Kubo and the Two Strings

The latest creation to come out of LAIKA – the studio behind hits like Coraline and ParaNorman – Kubo and the Two Strings, directed by Travis Knight, invites viewers on a mystical journey in medieval Japan.

The film follows the adventures of Kubo, a lively and intelligent young lad who is tending to his ailing mother in a little harbor village. Armed with his magical musical shamisen, he entertains villagers with rather extraordinary stories illustrated by origami characters that come to life when he plays music.

The existence of the little community is turned upside down when Kubo inadvertently wakes an evil spirit from the past who reignites an age-old vendetta. Accompanied by a protective monkey and a samurai beetle, the boy takes off on an unusual journey where he has to fight off all sorts of evil creatures in order to fulfill his destiny and solve the mysteries of his past…

Entirely made in stop-motion – LAIKA’s specialty – this feature is an enormous visual success with larger-than-life puppets. Frequent visitors to the Festival, LAIKA has presented their creations at screenings and conferences several times.

The Festival invites you to discover this coming-of-age film that approaches universal subjects like courage, self-confidence and difference.

Trailer