And that's the beginning of the movie. A storyteller asking for audience involvement and then thrusting the viewer into stormy waters with the unnamed woman. No exposition. No nametags. No hand-holding. Just you and her. And I love it.
This stop-motion animated feature treats the audience to an epic inspired by myths, fables, and beliefs of traditional Japan. Although marketed with children in mind, the movie treats the possibly younger audience with respect and tact, never shying away from death or tragedy, but also never relishing or focusing on it either. The high degree of respect and love for the source of inspiration shines through in every design choice, and the emotional development of the character matches if not exceeds the quality of the plot development from beginning to end.
My only nitpicks would be the occasional joke that feels out of place with the rest of the movie; the rare, obvious plot twists when most of them develop naturally; and the strangely cliche hero's journey of the second act which feels cool and yet, somewhat muted emotionally. The quiet emotional moments of the first and last act stand unique and unparalleled in children's animation, while much of the second act feels like the Asian retelling of Jason and the Argonauts. I think the second act serves as the spectacle and spaces the heavy emotional moments out, which works great, and the fights and monsters shows off the creativity and talents of the model builders and animators. Regardless of the shortcomings, however, nothing spoiled the experience of Kubo's literal and personal journey to finding meaning and peace in life and death.
I highly recommend this for children and adults alike, although small children may not be ready for the emotional questions it raises, or the freaky mask ladies (spoilers)!
Story 95/100 Characters 95/100 Effects 100/100 Sound 95/100 Quality 90/100
BY: Clyde E Northrup
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