Review of The Secret of Kells (2009) by Kristy O — 23 Oct 2010

Set in 9th Century when the Vikings were raiding Ireland The Secret of Kells is the story very loosely based around the creation/completion about the true life sacred gospel known as the Book of Kells. Combining irish folklore, a little history, and utilizing some of the most impressive animation that I have seen in years, The Secret of Kells becomes a truly wondrous piece of artistry and imagination that is in turn meant to highlight the amazing art that is found in the book that the movie is about.

The story's plot, however, is not unique. In short it's a coming of age story for a young boy who follows his desire to help create the artful pages of the Book of Iona (later named the Book of Kells) and must defy his gruff uncle who is so preoccupied with building a wall to protect the refugees from the invading north man that he can't see how important this "magic book" will become until it is too late. Add in a little fairy girl of the forest to aid the boy on his quest and you have the makings of the same old fairy tale that has been told many time before.

The other downside is that for all the emphasis that there is on this "magic book" the audience is left with very little knowledge about what exactly this book is or why it is so important that people would risk their very lives to save it? Unlike other fairy tale movies this book is not used to stop the Viking invaders or any other type of saving grace artifact that is usually seen in these type of movies. In fact the books only power, the ability to "bring light to darkness" is only meant in a symbolic sense. (In other words it's only mean to be a symbol of hope for the people suffering from the Viking raids.).

Even if the story is not all that original it's really only second rate to the animation, because that is the true star of the film. It's like a tapestry come to life that uses color (or lack there of) to it's advantage. From the lush green and brown forests, to the dark luminous cave of the evil Crom Cruach, and finally the horrific reds and black from the climatic Viking raid upon the abbey makes this movie delicious eye candy for the audience and, if only for a little while, makes it seem like that you are seeing this repeated story theme and it's message for the first time.