The Secret of Kells (2009)

The Secret of Kells tells the story of a boy, Brendan (voiced by Evan McGuire) who lives under the care of his stern uncle, Abbot Cellach (voiced by Brendan Gleeson) in a remote outpost many centuries ago. Brendan is never allowed to leave the tall, ever-growing walls of his village, as the forest beyond holds terrible dangers. But when Brother Aidan (voiced by Mick Lally) arrives, he turns on Brendan to the power of books, words and illustrations. He sends Brendan out into the forest to get some special berries to make ink, and there he meets a fairy, Aisling (voiced by Christen Mooney), who helps him. Brendan begins taking bigger and bigger risks until the danger finally becomes too great.

The animation is really the high point here, celebrating and luxuriating in shapes and patters, light and shadow, crowded frames and empty frames, and silences and sounds. It has a real penchant for spirals and twisting lines. It's just glorious. Plus, what better way to rejoice in the art of illustration than with a beautiful, hand-drawn animated movie? If the movie had been computer-animated, it wouldn't have worked at all.

It's currently unrated by the MPAA, but it contains some images too scary for small children.

NewVideo released the 2010 DVD and Blu-Ray editions. Extras include a commentary track by the filmmakers, a featurette on recording the actors and several other behind-the-scenes featurettes.