'Kubo and the Two Strings' Trailer: 'Coraline' Animators Take Us to Ancient Japan
Over the course of its three previous features, the expert animators at Laika have used their stop-motion magic to transport audiences to lovingly crafted environments such as an “Other World” populated by “Other Parents” (Coraline), a ghost-infested suburban community (ParaNorman), and the picturesque Victorian England town of Cheesebridge (The Boxtrolls). Now Laika is inviting us to visit Ancient Japan in Kubo and the Two Strings, a coming-of-age story. The new trailer for Kubo (watch it above), arriving in theaters on Aug. 19, suggests the studio has raised its game to a new level of showmanship, highlighting the film’s blend of fantastical creatures, epic landscapes, and razor-sharp swordplay.
Related: Dare You To Watch These ‘Boxtrolls’ Scenes Without Being Grossed Out
The offspring of a long-missing samurai warrior and a mother versed in magic, young Kubo (Art Parkinson) embarks on his own adventure when vengeful spirits invade his village. Accompanied by a talking monkey (Charlize Theron), the boy sets out to retrieve his father’s battle armor, which will prepare him for the fight ahead. Until then, his only weapon is a two-stringed Japanese guitar, which is strapped to his back at all times. Beatles fans will recognize and appreciate the instrumental version of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” that accompanies the trailer, while animation lovers can marvel at a boat assembling itself out of leaves and Kubo sprouting wings made of paper birds. We’re a long, long way from the ancient stop-motion days of Gumby, folks.
Take a tour of Laika Studios with Elle Fanning and Isaac Hempstead Wright in this ‘Boxtrolls’ featurette:
