World Animation // 'Kubo and The Two Strings' (2016)

Fig.1 'Kubo and The Two Strings' (Poster)

'Kubo and The Two Strings' (2016) Dir. Travis Knight, is animation studio, Laika's, fourth feature length, stop-motion film. It follows the story of Kubo, a young boy who wields a powerful, three-stringed instrument know as a shamishen which enables him to control origami to tell stories. 

Fig.2 Film Still

Laika are a studio that dwell on the small details of a film, whether that's a blade of grass blowing in the wind or a leaf falling from a tree, everything that is seen on screen has been hand-made and crafted to perfection. The animation itself is second to none, everything feels so real because in a way, it is, the characters aren't created in a computer they're real which brings a new lease of life to the film. It's strange because computer animation feels like the way forward but you can't help but feel that stop-motion feels more honest, the way in which the characters move feels more real and compelling. 

As well as stop motion animation and hand-made sets, the film also welcomes the use of new technologies to help advance the movie. some special effects are added to particular characters and backgrounds are sometimes added in with the help of green screens. The combination of the two is welcomed to create a marvellous and beautiful visual experience.

Fig.3 Film Still

What makes 'Kubo and The Two Strings' such a magical animation is in the opinion of this review, not the compelling story or the success it gained at the box office, but the time and effort that went in to actually creating it. It was worked on by hardworking and dedicated animators, writers, craftsmen and women who spent hours piecing together each element of both the world of Kubo and it's story. The narrative is exciting and a new, it's a breath of fresh air to see something original in the cinema as opposed to another sequel or remake. 'Kubo and The Two Strings' is a joy to watch.

Illustrations

Figure. 1 'Kubo and The Two Strings' (2016) [Poster] At:http://cdn.film-book.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/kubo-and-the-two-strings-movie-banner-01-600x350.jpg Accessed on: 9/04/2017

Figure. 2 [Film Still] At: https://cdn0.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/doLGeAn_gKdc3Cnnfx4UdvJHr-k=/cdn0.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6929447/KUBO_sunset_laika_focus.0.jpg Accessed on: 09/04/2017

Figure.3 [Film Still] At: http://www.cartoonbrew.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/kubo_and_the_two_strings.jpg Accessed on: 09/04/2017