Review of The Secret of Kells (2009) by Zarinah H — 21 Oct 2010

A perfect blend of history and folklore, this is a high quality production that is well-deserving of the Oscar nomination it received this year (I checked the movie out after viewing it, wondering why it never got wide publicity).

The story begins in the Abbey of Kells, circa 9th century. The Abbot is intent on building a strong wall that would protect the abbey from marauding Vikings. He is strict with his nephew Brendan and is disappointed when the boy seems more interested in more scholarly pursuits. Brendan gets apprenticed to a master illuminator, Aidan of Iona, who along with his feline companion, Pangur Ban, comes to the Abbey after the Vikings destroy his abbey. Aidan is working on the Book of Kells, but since his own eyesight is failing him and his hands are not as steady as they were, he calls on Brendan to help him. Young Brendan is more than eager, finding himself entranced by the beauty of the artwork, and this passion causes him to defy his own uncle's strict orders not to venture out of the abbey. Brendan goes into the nearby woods looking for plants to make into ink. Here, Brendan meets and befriends Aisling, who turns out to be a sort of forest sprite. The rest of the story revolves around Brendan's exploits in order to complete The Book of Kells.

The animation is pure magic, it was like seeing the pages of an illuminated manuscript come to life (ok, maybe an extremely well-illustrated graphic novel, but you get my meaning). Each frame is so beautiful, that both my kindergartener and I were completely entranced. Celtic symbolism and mythology permeate the story. It's really wonderful, and will infuse children and adults with a sense of magic and wonder!