The Secret of Kells

2009 Fantasy

Follow 12-year-old Brendan (voice of Evan McGuire) as he battles Vikings and confronts an ancient serpent god on a mission to locate a legendary crystal and complete the mythical Book of Kells. Brendan lives in a heavily fortified medieval outpost known as the Abbey of Kells, where the ongoing threat of Viking raids causes the peaceful monks to live in a state of constant fear. Along with his uncle, Abbot Cellach, Brendan labors to fortify the abbey walls daily so his people will be protected from invading forces. When the mysterious Brother Aidan arrives at the abbey carrying an unfinished tome filled mystical secrets, Brendan becomes illuminated, and his dormant talents are awakened. The book must be finished, but accomplishing that mission will be no simple task. As the Vikings close in, Brendan ventures into the surrounding forest and prepares to confront his darkest fears. Accompanying him on his dangerous mission is Aisling, a half-wolf/half-human fairy whose powers will help to guide Brendan through this enchanting yet dangerous new world. more..

Director: Tomm Moore

Reviews

  • This wonderfully strange and exquisite little feature was created, especially for young children, to celebrate the book through another kind of illumination that's been falling into disuse--hand-drawn animation.

    Joe Morgenstern - The Wall Street Journal

    27 April 2013

  • The Secret of Kells is a magical adventure unlike anything we've seen on screen before.

    Claudia Puig - USA Today

    27 April 2013

  • A visually overwhelming labor of love, a hand-drawn medieval adventure tale that seeks and finds cosmic connections.

    Ty Burr - The Boston Globe

    27 April 2013

  • Quite unlike anything I've ever seen before.

    Lou Lumenick - New York Post

    27 April 2013

  • There's something kind of captivating about a film that's been painstakingly drawn to glorify the craft of illustration, and that's comfortable using retro techniques. Because after all, what else makes sense for bringing to life the gold and scarlet ornamentation in ancient manuscripts?

    Bob Mondello - NPR

    27 April 2013

Awards

  • Best Animated Feature Film of the Year

    Academy Awards (2010)

     
  • Feature Films

    Annecy International Animated Film Festival (2009)

  • Best Animated Feature

    Annie Awards (2010)

     
  • Best Animated Film

    Boulder International Film Festival (2010)

  • Best Production Design

    Chlotrudis Awards (2011)