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Kubo and the Two Strings

Name: Kubo and the Two Strings
Director: Travis Knight
Released: 2016
Duration: 102 min

Representation Score

7.0/10

Good

2016

Director

Travis Knight

Runtime

102 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Kubo and the Two Strings excels in its cultural specificity and subversion of traditional hero clichés. By grounding its magic and visual language in Japanese-inspired folklore, the film avoids generic mainstream aesthetics. The narrative also critiques detached celestial authority, framing the pursuit of perfect sterility as oppressive. Instead, it celebrates the strength found in human imperfection and communal memory. However, the film adheres to a traditional framework regarding character origins and lacks explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities or physical disabilities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Kubo and the Two Strings have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The story focuses on family lineage and ancestral ties. There are no explicit representations of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Kubo and the Two Strings portray gender?

Good

Sariatu challenges traditional gender roles as a skilled warrior and protector. She embodies female empowerment and disrupts the typical male-centric hero archetype.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Kubo and the Two Strings?

Excellent

The film incorporates a Japanese-inspired aesthetic and traditional shamisen music. This dedication to cultural specifics avoids a generic Western style, embedding identity within the magic system.

How does Kubo and the Two Strings represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative criticizes distant celestial authority through the Moon King. It highlights the power of human storytelling as resistance against systematic erasure. It celebrates the strength found in human imperfection and communal memory.

Does Kubo and the Two Strings include disability representation?

Fair

Though there are no explicit physical or neurodivergent characters, the film explores the psychological impact of grief. Characters navigate emotional trauma as a central part of their journey.

Present on Screen

Uses a Japanese-inspired aesthetic and traditional instrumentation effectively.
Subverts traditional gender clichés with a powerful female warrior.
Provides a nuanced critique of detached celestial authority.
Embeds cultural identity directly into the world-building and magic systems.

Limited or Absent

Could include more explicit representation of LGBTQ+ identities.
Does not depict physical or neurodivergent disabilities explicitly.
Maintains a traditional framework regarding character origins.

Official Synopsis

Kubo mesmerizes the people in his village with his magical gift for spinning wild tales with origami. When he accidentally summons an evil spirit seeking vengeance, Kubo is forced to go on a quest to solve the mystery of his fallen samurai father and his mystical weaponry, as well as discover his own magical powers.

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