The Secret of Kells

The Secret of Kells

9–
dir. Tomm Moore, Nora Twomey
Ireland, Belgium, France, Luxembourg 2009 / 71’
Polish voice-over

To complete a mysterious book capable of turning darkness into light, and to restore people’s faith in the power of storytelling, a boy from the Irish town of Kells must embark on a journey beyond the town walls and discover a world he has previously known only from legends.

Brendan lives under the care of his strict uncle, who, wishing to keep the boy safe, does not let him leave the town. The threat of a Viking raid has led to the construction of a mighty fortress, separating the inhabitants from the unknown.

When the monk Aidan arrives in Kells with his extraordinary book, full of intricate illustrations and secrets, Brendan is chosen to help him complete it. This unique task leads him deep into the forest, where he meets a mysterious girl and discovers an unknown world full of magic. The boy begins to realise that courage and curiosity can take him much further than he ever imagined. Will he succeed in completing this extraordinary work and bring courage and hope for a better future to the people of Ireland?

Did you know that…
… the Book of Kells really exists? It is one of the most beautiful medieval manuscripts and can be viewed at Trinity College Library in Dublin. The illustrations in the Book inspired the film’s unique visual style.

trigger
warning

The film explores themes of violence and war and features some suspense.

Awards

2009
Annecy International Animated Film Festival
Audience Award
2009
Edinburgh International Film Festival
Audience Award
2009
Seoul International Cartoon and Animation Festival
Grand Prize
2010
Irish Film & Television Awards (IFTA)
Best Animated Film
2010
British Animation Awards
Best European Animated Feature Film

Creators

Director
Tomm Moore, Nora Twomey
Screenplay
Fabrice Ziolkowski
Editing
Fabienne Alvarez-Giro
Music
Bruno Coulais
Producers
Paul Young, Didier Brunner, Viviane Vanfleteren
Production
Cartoon Saloon, Les Armateurs, Vivi Film, France 2 Cinéma
Sales
Celluloid Dreams
Original language
English, Irish (Gaeilge)