Heartwarming / Kubo and the Two Strings

As a Moments subpage, all spoilers are unmarked as per policy. You Have Been Warned.

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Film

• In the prologue, Kubo's mother curling up to her crying infant son and consoling him.
• During his morning stroll through the field that takes him to the village, there's a shot of Kubo playing with his origami figure of Hanzo. There's something sweet about the movie establishing that even in wake of his mother's failing health, Kubo's life isn't so adverse if he can still have fun from time to time.
• Kubo being a popular and likable person among the people of his hometown, not just because of his paper-making skills, but his personality as well. It's a refreshing change from the "character being feared and shunned for having strange powers" cliché.
  • Of special note is his relationship with Kameyo, the elderly beggar woman who greets Kubo every time he comes down to the village. She treats him like he's her own grandson and at the end, becomes his step-grandmother.
  • Despite Kubo obviously having a reputation of never having finished one of his fantastic stories, the townspeople not only come whenever he starts with them and watch in amazement, they also obviously don't resent him. They complain and are saddened, but it is implied that these reactions have been the same for years where most people would just stop caring at one point for the unsatisfying endings they get.
    • In a way, Kubo is very much like Scheherazade.
• Tying in to the above, Kubo isn't telling stories of just any samurai named Hanzo: it's revealed they're about his father. One gets the feeling Kubo shares these stories to keep his memory alive and feel closer to him.
• Kubo's relationship with his mother. He takes care of her during the day and at night when she's lucid, his mother amazes him with stories of his father's adventures.
• Kubo asking his mother what his father was like. She warmly describes he was just like Kubo, kind and funny and clever. And most importantly, he loved his family very much.
  Sariatu: Never forget how much he loved you, Kubo.
• Kubo acting Adorkable when he prays to his father's grave.
  • Fridge-Heartwarming: Kubo shows his father's robes when he visits his grave. Later, when Kubo shows Beetle he's wearing his father's robe, Beetle's joyful response "This is a miracle! You have [my] robes!" is in fact his father's response.
• When Kubo falls asleep in the shelter, he quietly tells Monkey "good night". Monkey in turn gives Kubo a faint warm smile. It's a quiet moment, but that's what makes it all the more beautiful. It's also the first time Kubo's mother gets to see her son fall asleep rather than the other way around.
• Kubo exercising the extent of his powers, to the point where he falls in the snow in a fit of mirthful laughter. It's notably the first time since his adventure began where he gets to actually play and have fun.
  • Monkey smiling at Kubo's antics, pretty happy to see her charge enjoy being a kid.
• The way Kubo quickly takes a shine to Beetle when they meet. Even though Beetle abducted him, Kubo stops Monkey from hurting Beetle because he instantly understood "he wasn't going to hurt me".
  • In the junior novelization, Kubo can't help but notice that Beetle is lonely, seeing him as a kindred spirit. This is what prompts Kubo to open up to Beetle and tell him he's Hanzo's son.
• When Kubo shares with Beetle he's the son of Hanzo, Beetle is overjoyed! He gives Kubo something close to a hug at learning this. For the first time in years since his curse, he has a purpose once more(to protect Hanzo's son). More importantly, he has hope again.
  Beetle: This is a miracle! I have found the son of my master!
  • Heartwarming in Hindsight: Beetle didn't just find "the son of his master", he found his own son. Even the music gently swells, as though the universe's heart is melting at their reunion.
  • After this, Beetle promptly bows down and vows to protect Kubo with his own life if necessary. This must've been the first time in his life Kubo has someone close to a guardian and protector to act like the father he never had. (In fact, it's not every kid who gets this vow from their actual father.)
    • Fridge-Awesome: Kubo grew up as a peasant. It's probably never crossed his mind that by birth-rite, he's a samurai too. Naturally, he is moved and awed Beetle's vow, as though this insect-samurai has unwittingly revealed how worthwhile the boy is, for the first time in his entire life.
• The stunned, proud smile that graces Monkey's face when she sees Kubo has so creatively used his growing powers to build a boat.
• Beetle teaching Kubo how to aim and shoot at fish. Especially following The Reveal that Beetle is really Hanzo.
• When travelling together, Beetle asks Kubo who he was and what he did before going on this quest. After hearing about how Kubo was a Storyteller in his village, who mostly looked after his ailing mother, Beetle earnestly says that Kubo even then 'was very much a hero.' This is especially heartwarming not only since Beetle is a samurai call Kubo's kindness heroism, but because he is Kubo's father. ^note  Without knowing it, he's telling his own son he's so proud of him!
  • Fridge-Heartwarning: Earlier, Kubo had asked his mother what his father was like. Now, it's his father who's asking what his son was like before he began his quest.
