Spotlight #18- the Secret of Kells

Well, guys, since I feel bad about missing St. Patrick's Day, I've decided to do a special, one-time only double feature: two great animated features from Irish Production Company Cartoon Saloon. This is a big deal for me because 1) I'm in a deep creative funk now, and 2) I have a great deal to say about how these movies are so important. First, though, let's get on with our first film on the list, 2010 Oscar Nominee for Best Animated Feature, "the Secret of Kells."
This film chronicles the story of Brendan, a young monk in the Irish village of Kells. His uncle, the Abbot of Kells, has become increasingly paranoid over the impending invasion of the vikings, and now wants his nephew to focus more on fortifying the town. Of course, Brendan still desires to explore the outside world and learn more about the art of bookmaking. This dream becomes realized when Aiden, the Abbot of Iona, takes refuge in Kells and gives the boy a chance to complete his legendary book. To do so, Brendan must venture out beyond his uncle's demands into the world of the forest... and a bit beyond the world at all.
The first thing you may notice is the unique artistic style. This film was animated on a relatively low budget, hence the consistent 2D animation. Many of the less intense movie-going audience have stated that it only made the budget obvious, tossing around words like "cheap" and "flat". However, it should also be noted how well the style reinforces the story here. The direction is so fluid and sharp, it feels like a moving portrait from one of the ancient Irish tomes. The entire world is so lush and vivid, and nothing seems out of place from the others- a true achievement in fantasy design.
It also helps that the directors knew how to make characters that felt more than 2D sprites. All of them are acted wonderfully, and they all develop to some degree by the end. The dialogue makes each scene matter- it truly does feel like a rambunctious teacher is encouraging his student to learn, and the contention between Brendan and his uncle is palpable. Of course, the show stealer may or may not be Aisling, the fairy girl whom Brendan befriends. Her writing especially is clever enough to keep you interested without making her feel extraneous, and you can sense the growing bond between her and the boy. It all comes together to help this film rival some of the best that even Hollywood has to offer.
There is a fair warning that should be given, though, before going into this movie. It's not a kid's film; not in a way that's overly vulgar or obscene, but it needs to be viewed with a certain level of maturity. Certainly, it has fairies and magic and interdimensional demons of all things, but it's ultimately the story of the creation of the Book of Kells, a real-life artifact that holds a deep place in Ireland's religious background. Outside of that respect, it's easy to assume that, especially in the last ten minutes, the whole film unravels- the fantasy side is only loosely connected with the historical, and plenty of the former points may not have the resolution the audience initially wanted. I'd argue, however, that that's what makes this film great. It respects us enough to teach us something about the country's rich culture without having to shove it down our throats along with a cliched message about love or environmentalism.
This is certainly not everybody's movie- many may become confused by the heavy religious symbolism in an otherwise fantastic adventure. Those who are willing to see past that, though, are treated to a grand look at one of the more interesting cultures in the world today. More than that- they are given some genuine drama, humor, romance, and even flat-out horror at times. It does well with its creative leaps, as well as with its gorgeous ethnic soundtrack, and kept me watching with full interest during the 75-minute run time. If you want something that can really be considered art, then you can walk up to "the Secret of Kells" and say that you...

Copyrighted 2009 by Walt Disney Ireland. No Infringement Intended.