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The Secret of Kells

2009 · Movie · NR · 79 min · ★ 7.4 · 86% critics

AnimationFamilyFantasy

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

IMDb

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Details
Years
2009
Release date
2009-02-09
Language
English
Rated
NR
Runtime
79 min
Critic score
86/100
TMDB rating
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

Directed by Tomm Moore