Directed by Travis Knight, in his feature directorial debut, the Kubo and the Two Strings tells the story of a young boy, Kubo, on a magical journey to discover his family’s past while facing powerful enemies. The visually breathtaking movie, set in a world inspired by Japanese culture, earned critical acclaim for its innovation and emotional depth. Here are some incredible facts that reveal the artistry behind its creation.
The Largest Stop-Motion Puppet Ever Created
One of the film's standout moments features a colossal skeleton puppet that holds the record for the largest stop-motion puppet ever made. Standing an impressive 16 feet tall, the skeleton was built in two parts and connected by magnets. Animators even designed a specialized robot to bring this enormous creature to life, demonstrating the ambitious scale of the project.
Revolutionary Use of 3D Printing
To bring the characters to life, Laika employed cutting-edge 3D printing technology. For Kubo’s facial expressions alone, over 23,000 rapid prototype faces were created, enabling a staggering 48 million possible expressions. This groundbreaking technique added unprecedented emotional nuance to the stop-motion medium.
Inspired by Japanese Art
Director Travis Knight drew heavily from traditional Japanese art, including ukiyo-e woodblock prints and the works of 20th-century artist Kiyoshi Saito. The film was crafted to resemble a moving woodblock print, blending historical authenticity with visual innovation.
Costumes With a Story of Their Own
The Sisters, two of the film’s most haunting antagonists, wear cloaks inspired by Tomoe Gozen, a legendary female samurai. Their costumes were meticulously crafted with 861 laser-etched feathers, each uniquely sized and shaped, showcasing Laika's dedication to detail.
A Handcrafted World
Every element of Kubo and the Two Strings was painstakingly handmade. Kubo’s cloak consisted of hundreds of individually crafted leaves, and his origami creations were folded by hand. Even the strings on Kubo’s shamisen were designed to move realistically, emphasizing the studio’s obsession with authenticity.
A Star-Studded Voice Cast
The film’s emotional depth was amplified by a stellar voice cast, including Charlize Theron, Matthew McConaughey, Ralph Fiennes, and Rooney Mara. Each actor brought their characters to life with heartfelt performances that complemented the film’s themes of loss, memory, and resilience.
Kubo and the Two Strings is a landmark achievement in storytelling and craftsmanship. Its blend of innovation, artistry, and heartfelt narrative continues to inspire audiences, making it a must-watch for fans of animation and cinematic magic alike.
