The Secret of Kells
The Secret of Kells

Movie spotlight

The Secret of Kells

2009
Movie
79 min
English

Adventure awaits 12 year old Brendan who must fight Vikings and a serpent god to find a crystal and complete the legendary Book of Kells. In order to finish Brother Aiden's book, Brendan must overcome his deepest fears on a secret quest that will take him beyond the abbey walls and into the enchanted forest where dangerous mythical creatures hide. Will Brendan succeed in his quest?

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes91%
Metacritic81/100
Google Users86%
Director: Tomm MooreGenres: Animation, Family, Fantasy, Adventure

Plot Summary

In 9th-century Ireland, young monk Brendan lives in the isolated ABBEY of Kells, famous for its illuminated manuscript. When a Viking raid threatens the abbacy, Brendan embarks on a dangerous journey into the enchanted forest to find the ancient Book of Iona, a legendary tome of wisdom and beauty. Along the way, he encounters a mischievous fairy named Aisling and must overcome his fears to complete his quest and save his home.

Critical Reception

The Secret of Kells received widespread critical acclaim for its breathtaking animation style, rich storytelling, and evocative score. Critics lauded its unique visual artistry, which blended traditional Irish illumination with a modern, fluid animation technique. Audiences similarly praised its magical atmosphere and heartfelt narrative, making it a beloved independent animated feature.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually stunning with a unique hand-drawn animation style.

  • A magical and heartfelt story rooted in Irish mythology.

  • Praised for its artistic vision and engaging narrative for all ages.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly loved the film's beautiful and distinctive animation, finding it to be a visually captivating experience. Many appreciated the enchanting story and its connection to Irish culture and folklore, deeming it a heartwarming and memorable animated adventure.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Fun Fact

The film's distinctive art style was inspired by medieval illuminated manuscripts, particularly the Book of Kells itself, and features influences from Celtic art and storytelling.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Alunauwie

Alunauwie

The film is a historical fantasy inspired by the origins of the Book of Kells, a Latin manuscript of the four Gospels adorned with beautiful illustrations. It introduces viewers to a religious and artistic legacy within the context of the C...