor-Quill]

The giant waves at the start is a great nod to the Moon king using his power trying to stop Kubo's mother. The moon is what pushes and pulls the waves, so it's a great detail from a great movie!

[@shruu1056]

When the elder lady pushes the moon king toward kubo saying his grandson is a storyteller and can help him remember, kubo gives a glare, but then his look softens because kubo knows the cycle of hate wont help anything. I would love to see a sequel of this movie or any Laika films. They are truly talented artists that need more credit and a bigger budget, for the sequels of coarse ;)

[@troll1808]

Kubo would be a frickin millionaire in modern times, I mean come on, he's like a roadside musician+ magician+ puppet master in one act

[@skyr5247]

Also I figured Kubo’s mom was more lucid at night because of her being a princess of the moon

[@Læzløharris]

Even the title of the movie foreshadows how he "defeats" the moon lord. It wasn't called Kubo and the ancient armor lol. It's such a beautiful movie.

[@ramsei6165]

This movie was the catalyst for me taking art as seriously as i am right now. like deadass before it came out i felt really iffy about my art and where i wanted to go with it, and when i saw Kubo and the Two Strings, i said "i want to go there"

[@ishaaqmartin3564]

Enjoy the journey traveler.

[@hakujoudaidraws2633]

@ramsei this movie with the character designs and backgrounds is so beautiful….especially the sisters (they have the best villain designs ever and made me love drawing scythe chains, haha)

[@rayofsunshan]

This is exactly why LAIKA Studios is my favorite animation studio of all time. Everything they do is beautifully intentional and is very captivating!

[@layneboyce5704]

I agree about your complain somewhat, however, I personally believe the reason the sister killed Hanzo the moment she did was to iterate her own point that humanity is weakness. In his distracted moment of love for his family, he lets his guard down and is killed, progressing the plot forward

[@gillianross7062]

Laika is Oregon, where I live, and they had an exhibit at the Portland art museum and it was amazing! They had all the different props, clothes, faces there for all the different movies. They had coralines house there and the giant skeleton from kubo. They also had interactive displays so you could see how some of the stuff was animated. It was super cool.

[@thesenate4815]

Ew, Portland

[@TailGreat]

@@thesenate4815 shut up

[@cloutlessloser7191]

@@TailGreat no no, he’s right, ew portland is correct

[@PhrogOfficial]

@@cloutlessloser7191 what why

[@doughytown4188]

Kubo's powers were so strong that he pulled leaves from the real-life dimension to progress the story.

[@nick25oo]

the end of the movie was to show that the armor and weapons had No meaning because it wasn’t(Kubo?). The only way for kubo to win the fight was to be himself and through being himself was he strong enough to win against the moon king. The author or authors trick the watchers into believing that the items were important but they weren’t and even the moon king knew it.

[@LucyLioness100]

I love the subversion by just having Kubo use his talents as a storyteller and music to defeat his grandfather without violence

[@andrewwestfall65]

I actually really liked the ending when I watched it in theaters. I did think it was weird that the McGuffin they had been chasing the entire time wasn't the solution, but at the same time, he was practicing his magic not how to fight. I also feel that the message that new gold plated toys may bring you immediate comfort and strength, real strength and happiness comes from bonds to loved ones

[@sapientbirb7350]

Not to be that guy, but Kubo's mom didn't actually know where the helmet was. During the scene where Kubo was tricked by the Moon King to go to one of the sisters, Hanzo asked why part of the armor would be hidden there. And immediately afterwards, Kubo's mom stumbles across a scroll that shows the helmet being hidden in plain sight as the village's bell, prompting her to warn Kubo and Hanzo that they were led into a trap mere moments too late.

[@elecpaunch2718]

but monke amnesia

[@mastermoonlightvariety]

I don't cry for movies but this one had me in tears. Edit: The three pieces of armor were the mom (hair), the dad (string), and Kubo (his addition). He had to become stronger to wield the power but love, family, and growth were the three pieces of armor, not actual golden armor. That's why I love it. Armor isn't always physical.

[@burgerboy3461]

This movie is a real blessing to animation. The ambition that went into this film in not only the story, but the animation is remarkable. This film will always be special to me.

