The Secret of Kells

Most animated fairy tale movies come from Walt Disney Animation Studios. However, there are other studios that produce fairy tales: the Irish Cartoon Saloon is an example.

The Secret of Kells is the studio's first film. It follows Brendan, a boy living at the abbey, as he protects the "book of Kells" (which represents the Bible). Brendan clearly wanted to leave the abbey walls, but the opening scene could establish the goal better. 

The film has impressive cartoony animation that works on a scroll. However, I found the story somewhat dull; Brendan leaves and returns to the abbey trying to find a secret to a book that is already revealed to be sacred. The dull colors of the abbey and of the ocean and prison at night do not help. Maybe the film uses an accurate color palette for Ireland's towers and churches, but it's not the best to look at. 

One thing that would make the story more interesting is establishing Brendan's backstory more; if the film explains how he ended up at the abbey and going more into his desire to leave, I would not have gotten tired as much. 

A character who makes the film more interesting is white girl Aisling; I especially enjoyed the scene in which she and Brendan climbed trees together. Visual-wise, the trees looked more artsy than anything else in the film. The Secret of Kells also establishes Aisling as a wolf-girl, but a clear connection of the curse to the book of Kells would strengthen it. 

Of course, there is plenty of adventure and action. It was fun to see Brendan swimming amongst eels, as well as leaving the abbey for a better life. Tension was also present through the storms and the crowd struggling around the tower. 

The best thing about The Secret of Kells has to be the Christian message; it reveals how, like the Bible, the Book of Kells is necessary because it provides sacred guidance to people. 

I did not enjoy The Secret of Kells as much as I wanted it to, but I appreciated how it was a short film with a positive message. The creative animation also stood out to me. I recommend this film for Christians and other people who take an interest in Irish folklore and/or animation. 

Have you seen The Secret of Kells? What do you think about it?