  • In response to Kubo's telling about his life, Monkey gives the warmest smile and puts a gentle hand on Kubo's shoulder, moved by this boy's kindness. Better still: She's Kubo's mother, expressing how grateful she was to her son for caring for her while she was comatose, and sharing real-life stories with her.
    • Fridge-Heartwarming: In another life, Kubo could've been dissatisfied with taking care of his mother for all the time it took away from being a kid, and it wouldn't be completely uncalled for. Instead, he's talking about the good memories involving her sober moments, recognizing how precious his time her with her was. Monkey isn't just happy because she's thankful he took care of her when she was Sariatu: she's marveling that she somehow managed to raise a grateful and selfless son.
• Beetle and Monkey's relationship becomes heartwarming and a little sad in hindsight after they're revealed to be Hanzo and Sariatu, Kubo's mother and father. They bicker with each other one second and show affection the next and both love Kubo. Adding in the scene where Kubo eats fish with Beetle and Monkey, unknowingly having a family dinner for the first time, and you get an idea of what life might have been like for Kubo if both of his parents were around.
• Before diving into the Long Lake to retrieve the second piece of the armor, Beetle flirts with Monkey ("You gonna miss me, Monkey?") Even though she's a monkey and he doesn't remember her, Hanzo is still in love with his wife.
  • After he dives in, Monkey quietly says "Be careful..." Despite that she didn't want to trust him when they first met, she's shown to care about Beetle.
• Bordering between this and awesome, there's something so beautifully symbolic about the Breastplate Impenetrable shrinking down to fit Kubo when he dons it. It's almost as though recognizing him as the son of its previous master and accepting him.
• The Reveal that Monkey is Kubo's mother means that Kubo got to spend time with her as herself, rather than the helpless, fading waif he'd known his whole life.
  • Their reunion upon learning this truth. Kubo is just regaining consciousness from nearly drowning in the Long Lake, and the first thing he sees is Monkey, his Mother reincarnated. He rests a hand on hers and quietly calls her by name. And Monkey reciprocates just as warmly with a hug.
• The story of how Sariatu met Hanzo.
  • When Monkey/Sariatu narrates how she told Hanzo "Now you must die", Beetle fawns "Yeah, that's SO you..." While it's Played for Laughs, it's becomes sweeter when it's later revealed Beetle is really Hanzo. Once more, it's apparent that Hanzo's affection for his wife are as strong as ever.
  • "He looked into my eyes and uttered four simple words. These words changed everything. (...) 'You are my quest', he whispered."
    • Fridge Heart-warming: One interpretation on YouTube points out how significant those word really are: Hanzo may have possibly gone through the trouble of searching for the armor and going through the same monsters and hardships as Kubo, Monkey and Beetle, because he wanted an audience with his future wife. She literally was his quest.
• After hearing her story and the explanation that the Moon King wants to make him as heartless as himself, Kubo makes a meaningful promise (to never become like his grandfather) and gives Monkey a hug.
• Monkey tucking Kubo in bed after the latter falls asleep.
• When Monkey tells Beetle that she is Secretly Dying, and she fears Kubo will be alone once she's gone, Beetle tells her otherwise. He promises to watch over him. For once, instead of responding with sarcasm, she humbly thanks him.
• Just the idea that our lost loved ones are still alive in the stories we tell about them is heartwarming in itself.
  • Also Monkey's explanation on how, despite the fact that all stories have to come to an end, death is simply a "shift" into a new and equally exciting story. The first part is echoed by Kubo to his grandfather in the final battle, before all the spirits join him.
  • Beetle telling Monkey her story will be re-told by the people who heard it and then again by other people who heard it. Monkey is touched... until she realizes that Beetle is now stuck in an infinite loop.
    Monkey: Beetle.
    Beetle: What I'm saying your story...will live on...through him.
• On their way to the Beetle Clan Castle Beetle effortlessly lifts Kubo and carries him on his back. The two exchange smiles and the boy gives Beetle's shoulder a hug. What makes this especially heart-warming: Beetle is actually Hanzo. Kubo has unknowingly hugged his father, the very father he wanted to meet for so long! And Monkey smiles at them. Given Beetle promised to watch over her son if anything happened to her, she's happy to know Kubo will be in good hands. Four of them, to be exact.
• Also, Kubo, Beetle and Monkey admiring the sight of the flying golden herons.
  Kubo: It's beautiful.
• One word.
  Kubo: Father...
  • Two words.
    Beetle/Hanzo: My son.
• Monkey reuniting with her husband, even for just a short while. He may have been turned into a giant beetle man, but she's still so enamored to be with her husband one last time.
  Monkey: Seems I married to a bug. (Lovingly caresses her husband's face)
  Beetle/Hanzo: (Holds her hand, soberly) Yeah, but a samurai bug...
  • "You.. are my quest. You always have been..."
• Granted this is supposed to be a heart-breaking scene, Kubo making a bracelet out of his father's bow is sweet when you realize that now, he has actual memories of his father. As bittersweet as the scenario is, it signifies how he finally met and spent time with his dad.
