The Secret of Kells
2009 · Movie · NR · 79 min
★ 7.4(786)unSUB Rating
A young apprentice in a walled abbey is drawn into the making of a sacred illuminated book, even as raids threaten the community. To help finish it, he must venture beyond the walls into an enchanted forest, face frightening myths, and find rare materials that could bring light to dark times.
Also known as Brendan and the Secret of Kells
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Details
- Years
- 2009
- Release date
- 2009-02-09
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
- Runtime
- 79 min
- TMDB rating (input)
- 7.4/10 (786 votes)
- Box office
- $3,582,797
- Budget
- $8,000,000
About
If you enjoy magical folklore, gentle spirituality, and a story about art and courage under threat, this should click—especially if you liked Song of the Sea or Wolfwalkers; Not for you if you need a tightly explained plot.
Pros: stunning Celtic-inspired visuals; enchanting myth-and-history blend; beautiful, soothing music | Cons: story gaps feel unclear; ending feels rushed; some parts scary
Themes
- mythology
- vikings (norsemen)
- barbarian
- underwater
- trapped
- sea monster
- woman director
- irish folklore
- 9th century
- celtic mythology
Awards & recognition
- Academy Award — Best Animated Feature · 2010 · nominated
- Annecy Cristal — a Feature Film · 2009 · nominated
- Annie Award — Best Animated Feature · 2009 · nominated
- European Film Award — Best Animated Feature Film · 2009 · nominated
Cast & crew
Evan McGuire
as Brendan (voice)
Christen Mooney
as Aisling (voice)
Brendan Gleeson
as Abbot Cellach (voice)
Mick Lally
as Aidan (voice)
Liam Hourican
as Brother Tang / Leonardo (voice)
Paul Tylak
as Brother Assoua (voice)
- MM
Michael McGrath
as Adult Brendan (voice)
Paul Young
as Brother Square (voice)
Nora Twomey
as Additional Voices and Walla (voice)
- AM
Alli McCann
as Additional Voices and Walla (voice)
Directed by Tomm Moore