The Secret of Kells [DVD]

This film is beautifully animated with a refreshing style of artwork, the characters taking on exaggerated forms reflecting aspects of their personality (akin to  Belleville Rendez-Vous [2003] [DVD ], among other animated features). The background detail is no less a masterpiece, landscapes are a blend of lush, enveloping, haunting, geometric and wonderfully detailed scenes. The Secret Of Kells is truly engaging and enticing for this reason and if that is all you are looking for, then no doubt you will enjoy it and need read no further.Despite the films aesthetic beauty, it's lacking in depth on a number of fronts. A very linear plot, centred around a simple, one dimensional hero Brendan who is up against some very one dimensional baddies, the Vikings. All throughout there is but a hint of character development (the Illustrator from Iona gets a humorous introduction to the story as other characters recite their comical misconceptions of this mythical hero). Other than that, there is a distinct lack of background to any character. The second protagonist in (the mystical forest girl Aisling) simply informs us that the evil god of the underworld took her family and that's about it.In Brendans predictable journey, he ages to the point where any boyish charm and intrigue he may have had at the start eventually erodes to leave a bland, almost-smug young adult who teaches uncle the error of his ways. Aisling, who from the outset was the most intriguing character - mischievous and magical yet serious and foreboding - is basically forgotten from the halfway point of the film and pretty much ignored at the abrupt 'climax' of the film. With quite literally only a nod of recognition near the end.Whilst I fully appreciate this is by no means an historical film, it touches on historical perspectives and it grates with me that Vikings are simply portrayed as one dimensional killing machines hell bent on destroying everything...and not much else. Not only is this untrue (which isn't the reason I have marked it down) but it also lacks any credibility as it offers a distinct lack of depth to the villains and ultimately to humanity; Vikings were human after all. I can't think of any other children's film that portrays an enemy so poorly in this regard. For example, Disney villains typically have great depth, unafraid of showing emotion, skewed principles and dastardly ambitions yet children and adults alike will revel in their dislike for them. So I have no idea why the creators held back on the Vikings here, they just grunt, kill and leave, like boring robots.Whilst my complaints may seem petty and harsh when reviewing a children's film and coming from an adult perspective, I have tried to reflect that in my score. However, I am a fan of many other children's films, both animated and live action, from youngster to young adult, from Studio Ghibli to Disney & Pixar but none have come this close to disappointment for me and none have faced such a lack of character development and bland, linear narrative.In summary, this is a beautiful children's film, which in all probability will be enjoyed by children but lacking the depth of both character and story to make it a true great enjoyed across the generations.

This is an absolutely fantastic little movie and beyond. I bought this for my two nieces after I heard really great things about it. So I sat down and watched it by myself in my room and actually found myself totally moved by this story. All the characters are fantastic but Aisling in particular was incredible and very charming. The song she sings gave me honest to goodness goose bumps I was just so impressed with it.The cat, Pangur Bán, was another character that really took my by surprise omg he is so funny. I love that little cat and every time he reacts to anything had me in stitches.Make no mistake, this is not your typical cartoon movie. There are sequences in this that will suddenly stop you in your tracks, it actually found myself with my jaw wide open and was close to tears, I'm not kidding. I was totally taken back by what I was seeing. I cant even explain why I felt so suddenly overwhelmed. Maybe I just have a deep love for Celtic art and appreciated how it was portrait in this film. I love the way the forest is drawn, the way the shape is uniform and yet so elegant. It reminds me of the magic of Lothlórien in lord of the rings. I just gasped and found tears welding up.The original drawings and ideas behind this will leave you spellbound because its just not what you expect. I was just so moved by how bold and non typical it was. Looking at still pictures on the internet is one thing but to see them in motion is another. There are parts that I had to rewind a few times they were so brilliant. Some of the moving pictures I wont give a way, you will just have to wait and see for yourself.There is one part in it that I had to pause it to see if my eyes were truly seeing what the "snow" was made up of. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. This was really amazing to see for an artist like myself and to see how it is all done. My god it must have taken forever. I know I will be watching this again for the depth I found.I would recommend this little gem to ANYONE who is into unique animation. This one is a nice surprise.

This is a review of the Region B2 Blu-ray, from Optimum Home Entertainment. The quality is outstandingly good.My husband and I are mega-fans of Studio Ghibli, and we tend to use Ghibli films as a base-line when judging other animations. ‘The Secret of Kells’, whilst it has a different look, compares well with the best of Japanese animé. It is exquisitely drawn. The style of drawing is less ‘realistic’ than most of the Ghibli films, more impressionistic and representational, though none the worse for that. It uses Celtic and Medieval themes in all its art work, with lovely colours and intricate forms. Natural forms - leaves, trees, animals, butterflies, snakes - abound. The landscape of Ireland, and the monastic enclave of Kells are deliciously rendered. The changing times of day, the seasons, the weather, are all beautifully portrayed. And the wonderful visual style is enhanced by a well-rounded and interesting story, very good characterisation, humour, and lovely music throughout.The film’s coverage of illumination by monks, of Viking raids, of the incorporation of natural forms into Celtic art, and the older, darker deities of pre-Christian Ireland, are all really interesting.This is a film which will certainly appeal to children (younger ones will enjoy the pictures, although the storyline will be too sophisticated for them), but it is also suitable for an adult audience. It is also likely to engender a desire to go and see The ‘Book of Kells', if you have not seen it already! This is a charming, beautiful and totally engrossing film, which will stand ‘repeat watchings’, to enjoy its many delights.

Despite the film winning a reward I don’t feel like it has the same charm as song of the sea both made by same artist. The film description came across as a big adventure story then turned out to have a religious theme to it less fantasy. Still a good film though worth a watch.