[@empdisaster10]

I feel like the best way to describe this movie is with the quote “An eye for an eye makes the world blind” Kubo realized that by killing the moon lord, he’d basically end up the same way. Blind to his humanity. So by sparing him and giving him an eye, (the eye that he’s missing mind you) he gave that sight back to them both

[@Ladle66]

Bionic Pig guy is slowly becoming a Rainbow Dash, the prettiest unicorn.

[@ilikecurry2345]

She's a Pegasus.

[@FM39__]

@@ilikecurry2345 ok, and?

[@lemoncake543]

This comment is absurd

[@Carrier-06]

@@ilikecurry2345 Ur saying just because Rainbow Dash is a Pegasus she can't be the prettiest Unicorn? Racist!

[@Azazreal]

@@ilikecurry2345 Woah my guy did you just assume her horse race? Thats not cool man, neigh cool at all. xD

[@shakeriddleandroll939]

I hate when people told me they thought Kubo should have killed his grandfather. As a child, Kubo should not be forced to kill anyone. He already had to kill his aunt. A pacifistic solution was the best option for him.

[@Julia_Coleman]

Kubo has to be the most underrated masterpiece I’ve ever seen. It really has wonderful animation, characters, and subtle horror elements that make for a beautiful yet haunting story

[@kristenrasmussen4135]

"As My Guitar Gently Weeps" by Lindsey Stirling (played in the end credits of the movie). Couldn't stop listening to it for *weeks.*

[@rommix0]

*While My Guitar Gently Weeps

[@Adelynoir]

The end credits is sung by Regina Spector and the instrumentals are by the Yoshida brothers who are famous Shamisen players in Japan. It is don't entirely in Shamisen

[@NerdigansInc]

I remember seeing this movie in theaters. It was such a perfect movie. Why can't we get more movies like this anymore. Yes i was 😭 too at the end.

[@TheMarionick]

I never noticed the beetle on the origami Hanzo. They literally spoiled the plot twist in the beginning of the movie and I never noticed.

[@InkRose101]

One of my best friends from high school actually works at Laika as an animator! He worked on this movie, Missing Link and future movies! Every time I see this movie, I think of my friend and what an achievement he’s made working for such an amazing company that makes amazing movies!

[@jessebrown1996]

Coraline, Paranorman and Kubo and the 2 Strings are 3 of the best movies I've ever seen, really sad those films (bar Coraline) weren't more successful.

[@Karma-s1d]

Theres also the boxtrolls

[@noobmasterruben5167]

@@Karma-s1d Boxtrolls is Ok, I dont think its in the same level as Kubo

[@Asadfishwhodoesart]

I remember going to the movies to see this with my dad, we came out and raved about it for the next week. It was beautiful. I liked the story but the stop motion was so fluid and the boat made of leaves was insane to look at. And I just realized this since, Kubos grandfather is the moon, that explains why the ocean was trying to stop her from getting her child to safety, like it was building a wall to keep her from the world. Also where I live there was a Laika exhibit I was able to see Coraline’s home, it was around maybe a meter tall, and very intricate. I saw most of Kubo’s faces for emotions and talking. I don’t think I saw the 16 foot tall puppet, but I feel like I did. I loved the exhibit.

[@elijahquiles8507]

My biggest gripe of the movie wasn’t the ending or how the characters died but how the people just took advantage of an old man that had no memory and kubo not trying to connect with his last remaining family member

[@idiotwithanopinion8082]

It'd be a little hard to connect fully, he may be able to forgive but that man still murdered his family. And honestly, I don't see it as taking advantage. Would you want to just tell him, oh you used to be a murderous God who killed his own family.

[@elijahquiles8507]

@@idiotwithanopinion8082 like taking care of a mentally unresponsive mom for his whole life and living in fear of the dark

[@idiotwithanopinion8082]

@@elijahquiles8507 in fear of his grandfather. Also the ending doesn't imply that he shut himself off actually. For all we know, they could still talk and spend time together. But yeah, the towns people didn't take advantage. That's a blessing to give the grandfather a chance at a new, good life, even after he destroyed their home

[@nick25oo]

It was never shown if the boy didn’t connect with the grandfather so that doesn’t really matter, also how did the people take advantage of the old man with no memory that destroy there village, if anything they gave him a chance that everyone knows he would have never taken.

