Review of The Secret of Kells (2009) by Christopher G — 26 Apr 2011

When the large majority of animated films you see are Disney princesses, computer animated, or Miyazaki, it's refreshing to see a unique film that's totally unlike any other coming out of Europe. The drawings are stylish and colorful and vibrant; they're just a wonder to look at.

The story is of a sheltered young boy named Brendan, who's lived his whole life inside the walls of Kells, with his uncle, the abbot. When the famed illustrator Aidan of Iona comes seeking refuge, he reveals a whole new world to Brendan. In helping Aidan to complete a magical book, Brendan ventures outside of the walls into the forest. There he meets Aisling, a spiritual and mischievous young girl who decides to help him along.

The story itself isn't fully fleshed out. Some parts are great and others are just glossed over. Some of the flashbacks get a little abstract, which is both interesting and unsatisfying all at once. We don't really get much background on several key aspects of the story, and the denouement feels very rushed. It's vaguely religious in nature, but certainly accessible to everyone.

The acting is fine and Aisling steals all of her scenes, but it's the art that makes the movie. It's just beautiful.