Secret of Kells, The (2009) [Blu-ray]
Animation | Adventure | Fantasy

In a remote medieval outpost of Ireland, young Brendan embarks on a new life of adventure when a celebrated master illuminator arrives from foreign lands carrying a book brimming with secret wisdom and powers. To help complete the magical book, Brendan has to overcome his deepest fears on a dangerous quest that takes him into the enchanted forest where mythical creatures hide. It is here that he meets the fairy Aisling, a mysterious young wolf-girl, who helps him along the way. But with the barbarians closing in, will Brendan's determination and artistic vision illuminate the darkness and show that enlightenment is the best fortification against evil?

User Comment: whistlestop from Ireland, 30 March 2009 • The Secret of Kells is a film I've been waiting for for years after seeing some early footage at the Cartoon Saloon in Kilkenny. I'm here to tell you now it's been worth the wait. The cartoons are heavily stylised but not annoyingly so as I'd feared. The whole film is a thing of beauty and great imagination, I particularly love the animated illuminated book where the little figures come to life on the page. The characterisation is superb, I love Brendan Gleeson's voice as the stern Abbot and I especially liked the voice of the sprite Aisling. The forest is a triumph, such a beautiful place. The story is well realised, a mix of fact and fantasy. and really draws the viewer in to cheer on Brendan in his quest for the perfect materials for the Book. I'm a lover of calligraphy and illumination anyway so the subject is close to my heart, but all the people I know who've seen this and are not fans of the craft agree that it's a lovely little film. I will definitely buy the DVD when it's released, and would like to say, well done Cartoon Saloon and all the people involved in this mammoth project. May there be many more. :) Coming back in here to say that I bought several copies of the DVD as soon as I could and gave them out at Christmas, everyone loves it! And I wish them all the luck in the world at the Oscars, such a joy to see this nominated.

Summary: Beautiful!

[CSW] -3- Not knowing that the heavily detailed and ornate Book of Kells was an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin. And not knowing that an illuminated manuscript was a manuscript in which the text is supplemented by the addition of decoration, such as decorated initials, borders and miniature illustrations. And not knowing that Book of Kells was created by Celtic monks ca. 800 or slightly earlier. And not knowing that the illustrations and ornamentation of the Book of Kells surpass that of other Insular Gospel books in extravagance and complexity. I was at first lost as to the plot of this movie. It was clear by the end that the creation and completion of the Book of Kells was the focal point of the plot. The little animated illuminated book figures that come to life on the page at the end of the movie are totally fascinating.
[V4.0-A5.0] MPEG-4 AVC - No D-Box

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