[@technne-gu1yu]

@@nick25oo yup it's best he forgets his past and probably does become a good grandfather, it's like if a mean old grandmother with dementia has been a horrible racist woman all her, forgets about it and she's the nicest lil ol lady you've ever met (my grandma is whome I'm talking about sadly) but we didn't remind her who she was

[@gh0sterz]

kubo changed my perspection on white butterflies. when i watched it, i sticked with the idea that white small butterflies were the dead, and whenever i saw one i just stared and took care of those. this movie was truly awesome lol

[@RaijinSozin]

To Pigs complain: samurai death and combat was often in a single, definitive strike

[@bece00]

That's super interesting. Didn't even cross my mind!

[@raiden6583]

True but it was really confusing and sad when he promised kubos mom to protect him with his life right before he got killed

[@RaijinSozin]

@@raiden6583 oh dude, yea. Totally agree

[@empdisaster10]

@@raiden6583 I mean in a way his sacrifice did protect Kubo as it one, forced Kubo to rethink the "Quest" to realize it wasnt about the armor. And two from a story perspective it gave Kubo the reason to face him alone and overcome the challange himself. Without both of them dying Kubo would have went into the fight with his father with him and would have essentially tried fighting completely with violence. Also without his death he wouldnt have have broken the original strings and wouldnt have the strings that repesent his family to beat the moonlord with because those strings didnt break with him using all his power

[@christopherhammond5142]

My daughter and I watched the shit out of Kubo. It's a really golden, beautiful story. It's even more feely than Up. Just a wonderful movie.

[@Astrolionking]

In my opinion, Missing Link (another Laika movie) is so fucking amazing with the animation that I forget it’s stop motion. You can barely tell it’s stop motion. The plot isn’t as good as Kubo or Coraline but it’s a favorite of mine.

[@BizarroIsNo123]

He was the sun representative of the morning/new day/early. The grandfather was the night/end/late. It was the battle between the sun and moon, dark and light, new vs. old. His helmet literally has a sun on it.

[@rikmcdik6662]

“Standing at a ridiculous 16 feet” *glasses guy peaks after hearing feet*

[@CrimsonCreates]

I remember watching this when I was way younger on a plane and I thought it was pretty cool, I found out that not many people knew about this movie and I was kinda shocking considering how creative it is. I'm probably gonna go back and watch this movie because it is quite nostalgic for me

[@SK-ww7ud]

i've literally never once heard of this movie, but I'm a sucker for good animation so I'll pause and go watch it

[@alexis-marie_9920]

really ?!?! i saw quite a few ads for it when it came out but we probably live in dif places and i also have a younger sibling so u prob werent watching the right channels to see the ads edit : plus matthew McConaughey is in it soo that boosted it in the eyes of a few ppl i know

[@SK-ww7ud]

@@alexis-marie_9920 yeah I never watched that much Tv and I don't remember getting any ads for it on here

[@LucyLioness100]

I cried my eyes out during this movie. It’s so touching and really embraces its culture and the animation is gorgeous

[@timhiestand6303]

how was it?

[@JerryAlexanderSigma]

Enjoy it?

[@thebeginingistheend]

This movie is so insanely amazing in so many ways. I think it's a masterpiece truly and a crime that it did not win best animated film at the academy awards. Just incredible.

[@potatocrafat9969]

Can you make a video about ParaNorman next? In my opinion it’s the Studio’s magnum opus and I also think it’s very underrated and not talked about that much.

[@chromesthesia]

I love Paranorman. That dad is as bad as Chicken Little's dad

[@maem7462]

@@chromesthesia Agreed. I do love the movie but idc abt the dad

[@SHARKBAIT_HOOHAHA_]

YES PLEASE OMG ITS MY FAVORITE MOVIE

[@Mirandacloud]

This is the ultimate kids Halloween movie

[@bluelandyaandgreenlandya1788]

Oh my god he listened to you!

[@adarahenby5708]

Something that wasn't mentioned in the video that I really liked was the fact that in Kubo's dream, the Moon King is in a golden light, similar to spirits that we see at the end of the movie with the townspeople, possibly trying to paint him as this kind spirit who's trying to help Kubo? (I'm no good with symbolism, don't hate me) But when we see him in the town at the end of the movie, he's blue, and it gives him a colder, more sinister feel as he's talking to Kubo. It's probably not much, but I liked it

[@YaboiAware]

This is on par with Treasure Planet for underrated masterpieces

[@eillo3060]

So true!

