Kubo and the Two Strings — Family Discussion Guide
A guided conversation resource to help families explore the themes of Kubo and the Two Strings through a biblical lens.
Key Takeaways
Sacrificial love leaves a lasting mark on a family.
Courage and perseverance matter when facing fear and loss.
The film presents communication with departed loved ones as comforting spiritual practice, which may conflict with a biblical view and is worth discussing with children.
Supernatural power is tied to magic and mystical forces rather than to the living God, so parents may want to contrast that with Christian hope in Christ.
Discussion Questions
What does the film say helps people when someone they love has died? How is that similar to or different from the comfort Christians have?
Why do you think the festival scene feels comforting? What does God say about where we should turn for help and guidance?
The film says stories shape who we are. What story does God say is most true about us?
Where do you see courage and self-sacrifice in the film? How does that point us toward the greater love of Jesus?
Guidance Notes
This beautifully made fantasy centers on grief, courage, family loyalty, and the power of stories, but it also includes dark peril, death, and spiritual ideas rooted in magic and ancestor communication. For many Christian families, the main questions are less about crude content and more about how the film handles loss, the afterlife, and supernatural power.
The film strongly values love, sacrifice, courage, and remembering those who have died. It treats stories and memory as powerful ways to preserve a person's legacy, which can open meaningful family conversations about grief and honor. At the same time, it blends magic, ancestor-focused ritual, and spiritual ideas outside a Christian framework. Christian families may want to contrast the film's view of the dead and the spiritual world with the hope believers have in Jesus Christ, who defeats death and calls us to seek God rather than contact the departed. Parents may want to discuss the difference between remembering loved ones and trying to speak with them.
Dark fantasy peril
Magic and ancestor themes
Scripture References
Family Discussion Guide — Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Use this guide after watching Kubo and the Two Strings together to explore its themes through a biblical lens.
Key Takeaways
- Sacrificial love leaves a lasting mark on a family.
- Courage and perseverance matter when facing fear and loss.
- The film presents communication with departed loved ones as comforting spiritual practice, which may conflict with a biblical view and is worth discussing with children.
- Supernatural power is tied to magic and mystical forces rather than to the living God, so parents may want to contrast that with Christian hope in Christ.
Discussion Questions
- What does the film say helps people when someone they love has died? How is that similar to or different from the comfort Christians have?
- Why do you think the festival scene feels comforting? What does God say about where we should turn for help and guidance?
- The film says stories shape who we are. What story does God say is most true about us?
- Where do you see courage and self-sacrifice in the film? How does that point us toward the greater love of Jesus?
Guidance Notes
- This beautifully made fantasy centers on grief, courage, family loyalty, and the power of stories, but it also includes dark peril, death, and spiritual ideas rooted in magic and ancestor communication. For many Christian families, the main questions are less about crude content and more about how the film handles loss, the afterlife, and supernatural power.
- The film strongly values love, sacrifice, courage, and remembering those who have died. It treats stories and memory as powerful ways to preserve a person’s legacy, which can open meaningful family conversations about grief and honor. At the same time, it blends magic, ancestor-focused ritual, and spiritual ideas outside a Christian framework. Christian families may want to contrast the film’s view of the dead and the spiritual world with the hope believers have in Jesus Christ, who defeats death and calls us to seek God rather than contact the departed. Parents may want to discuss the difference between remembering loved ones and trying to speak with them.
- Dark fantasy peril
- Magic and ancestor themes
Scripture to Explore Together
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
- John 11:25-26
- Deuteronomy 18:10-12
- Isaiah 8:19
- Genesis 1:27
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
- John 15:13
- Romans 5:8