Stop-motion animated films have been around for quite some time and one might not realize how much work actually goes into such a project. Unlike regular animated films where filmmakers mostly work on screens, stop-motion has objects that are physically moved and manipulated through each frame to successfully make the scene flow. The Smithsonian Magazine states that the first stop-motion film to be made was titled The Cameraman’s Revenge, which was released in 1912.

Some of the best and most well-known stop-motion films are from the mid 2000s and 2010s, such as Coraline, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride and ParaNorman. However, one of the best stop-motion films in the game was released in 2016, and is barely talked about, criminally underrated, and was beautifully done. The Federalist states that Kubo and the Two Strings deserved an Oscar win for this film, but only received two nominations. Kubo and the Two Strings deserves more recognition, and here’s why it’s the best stop-motion animated film.

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Themes of Love and Loss

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From the very beginning of the film, it’s clear that this is a rather serious children’s film and intense in some places, and honestly, might not be suitable for younger kids. That being said, it’s also a movie that could be just as important for older kids as it is for adults, who might have a better understanding of what the themes are, especially when the viewers are introduced to Kubo’s mother, who’s suffering from dementia and can barely take care of herself. Kubo is very much like the parent in this situation, going out to live his life and coming back at night when his mother has a few hours of consciousness.

For a movie geared toward children, with the animation and the rating of PG, parents might have been a bit surprised to find out what this movie revolves around, and especially with the amount of death that takes place within the film. We come to learn that Kubo’s loss of an eye is due to his grandfather, The Moon King, who turns out to be the villain of the entire movie, and the big bad that Kubo has to take down. Kubo’s sidekicks in the movie, Beetle and Monkey, prove to be more than just side characters when it’s revealed that they are actually Kubo’s mother and father. Each loss that Kubo faces in this film is meant to be explored and felt by the audience, filmmakers pushing through the grief to make it known that better things can arise from what has happened.

The Classic Hero’s Journey

Kubo’s quest starts when he fails to make it back home before the sun goes down one night, thus exposing him to the Moon King’s watchful eye, and the witches that never seem to give him a break throughout the movie. Kubo learns of what the Moon King has set out to do; collect Kubo’s other eye, and throughout the movie, audiences are made aware that this villain is actually scary and will result in some major battle scenes. The action in Kubo and the Two Strings is fast-paced and attention-grabbing, colorful and interesting, and the stop-motion aspect plays a huge part in that. And while things could get potentially frightening, viewers have some form of peace, as Monkey and Beetle are right there alongside Kubo, fighting with him.

Beetle is the comedic relief that is needed in a movie, with such a tone as this one, offering jokes in the smooth voice of Matthew McConaughey, making his character that much more likable. Charlize Theron voices Monkey, the somewhat cold yet wise character that reveals herself to be Kubo’s mother, which makes complete sense. Not only does Kubo have to face his own grandfather, but also his aunts; his entire family after him, in order to take his eye and make him sightless. Kubo’s spiritual quest is one of the best journeys represented in a children’s movie, with the way it was executed, as well as translated through the screen.

Power of Magic and Fables

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Kubo’s whole deal is that he has a wickedly cool shamishen, which is a traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument, and the weapon he uses to take down Sister. Not only that, but in the beginning of the movie, we’re made aware that Kubo makes money and provides for himself and his mother by playing his shamishen in the town. He’s able to manipulate pieces of Origami and tell stories of his father, but is never able to reach the end of the tale since he was never made aware of what happened to the man. The shamishen has an important role in the movie, not only physically, but also spiritually as well, and viewers feel it as each string breaks throughout the film.

Not only does Kubo’s story rely on magic, but the power of love as well. At just 12 years old, he takes care of his mom by himself when she’s not able to do her duties as his only parent. He doesn’t have a father figure, but still tells the story of his heroic life. Genuinely, a story such as this, that focuses toward children and young people can be extremely beneficial. When kids don’t know how to process feelings or big emotions such as loss, grief, and hardships, seeing them in a fun animated style with a beetle, monkey, and Origami on their screens, it could be easier to accept.