Fabrice ziolkowskis screenplay may not bowl you over, but this movie is an absolute triumph of design. Reproductions from the manuscript in trinity college dublin and it turns out it is an elaborate medieval manuscript of the four gospels. The secret of kells the secret of kells wiki fandom. The book of kells seldom comes to view in the historical record. With the threat of a viking invasion on their irish monastery, an abbot is too busy overseeing the building of a great wall to make a meaningful connection with his young nephew brendan, who finds. Originally released in ireland, one of its countries of origin, the secret of kells story is intertwined with the book of kells.
Brendan is a twelveyearold boy being brought up in the walled abbey of kells by his uncle, the stern abbot. The secret of kells what is this remarkable animated. Set in the 9th century ireland, factual details concerning the writing and illumination of the book of kells. We knew there was a movie in there, even if it seemed unlikely at first glance. Despite the regrettable plot point over the disobedience, the secret of kells is suitable for kids 10 and up. The secret of kells 2009, codirected by tomm moore and nora twomey, is an astonishing homage to ireland and celtic culture. The secret of kells is one of the most beautifully animated films of the past decade. It premiered on february 11, 2009 in france and belgum, march 3, 2009 on ireland, and march 12, 2010 in the united states. Nearly every frame of this 75minute animated feature is dense with curlicued and crosshatched patterns and figures. Nov 17, 2019 the book of kells is located at the trinity college in dublin and it is open for public visits, most times the book of kells contains the four gospels of the christian scriptures written in black, red, purple, and yellow ink in an insular majuscule script, preceded by prefaces, summaries, and concordances of gospel passages.
The secret of kells tells the story of the construction of this mythical book from the eyes of a kid named brendan and his version of the world, his thoughts while growing, the people he meets and all the knowledge and experiences he acquires. Jan 4, 2017 the secret of kells animated movie poster 11x17. The film is based on the story of the origin of the book of kells, an illuminated manuscript gospel book in latin. This is one of the most gorgeous and visually inventive movies ive ever seen. It gets the name book of kells from the fact that it was kept at a monastery in the town of kells for a long time in the medieval period. Secret of kells hearkens back to animations golden age with an enchanting. The secret of kells is a 2009 frenchbelgianirish animated fantasy film animated by cartoon saloon that premiered on 8 february 2009 at the 59th berlin international film festival. Thanks to jerry beck for this photo from comiccon of the designing the secret of kells books arriving at comic con. This fascinating program tells the story of this magnificent masterpiece of irish art. Set in 8th century ireland, it is beautifully animated, taking cues from ancient illuminated manuscripts and gaelic folk art. The secret of kells is the academy award nominated animated film released in 2010. The animated fantasy film was created in 2009 by cartoon saloon that was released in three countries, belgium, france and ireland. This animated film gives a fictionalized account of the creation of the book of kells, an illuminated manuscript of the bible which has since become an irish national treasure.
On february 2, 2010, it was nominated for an academy award for best animated feature, but lost to up. The medieval masterpiece, the book of kells, is now. Song of the sea and secret of the kells this is what i thought through the entire movie of song of the sea saoirse with aisiling by on deviantart the 14 best animated movies for adults. Kells may not be as flashy as nearby dublin but it still has some movie connections the butcher boy was partially shot at headfort house and the oscarnominated animated movie the secret of kells was inspired by kells ecclesiastical history. Full of wonder, color, and light, the secret of kells presents a lush story world with many redemptive themes suitable for kids, and delightful for parents. This is a precautionary measure to minimise the spread of covid19.
Most popular animated feature films released in 2019. The secret of kells is a stunning handdrawn animated film that draws on the history of the book of kells and on celtic mythology to create a mysterious and beautiful origin tale for that book, a work of religious, artistic, and cultural significance in ireland. The films simple plot and premise is based on facts. Tomm moores christians, pagans, fairy girls and beasts the. The art style is like moving illustrations from a book of english fairy tales, and it constantly changes from scene to scene, offering new things to see while keeping the same basic theme.
The ancient masterpiece is a stunning example of hibernosaxon style, thought to have been composed on the scottish island of iona in 806, then transferred to the monastery of kells in county meath after a viking raid a story told in the marvelous animated film the secret of kells. The film of the book one of the biggest surprises in recent oscar history was surely the elevation of an unknown frenchbelgianirish coproduction, made by the littleknown irish studio cartoon saloon, into the ranks of best animated feature nominees this past spring. We easily identify with brendan and his quest to help complete the book in the face of many setbacks and troubles. Which movies are visually similar to the secret of kells. To help complete the magical book, brendan has to overcome his deepest fears on a dangerous quest that takes him into the enchanted. Tomm moores christians, pagans, fairy girls and beasts. He began working on the secret of kells while studying animation in college, driven by an interest in history and particularly in the ornate graphic style of the real book of kells. This decision has been made to protect the health and safety of our visitors and the university community. Animated by irish studio cartoon saloon, the secret of kells is meant to directly resemble the famous manuscript its based on. Featuring a plot heavily inspired by irish mythology, it tells the story of the viking invasion of ireland and the creation of the book of kells. Mar 06, 2015 the secret of kells is one of the most beautifully animated films of the past decade. Columba, who brought the gospel to scotland in the 6th century. Ive had it on my list for a long time, and thing after thing has thrown itself in the way o.
