Hand-drawn animation doesn’t appear nearly often enough for my liking. But the few recent hand-drawn films have done unique and bold things with the genre. There’s Studio Ghibli, who continually produces smart, adult-orientated features, and foreign films like Peresepolis and The Secret of Kells which expand the look and language of the medium.
Description:The Book of Kells is an exquisitely illustrated Irish manuscript containing the Four Gospels, a fragment of Hebrew names, and the Eusebian canons. It is sometimes called The Book of Columbia, because it was created some time at the end of the seventh or beginning of the eighth century in the monastery of Iona to honor the saint. It isThe Book of Kells is an exquisitely illustrated Irish manuscript containing the Four Gospels, a fragment of Hebrew names, and the Eusebian canons. It is sometimes called The Book of Columbia, because it was created some time at the end of the seventh or beginning of the eighth century in the monastery of Iona to honor the saint. It is written in black, red, purple, and yellow ink and the writing and the illumination of the manuscript is thought to be the work of two monks. The ornaments of the text include closely coiled spirals, ribbons knotted together, and imaginative depiction of human beings, animals, horses, dogs, and fanciful creatures. The intricate beauty and imagistic variety of The Book of Kells is astonishing, and it stands out in the Christian tradition as a masterwork of devotional ecstasy.
Director Tomm Moore has fashioned a marvelous animated movie centered around The Book of Kells. This Irish production has been nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Animated Feature category. The two-dimensional hand-drawn animation is peppered with traditional Celtic symbols — the landscape comes alive with swirls, spirals, and vivid lush scenes of light and dramatic haunting scenes of darkness. Some parts look like they have jumped out of the pages of the book.
The story, set in the ninth century, revolves around Brendan (voiced by Evan McGuire), a ten-year old novice at the Abbey in Kells, Ireland. He is a curious and creative young boy with a talent for drawing. He loves hanging out with the monks in the monastery's scriptorium, who are copying and illustrating manuscripts. But his sour and serious uncle, the Abbott (Brendan Gleeson), would much rather have him working on the monastery's major project, firming up the walls to protect the people who live there from an expected attack by the bloodthirsty Vikings. He is convinced that the strength of their walls will convince the invaders of the strength of their faith.
One day, Brother Aidan (Mick Lally), accompanized by his cat Pangur Ban, arrives at Kells with news that the Vikings have destroyed the monastery at Iona. He is a renowned illuminator and has managed to save the famous Book of Iona, which he believes has the power to turn darkness into light. Seeing Brendan's interest in the Book, he gives him the assignment of finding some berries to make ink. The boy is eager to please but first he must overcome his fears of what is outside the walls. Since the Abbot has forbidden him from going into the forest, he and Pangur the cat must go in secret. Before long they are lost and under attack from mysterious creatures. But a fairy named Aisling (Christen Mooney) rescues them and together they explore this beautiful world. Later, when the Vikings do attack, she helps Brendan and Aidan save the Book.
The Secret of Kells is a stunningly beautiful animated feature for families that celebrates the potent melding of creativity and faith. We easily identify with Brendan and his quest to help complete the Book in the face of many setbacks and troubles. He admires his mentor, Brother Aidan, yet never loses his love for his uncle, despite the old man's rigid beliefs and attitudes. Watching him work on the illuminated manuscript, with the aid of a crystal he has risked everything to get, we were reminded of what Henry Ward Beecher, a nineteenth-century Protestant minister, once said: "Imagination is the secret marrow of civilization. It is the very eye of faith."... (more)(less)
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March29th: Instant Watch, computer
Overall opinion: Great
Netflix Instant Project 2013
I've had this on my instant queue for a long time and I regret not seeing it sooner. It was absolutely beautiful! I was so taken away by how gorgeous and intricate it was. The animation felt a little weird at first, it kind of reminded me of an indie game, but I got used to it the more I got into the story.
The story itself is no great wonder, and truly if the movie hadn't been so pretty I wouldn't have be"
Starweevil added this to a list 2 months, 1 week ago
"Watched on: 3/8/13
The Secret of Kells is definitely one of the more unique animated films I've seen in quite some time. Hand-drawn and watercolored, the animation in this film is simply beautiful to behold. Sadly the characters and story aren't all that interesting, despite that it's worth a look for the amazing visuals."
AFIoscar added this to a list 2 months, 3 weeks ago
"In a great year for animation, this beautiful hand-drawn treat became the surprise fifth nomination for Best Animated Feature Oscar. An Irish-French-Belgian production, 'The Secret of Kells' is a magical little dip into Irish mythology whch follows a fictionalised version of the creation of the Book of Kells. It follows the adventures of Brendan, an Abbot's nephew who is expected to follow in his uncles footsteps but has his own ideas. The Abbey which they inhabit is under threat from Vikings"
“Hand-drawn animation doesn’t appear nearly often enough for my liking. But the few recent hand-drawn films have done unique and bold things with the genre. There’s Studio Ghibli, who continually produces smart, adult-orientated features, and foreign films like Peresepolis and The Secret of Kells which expand the look and language of the medium.
The Secret of Kells, with its bold lines, matte surfaces and distinct lack of perspective and background, is a wondrous and beautiful film to absorb yourself into. It looks like an illuminated manuscript given life. And, much like Studio Ghibli and Persepolis, has a much calmer, quieter pace and tone than the frantic American offerings. Since it’s based on Irish mythology and folklore, which I know very little about, some of the symb” read more
PhineasPoe added this to a list 6 months, 1 week ago
"
Just beautiful animation and a unique story: A young Irish boy in a monastery becomes enamored with helping a refugee monk illuminate The Book of Kells. "
Mr. Saturn added this to a list 6 months, 2 weeks ago
"Not strictly "anime" I suppose and once you open that bag of worms a hydra can pop out but I did want to throw this one up. The animation style reminds me of Samurai Jack (I'm almost sure that some of the same people were involved, I haven't looked into it) which in turn reminds me of Japanese Anime and thus I'm putting it up here.
I really enjoyed this, obviously very different from some of the things on this list and that's probably why I like it. Good feel, good characters, good story, good"
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Mack's Movies 2013: March
Starweevil's March 2013 Movie Journal
Academy Award For Best Animated Feature
Netflix Instant Project for 2013
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE...
Non-Disney, Non-Pixar, Non-Ghibli Animated Films
I Recommend...(The Short List)
Best Anime Movies and TV that I am aware of
Movie Diary: 2012
Scandinavian Mythology/Viking Films
The Oscars 2010: my POV
The Evolution of Brendan Gleeson
