We're first introduced to our titular character when he is washed a shore with his mother as an infant, this is where we learn the tale of his Grandfather who, whilst trying to kill Kubo has removed one of his eyes (yes, that's right, missing eye Kill Bill style), Kubo's mother has now escaped the evil clutches of her Father and her two wicked sisters and is living a life of solitude trying to protect her son. Kubo whiles away his days telling stories to the local town folks, using origami shapes and a magic guitar to bring the stories to life but soon evil catches up with our young warrior and he is thrust into an epic adventure to find his fathers legendary armour and defeat the moon king (his grandfather). Accompanied by a seriously ass kicking monkey and a cursed warrior named Beetle they set off on their quest unaware of the dangers that lay ahead.
The movie boasts the voice talents of Charlize Theron, Ralph Fiennes, Rooney Mara and Matthew McConaughey and everything about the film oozes a certain level grandeur. The action sequences are breathless at times and one can only stand and admire the puppet work on show, serious effort has gone into this production and it shows. I'm not too familiar with the old Japanese movies that this film no doubtedly pays homage to but a few scenes reminded me of Kill Bill and we know these movies were a huge influence on Quentin Tarantino. The movie does get a bit dark at times but it is the sort of film that takes a child up a notch from the usual every day Disney fan to a fully fledged cinemaphobe Grab your kids, grab some popcorn and buckle up for the ride.