The Secret of Kells (2009)

 

For some reason (and trust me: there is probably a reason) most Irish tales have that sense of melancholy over them. Maybe it's in their nature to wax poetically and with a hint of sadness divulge tales. I'm sure there is an anthropologist or historian out there who could say why this exactly is, but it is something special. It makes nearly all the Irish tales that much better, if you go for that sort of thing. Now we are talking 'The Secret of Kells', which has a link to the Book of Kells, which really is a thing. 

In an abbey, young Brendan has to work hard for his uncle, the abbot Cellach. Abbot Cellach is a troubled man, constantly fretting about an impending attack by Northmen. To keep his people safe, he is constructing a large wall around the abbey, but this has also made him a harsh man with little joy left for the beauty in the world. Things change up when brother Aidan arrives from the isle of Iona, bringing with him a famed book that he is illuminating. 

That means: draw fitting pictures in it, by the way. Not turning on a light. 

However, Aidan is getting old and discovers that young Brendan has a knack for the craft. So he takes Brendan under his wing, much to the chagrin of Cellach, who is only focused on defending his people and wants everyone to chip in instead of wasting time writing and drawing. But Brendan has to venture outside to find resources for ink and while doing so, he comes across a young girl named Aisling who turns out to be a spirit of the forest. They soon become friends, but eventually the Northmen attack and Brendan and Aidan flee, just barely making it out alive. 

Many years pass, and Brendan becomes evermore skilled in his craft. His uncle meanwhile believes him to be dead, but in the end, Brendan does return to Kells with the book that is now finished. 

Right off the bat: the story isn't the draw here. In fact, you would be hard pressed to actually find a story, as there isn't really one. No true villains, no hero's journey, no conflict to be solved (well, not really). This is also the film's biggest drawback. You would think there would be something when Brendan and Aisling meet, but there is no resolution. Just him and his uncle get some sort of arc, but again, it is rather thin. 

No, the real drawing power of this film and thé biggest reason to see this, is the animation and artstyle, which is simply stunning and beautiful. There is so much detail to be found, it is mindboggling. Every frame is absolute eyecandy and because the main characters are pretty stylised, the backgrounds shine through. It is absoluty insane how much detail and typically Celtic twists and turns there are in every panel. Believe me: you will gaze upon this with awe. It's almost enough to make you forget there is no real story here.

Almost. 

See, if you want the same artstyle ànd a gripping tale to boot, you are better of checking 'Song of the Sea'. Same makers, much better story and emotional investment. But if you want something that's just eyecandy, this isn't a bad place to start.