[@ashknight6696]

and Atlantis

[@itzrainy_outside4450]

Honestly at this point I wouldn’t call Treasure plant underrated anymore. A lot of people call it underrated but it’s talked about by a lot of about how good it is and has lots of fans. Yeah it was wasn’t popular when it came out but now it’s the popular “underrated” masterpiece. Sorry for rambling I’m just tired of it being constantly being “underrated” when nowadays it really isn’t, or maybe it’s just that I see a lot of love for this movie online

[@YaboiAware]

@@itzrainy_outside4450 I mean, it wasn't a case of it wasn't popular when it came out, it completely flopped, almost as if Disney purposely wanted it to fail, all the way down to the marketing basically spoiling any kind of twists the movie had and basically ruining any kind of possible suspense

[@ashknight6696]

@@YaboiAware "it wasn't a case of it wasn't popular when it came out, [evidence it wasn't popular when it came out]"

[@AlienwhoJumpedPlanets]

2 years later and still my belief. Kubo and the Two Strings was so amazing and gorgeous and I was obsessed when it first came out. I remember trying to force my entire sports team to watch the movie on my birthday. It’s so perfect and I still love it.

[@MrsWoodthorp]

I was absolutely obsessed with this movie and I can’t believe how so many people overlooked it!

[@louismonnichii7619]

Everything about this movie is STELLAR!! Next to The Secret of Kells, this is my absolute favorite animated feature. You DEFINITELY feel the love not only through the characters but through the effort bringing this all to life. I always admired Laika for keeping stop motion alive, and I hope to see more stuff in the future.

[@MrTruedragonknight]

His mother is empowered by the moon because she’s the daughter of the moon king.

[@dusty2663]

I remember watching this movie once when I was 7, it was super scary to me but so was coraline. These two movies have to be my favourite of all time!

[@jessepikmin3576]

HOLY SHIT, THIS IS MY SECOND MOST FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME! I AM SO GLAD SOMEONE ELSE IS TALKING ABOUT IT

[@TheSnekDen]

Out of curiosity, what is your first most favourite movie?

[@jessepikmin3576]

@@TheSnekDen I know this is gonna sound cliche but the new Suicide squad

[@TheSnekDen]

@@jessepikmin3576 Oh cool, I've yet to see that one

[@jessepikmin3576]

@@TheSnekDen definitely worth checking it out

[@RuneStone-b3i]

It’s ironic and tragic in a way for Hanso to die that way, because traditional Samurai are all about honor. He was backstabbed, literally, a form of dishonor, whilst the most honorable thing he did, was to care for his family

[@feesukaminudaka5964]

Dear lord, it ain't forgotten by me, it literally is my favorite stop motion film of all time bruv Great to see people remember this underappreciated masterpiece.

[@IknowIamkindagreat]

The population's reaction to this movie (not seeing it) is why we can't have, and don't deserve, nice things. I mean, Laika? More like LOVE AH! *gets booed out of room

[@ladynahomi45]

I swear to God, these pitches for sponsors crack me up every time

[@jq6924]

This movie is extremely nostalgic for me, because I watched it so much when I was little, my mom showed it to me, and we watched it together so much. :)

[@pancakeslapp]

Had no idea this wasnt considered a success?? This is such a beautiful movie

[@Agetroh]

The quest was great because kubo got to see his parents together and how strong they were, how much they loved him and each other

[@kykybie8499]

So basically the movie was to smart for people? I am going to be honest, when i watched the movie i didn't even realize that the Armour ended up being useles, i really enjoyed the movie without realizing that Kubo's quest was manifest his powers, and now that i know it, i love it even more, a am on may waay to watch this for the third time, thank you

[@CANISGA]

man this movie takes me back, i remember watching this in my tv and it just looked so cool (especially the mom vs her sister in the boat)

[@khyreetabron595]

This movie was honestly a gem in the ruff. I wish this movie could have actually gotten more love, because I never see anyone talk about it.

[@chibicheeks78]

I was unaware this movie performed so poorly. It's actually my favorite Laika movie.

