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14: Kubo and the Two Strings – Show Notes

First Segment

  • Shinto
    • What are kami?
    • Influence on the culture
    • Teachings of Shinto
  • Buddhism
    • 6th century introduction to Japan
    • Complimenting Shinto – life and death
    • Teachings of Buddhism
  • Japanese Creation Story
    • The first two gods
    • The birth of Japan and death of Izanami-no-Mikoto
    • Birth of Sun Goddess, Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, Susanoo
    • Marriage and separation of Amaterasu and Tsukuyomi
  • The Moon God in Japanese Culture
    • Lunar calendar
    • Visual art

Second Segment

  • Stop Motion Animation
    • Definition
    • The first stop motion film
      • Humpty Dumpty Circus – 1898
        • By Albert E. Smith and J. Stuart Blackton
      • Museum of the Moving Image – Astoria, Queens, NY
      • Use during the 20th century
    • Laika Studios
      • Founding of the studio
        • Formerly Vinton Studios
        • Transition to stop motion in 2009
      • Filmography before Kubo
        • Coraline 
        • ParaNorman
        • Box Trolls
      • Figures, sets and practical effects
    • Kubo’s Place in Stop Motion History
      • Painstaking creation over 5 years
      • Pushing the boundaries of 3D printing
      • Setting records with puppets
      • Reviews
      • Box office

Third Segment

  • Involved Parent vs. Absent Parent Trope
  • Mature Themes of Pain and Death – An Older Kids Movie
  • Whitewashing
  • Original Story Telling and Letting Stories End