Movie: Kubo and the Two Strings

Once I stopped asking myself why this Japanese animation is aided by American accents, I settled comfortably into my seat. Well I did once I wrapped my cardi around me and found a summer scarf in my bag to help keep more warmth in; the air-con was overused again in our local Cineworld. Similarly last night at the theatre to watch an excellent version of The Importance of Being Earnest – but that’s another story.Once I settled, I saw a beautiful story of family and loss, similar to  Finding Dory. With the opening scene of one-eyed Kobo living in a cave with his mother, who appeared to be weakened with illness, it looked like he was vulnerable too. We learn his mean Grandfather took his eye and wants his other one too. But why?Kubo goes off into town each day to entertain the locals with his particular brand of origami. It includes playing two strings to create the magic that bought his paper characters to life.It would be nice to live in world where magic just happened and didn’t need to be explained. Although I suppose we do have unexplained magic; I for example have no idea how my tiny tablet does more than all those heavy laptops I had ten years ago.Kubo’s quiet life is turned upside down when, against his mother’s command, he stays out after dark to see the local festival fireworks and encounters the two evil sisters and the evil Moon King who wipe out the town. He should have listen to his mother.This turn of events does set Kubo off on a dangerous adventure with only Mr Monkey and the beetle/samurai for company. They are in search of the unbreakable sword but also he wants to find out the mystery of who his highly regarded father was. I’m happy to be taken along this Samurai's ride.7½/10