[@meko750]

Man, I remember when this movie came out. Watched it with my mom, cried like a bitch and we both convinced the rest of our family to watch it. I'm surprised that it had this much discourse, because anyone I talked to about it who actually watched it said they loved it. Also, glad we have the same gripe about how Hanzo dies. Shit's so anticlimactic for no real reason. XD

[@Dragonseer666]

I watched this in cinemas when I was smaller, I don't quite remember my experience, but I remember that I didn't quite get it back then, but yeah, it is a great movie.

[@Pawkz734]

I miss this film, hopefully people give it the attention it deserves.

[@Yorokobi224]

Kubo and Steven Universe show compassion to their foes. I'm here for it. I always felt like this movie should have been better received. I need it to sit next to my Laika Boxset :) Coraline is my fav too. The novella was a great read.

[@dapperpigeon1412]

Of Laika's movies, Kubo is probably always gonna be my favorite. Love the story and adore the art design, not to mention the bittersweet ending always gets me.

[@Two-Man-Production]

Kubo’s music and the paper stop motion is amazing and jaw dropping to watch over and over, also watching this a second time it’s fun to see all the hints leading up to the reveal from Monkey and Beetle arguing to Beetle’s worn armor and Monkey’s mirrored scar

[@solanumtuberosa]

Regina Spektor's rendition of The Beatles while my guitar gently sleeps is one of my favorites. Also, this movie would look incredible if it is interpolated to 60 or 120 fps. This movie is what Vin Diesel wants to portray in the fast and furious series done right. And people are angry it isnt in the face as that.

[@kythecorg]

When I was in college my animation class and I got a first look at the Laika exhibit at the Portland Art Museum before it debuted. Seeing that enormous skeleton puppet was absolutely awe-inspiring! I got to talk to some of the crew as well, and there were so many hidden details I learned about that really really made me appreciate the amount of work put into this! It boggles my mind that this film didn't do well cuz there was so much work put into it. I think a lot of that has to do with the story and ending, like you mentioned. But you also summarized the meaning of it very well. It's a film that needs to be rewatched to really catch everything and truly appreciate it as a whole.

[@abbypetit2167]

First off: I agree with everything you said and I am still totally in love with this movie. It’s beautiful visually, story wise, and character wise. HOWEVER, I’m still quite angry at the grandfather and sisters for the fact that they both killed Kubo’s parents for trying to find their own happiness and taking Kubo’s eye to make him “blind to humanity”. I feel like Beetle should have lived and Kubo should have been able to given the moon king an eye and letting him know about the bad things he did. That way, in giving the moon king an eye, Kubo gave his grandfather a second chance at being a better person and teaching his grandfather about the suffering he put Kubo and his parents through. Probably just me, but that’s just my mindset. Overall, I love your review and it is still forevermore a beautiful film right up next to Coraline.

[@RainyDayDance]

I found this movie recently while scrolling through tubi and I ended up watching it on acid and holy shit is this movie good. Everything is great, the story, the stop motion, the origami, and the vfx. It all ties together to create one of the best animated films I've ever seen in my life.

[@diegogutierrez1997]

I cried both times I watched it, this movie is so good. Every single aspect of it is so we'll done, even if Beetle dying was that sudden, I still enjoyed it so much.

[@hibber25]

Small detail about the helmet: after Kubo has the dream and they're about to leave for the beetle fortress, you can see paper Hanzo pointing in the opposite direction of where they're about to go before being stuffed into Kubo's bag.

[@lordoffrogsinbogs]

I love Kubo! I was so confused that I didn't hear much about it before I found it on prime video, like there was almost no promotion for the movie or something

[@dreampsyche1467]

this is exactly why i loved the movie, it was such a different twist that the armor isnt actually gonna make you stronger like the other movies where they would normally became a very op character with overuse plot and context.

[@jarenwhite9845]

Honestly, the sisters were the scariest thing for me as a kid.

[@alexbryant9575]

10 months later, I have to agree. They give me a "Join us, feel our pain." Type feel. Idk why.

[@LucyLioness100]

This is one of their best works! The artistry is gorgeous, the lore engaging, the stop motion top notch (just like Wes Anderson’s FMF & IOD), the score is exciting and dramatic & the cast brings their A game and make the characters likable and the midway twist really hits the feels going into the climax

[@jaysiiMusic]

Bro you just unlocked some old memories. This movie was amazing.