A great poster from the beautifully animated movie song of the sea by tomm moore creator of the awardwinning film the secret of kells. Animation song of the sea animated movie poster a great poster from the beautifully animated movie song of the sea by tomm moore creator of the awardwinning film the secret of kells. This is the kind of film where a montage plays out in a triptych. Cartoon saloon the secret of kells animated feature film. The book of kells is a famous illuminated latin manuscript containing the four gospels of the new testament combined with beautiful illumination. The story restores some of the mystery and magic to animated adventures, eschewing the usual silly. Secret of kells takes on animation big boys in oscar. We wish to inform you that the book of kells and old library exhibition will temporarily close to visitors until further notice.
Beautifully drawn and refreshingly calm, the secret of kells hearkens back to animation s golden age with an enchanting tale inspired by irish mythology. Apr 27, 2009 beautifully drawn and refreshingly calm, the secret of kells hearkens back to animations golden age with an enchanting tale inspired by irish mythology. Tsok is animated with the shapes and styles of the book of kells itself. Please check the motion picture rating and parents guide for details. Book of kells acts as inspiration for new animated adventure film. The book of kells is one of the finest and most famous, and also one of the latest, of a group of manuscripts in what is known as the insular style, produced from the late 6th through the early 9th centuries in monasteries in ireland, scotland and england and in continental monasteries with hibernoscottish or anglosaxon foundations. Throughout all of art history, one of the most distinct styles and types has been that of the irish, or celtic art. Apr 26, 2016 the book of kells isnt the only illuminated manuscript in the socalled insular style. Directed by irish animator tomm moore, its a retelling of the origins of the book of kells. It is a welcome respite from all the senseless bombast of current animated fare such as monsters vs. 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. Every scene of the irish independent film resembles a finely rendered painting in the distinctive prerenaissance style. Magic, fantasy, and celtic mythology come together in a riot of color and detail that dazzle the eyes in a sweeping story about the power of.
This animated film gives a fictionalized account of the creation of the book of kells. The secret of kells what is this remarkable animated feature. That same spirit translates over to this art book, which is a trove of concept and production art for the animated movie. Some of the monks in the monastery illuminate sacred texts. The idea was to look at the book of kells and medieval art in general. We went to cartoon movie in berlin and met didier brunner who was. It was stolen in the 11th century, at which time its cover was torn off and it was thrown into a ditch.
An early look at distinctive animated film the secret of. Interview tomm moore talks the secret of kells kristy puchko october 5, 2010 he secret of kells is an independent animated film out of ireland, that broke into the us as a surprise pick for the 2009 academy awards, beating out hayao miyazakis ponyo for a best animated. In this animated irish movie, 12yearold brendan voice of evan mcguire must ward off vikings and mythical creatures in the quest complete the book of kells, an illuminated manuscript with a power all its own. Films can entertain as well as give us insight into cultures. Trailer for brendan and the secret of kells by tomm moore. The secrets behind the creation of irelands lavish illustrated manuscript the book of kells are revealed in this exquisitely animated feature. Steeped in irish folklore, the movie includes scenes of barbarian invaders sweeping through towns, terrorizing and killing people with their swords and axes as they go. This film is fictional account of the creation of the book of kells, an illuminated latin manuscript containing the four gospels of the new testament. The secret of kells is a 2009 frenchbelgianirish animated fantasy film animated by cartoon saloon that premiered on 8 february 2009 at the 59th berlin. The secret of kells is a 2009 frenchbelgianirish animated fantasy film animated by cartoon. Nov 05, 2015 together with the gospels of lindisfarne and the book of durrow, i would say that the book of kells is one of the greatest contributions to medieval art ever to come out of the british isles. To help complete the magical book, brendan has to overcome his deepest.
The motion picture and bubbles wont be aimed at children. Reproductions from the manuscript in trinity college dublin and it turns out it is an elaborate medieval. While its not a faithful historical account of the creation of the book of kells it is a. Apr 08, 2010 the secret of kells is a perfectly unique animated film, literally unlike anything else i can think to name. Young brendan lives in a remote medieval outpost under siege from barbarian raids. Nominated for an academy award in 2010 for best animated feature, the secret of kells has screened and won awards in major festivals worldwide. With as many disparate styles of animation there are in the world, between movies and television programs and the internet, its still impossible to say, kells is just like that. The book of kells movie there was also a movie made that was inspired by the book called the secret of kells.