• Upon obtaining the final piece of the armor, Kubo finds that the villagers have survived, among them Kameyo. Although there's little time for Kubo to reunite with them, at least it's a small comfort that his friends and neighbors are still alive.
• Kubo is about to resume the fight using the Sword Unbreakable. But as he reaches for its hilt, two bracelets slide out from beneath his sleeve: One woven from his mother's hair, the other from his father's bow. These two bracelets ( the titular two strings) are what inspire Kubo to use The Power of Love, and remind him that storytelling and memories are his true power.
  • Those bracelets are the most beautiful form of Morality Chain Beyond the Grave. Ever since the death of his parents, Kubo has been overcome by rage borne of grief, and he was focused solely on using the armor to destroy the Moon King. But those two small strings linked him to his parents. They helped him fulfill his promise to his mother: to never be as cruel or hard-hearted as his grandfather.
  • Each bracelet holds a memory: his mother told him about memories, that they're the most powerful magic of all. And the bow string represents it was his father himself who said he was a hero back when he just told stories. Between these two married ideas, they give Kubo the courage to face the Moon King as the kind, vulnerable boy he was in the beginning.
    Kubo: (gently) Now I know why you want my eye. It's because without it, I can't look into the eyes of another and see their soul, their love.
  • Remember when Beetle/Hanzo promised to protect Kubo, only to be killed off? Well thanks to that bracelet made from his broken bow, Hanzo posthumously carries out his promise to "keep him safe, no matter what".
  • To top it all off, Kubo not only strings his shamisen with the two strings, but he also plucks one of his own hairs to complete it. Father, Mother, and son complete the shamisen, together.
• Just the following, beautiful speech Kubo gives, whilst his magic summons the spirits of the villagers deceased loved ones, and the tears in some of their eyes at seeing them again.
  Kubo: These are the memories of those we have loved and lost. And if we hold their memories deep in our hearts, you will never take them from us. (...) And that really is the least of it.
• When the Moon King becomes human and amnesiac at the end, Kubo and the villagers would have been perfectly justified in turning their backs on him and leaving him an outcast, considering all he's done to them in the past. Instead, they welcome him and accept him as one of their community, making quite sure he'll be a good person from now on - even if they have to tell a few white lies in order to do it.
  • Special mention to Kameyo. When the Moon King is visibly confused and utters that he doesn't know who or where he is, Kubo is still visibly shaken and treats him tentatively. Kameyo sees him for a moment and instantly offers him a background story, holding on to him without the slightest fear and encouraging the other villagers to help her make him a pleasant and kind man.
  • In a way, the Moon King got what he wanted but not in the way he expected. Instead of making Kubo a part of his family, he became a part of Kubo's, giving him the opportunity to learn what having a real family is like.
  • Generally the Moon King's amnesiac personality. When he first awakens to his new mortal existence, he doesn't show a trace of his cruel, arrogant disposition. It's like his former personality wasn't his true nature, but merely a mask he wore to seem imposing. Without his memories of said-mask, he reveals to be meek and gentle. Instead of proudly demanding Kubo where he is and what's happened, he sadly admits he doesn't remember anything about his life, and humbly asks Kubo "C-can you help me?"
  • The whole thing is topped off with Kameyo introducing the amnesiac Moon King to his grandson Kubo. She promises that he'll help Raiden remember his life. He asks Kubo "Really?" For a moment, it seems Kubo still has some resentment. ...Until the boy gives a compassionate smile and warmly answers "Of course."
• Kubo's final prayer. Despite the bittersweet atmosphere, it feels more hopeful than the first prayer, between the lighting and the feeling that he's going to be all right (now that he has grandparents to look after him).
• The ending scene which also doubles as a Tear Jerker, has Kubo being comforted by the spirits of his parents. All three smiling until the screen goes black and the credits come.

Commentary

• Travis Knight pointing out the symbolism of the heroes beginning their voyage on the boat made of leaves. Symbolically, Monkey and Beetle were having an argument on the shore of the Long Lake, but it quickly peters down when they both see the boat Kubo made. Once they all board the boat and set sail, all the characters' previous conflicts are forgotten, and they can move forward as a loving family.
• Knight also talks about the significance of Sariatu moving Kubo's bangs out of his face. First, it's a beautiful Book Ends to when he used to move her hair out of her face. Second, this is meant to represent that instead of hiding his missing eye with his bangs, he can now be proud of his scar as a symbol of healing.
• During the credits, Travis Knight shares that he made movies like "Kubo and the Two Strings" for his children so they could have beautiful stories in their lives. And he narrates how his family influenced the course of Laika.