[@j-1176]

For some reason, but a sensible one, Kubo in Zulu translates to "for them". It makes sense, since he was a famous street performer to earn money and to ENTERTAIN PEOPLE, and he also saved everyone from the Moon King.

[@honilock577]

I love this movie. And I love the ending. I like this "thinking you're a step further than the villain but it's not true" trope. It was the same in Wonder woman when she thought the sword was the divine weapon but Ares just melted it so she came to the conclusion that she is the weapon.

[@shadowwolfx_mega3250]

I used to be so obsessed with this movie when it first came out (I was 10). I remember I was so upset when Zootopia won the Best Animated Feature over Kubo. It made me give up on the Oscar’s as a whole. I have rewatched it multiple time and it still pains me that no one seems to know about this movie.

[@bexstar]

I'm surprised people hate the ending. I love the ending! Great movie.

[@rafaelkmmendes5544]

An interesting fact is that when Kubo turns the moon lord human you can see that the moon changed from a full moon to a crescent moon (probably am saying it wrong).

[@delighted9062]

All I remember is how much of a big crush I had on him when the movie was a thing

[@darkpinkgirl6684]

bruh, i'm fucking dead

[@frickinfrick8488]

I’m so here for the Kubo praise. It’s horrendously underrated, despite a few hiccups the narrative is tight, emotional and engaging, and of course the visuals are beyond words. The subtle storyline of his mother only sending him on this quest to make him stronger isn’t something I realised on my first watch but it makes so much sense on a rewatch. This movie is always enjoyable every time I rewatch it. I recognise it has flaws but they seem so minor in comparison to flaws in many Disney and Pixar movies of the last decade that received significantly more praise. I’m sad the commercial failure of Kubo has likely initiated the decline of highly ambitious stop motion movies. The story has mass appeal and the visuals alone sell it so well, I just don’t get why it flopped so hard

[@PaintSplashProductions]

Kubo is Laika’s best movie to me, I love the beautiful visuals, the fun characters and the mythology of the world

[@Scarshadow666]

People who complained about the "pacifist" ending for the Moon King should probably watch movies (and read books) like The Last Unicorn to get an idea of how much the Moon King would see his fate with mortality/amnesia worse than death. In The Last Unicorn, the MC Unicorn/Amalthea was described as feeling violated upon becoming a mortal human and it was said to completely scar her, even after she transformed back into a unicorn again. For someone like the Moon King who considered himself better than humanity because of his immortality and observed humanity from afar, than his mortality/amnesia was probably a fate worse than death... 0_0

[@kermitgotthesickkicks4265]

Well damn

[@addiction.5500]

I don’t know why Pig using Terraria music during his ads sometimes but I love it.

[@mthayne1000]

I want a prequel!!!! I'm also confused as to why this movie wasn't more popular. One of my favorite movies of all time.

[@lias1762]

I’m from Portland and got to see all of the props and characters in person at the exhibit here and it was amazing

[@Ais_afanofeverything2009]

I used to watch this movie i was a kid and im glad people are talking about it i haven't watched it in years but i loved it

[@gingerblonde11941]

THIS MOVIE WAS AMAZING IN THE THEATERS!!! I was so surprised more people didn’t hype it up. Super underrated.

[@pianolover3711]

kubo is such an underrated classic! definitely deserved more recognition

[@viktor5783]

Don't know why, this reminds me of little nightmares.

[@dmitryboardman9762]

The Sisters are pretty similar to the Lady.

[@krispykreme6082]

same :O

[@SCdreamdrawer]

Kubo was amazingly beautiful and a welcome addition to its generation of film! Good movies are supposed to make you think and make you feel. Kubo does that, despite its flaws. My gripe is only that it flopped. I seriously hope we get more movies like Coraline and Kubo in the future. We need them.

[@gracewise5090]

As far as why this awesome movie flopped, I gotta say, I remember first seeing the trailers and not knowing what the heck the movie was even about. The first trailer in particular was like just the mom in the storm, which was epic but told me nothing. So I feel like the marketing could played a role in that. Also I was literally just telling my friend about this movie the other day so I’m so glad you’re talking about it! 😃