Such carelessness, taken together with the sumptuousness of the book, have led to the conclusion that it was designed for ceremonial use on special liturgical occasions such as easter rather than for daily services. May 19, 2015 2010 academy award nominee, best animated feature. After a viking raid, the book was moved to kells, ireland, sometime in the 9th century. It has a rather unique animation style and is visually stunning. But a new life of adventure beckons when a celebrated master illuminator arrives from foreign lands carrying an ancient but unfinished book, brimming with secret wisdom and powers. The movie is about brendan evan mcguire, a tenyearold boy who is a novice in a monastery. The book of kells illuminated decoration and calligraphy adorning the four gospels have earned it the reputation as the most beautiful book in the world. Tags animation, family, fantasy language english, irish director tomm moore, nora twomey. Animated film, the secret of kells 2009, based on the book of kells was nominated in the 2010 oscars for its beautiful animation. Aug 22, 2019 originally released in ireland, one of its countries of origin, the secret of kells story is intertwined with the book of kells. The aspect of the secret of kells thats most noteworthy is the visuals.
Book of kells the library of trinity college dublin. The animated story of the boy behind the famed book of kells. Secret of kells takes on animation big boys in oscar races. The secret aint no secret, in kells the movie mantra. The secret of kells was cartoon saloons first feature film and was directed by tomm moore with nora twomey as codirector. If youve ever watched the secret of kells, you know that the studio cartoon saloon doesnt do things halfway. This list contains both childfriendly and adultoriented movies. The book of kells is inches wide and 10 inches high. From the producers of kirikou and triplets of belleville, a new animated masterpiece. The book is famous for its elaborate illuminations depicting both celtic knotwork and christian imagery. Old fangs somewhere down the line the ledge end of phil i can also reco. The 2009 animated film the secret of kells tells a fictional story of the creation of the book of kells by an elderly monk aidan and his young apprentice brendan, who struggle to work on the manuscript in the face of destructive viking raids. The secret of kells never talks down to kids, and while im not sure children will appreciate the incredible art, the story is accessible and fun, if scary at points.
In the movie they never address what is in the book of kells, just that it an amazingly beautiful book. Monks from the original monastery founded by st columba also set up other monastic communities including. The secret of kells 2010 rotten tomatoes movie trailers. Here are ten things you should know about this ancient masterpiece. The secret of kells 2009 the animated story of the boy behind the famed book of kells. He is enthralled buy the scribes that are creating the beautiful art work in the margins of the bible called the book of kells. Celtic art is set apart from other kinds of art based upon the heavy use of the various knotwork patterns and designs, by the usage of the colors violet, brown, yellow, blue and green, and particularly in the book of kells, the angular runic styles of font. Tags animation, family, fantasy language english, irish director. Young brendan is an aspiring artist living with his uncle, abbot cellach, at the monastery of kells.
The secret of kells is a stunningly beautiful animated feature for families that celebrates the potent melding of creativity and faith. Actually, for most of the world the secret of kells would have stayed a secret if it was not for the surprise nomination at. It goes very well with the theme of the movie and the illuminated manuscripts. In an age in which animated movies are hightech ventures, handdrawn oscar nominee the secret of kells instead represents high art.
Song of the sea movie poster 11x17 animated movie posters. Mar 16, 2010 i guess the story surrounding the book of kells made perfect sense as a hook, and i began to look at the legends and history surrounding it. Consisting mainly of copies of the four gospels, as well as. Which it does in glorious fashion without ever seeming unnatural or outdated. An introduction to the book of kells and the beautiful film the secret of kells made by the studio cartoon saloon. The secret of kells might rush it plot, but it visuals and what it culturally shares are mesmerizing. It features the voice talents of brendan gleeson and mick lally. You should look for more projects from cartoon saloon, the irish animation company behind the secret of kells and song of the sea. It is a very sweet story about a young boy living in an abby in ireland at the time of the viking raids. It went into wide release in belgium and france on 11 february, and ireland on 3 march. Into the spiderverse redefined what it meant to be a comic book movie and what it meant to be an animated movie. A choice of 157 of the best animated movies released between 2000 and 2020. Teaching not only history, but beliefs, important figures, and inspiring events. The friendship thats made between the two may end up saving both the book, and the lives of the monks and villagers.
Brendan and the secret of kells is an animated fantasy feature film distributed by cartoon saloon. Its called book of columba because theres a legend that it was created singlehandedly by st. Vikings and a serpent god to find a crystal and complete the legendary irish book of kells. The book of kells was probably produced in a monastery on the isle of iona, scotland, to honor saint columba in the early 8th century. Beautifully drawn and refreshingly calm, the secret of kells hearkens back to animations golden age with an. The secret of kells is an absolutely fabulous, delightful, fanciful animated movie about young brendan who lives in the abbey of kells, where he becomes the great illuminator of the book of kells. Parents need to know that the secret of kells is an oscarnominated animated movie thats too intense for preschoolers and even young elementary schoolaged kids. Mar 03, 2010 moore, the director of the animated film the secret of kells, grew up and still lives in kilkenny, ireland, a onecathedral town of a few thousand people about an hour and a half south of. The story, the animation and the songs are all great. Mar 05, 2010 there is a lot to look at in the secret of kells. Watch the secret of kells 2009 movie trailer instantly, no need to login. The secret of kells animated movie poster 11x17 the secret. And, as mentioned above, the lavish detail the animators paid to the book of kells is gorgeous, and looks like it could easily be an excerpt from one of the pages.