The Secret of the Kells

Earlier this year I was caught by suprise during the oscar cockanimmy.  That's pretty unusual since I keep my finger on the pulse of what's going on.  But in the best animation selection there was this film "The Secret of the Kells," and I'm like what the whodahay is this?  After seeing some clips, I knew I wanted to see this badly.  Unfortunately it's theatrical release here in the states was ... shall we just say "limited," and leave it at that.  Fortunately DVD heals most wounds and I've finally seen it all.

The story is that of Brendan a young monk at the monastery of Kells.  His uncle is the Abbott and everyone is very afraid of the dreaded Vikings.  The Abbott is trying to put up a wall to keep everyone out.  Brendan would love to GO out into the world but is kept behind those huge imposing walls.  Finally, he does get out into the woods and there meets Aisling a fairie and shapechanger.  Will Brendan be able to help create the book that will turn darkness to light?  Will he and Aisling be safe from vikings and worse? 

The film is beautiful.  There's no other word for it.  Taking design cues from celtic designs it just flows like lines from a pen, or how ripples in a creek may look when the light catches it.  The characters of Aisling and Brendan are fun and never cliched.  The film moves quickly and is exciting.  Also, as Bill Cosby used to say, if you aren't careful you may learn something.