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DVD Description
The Secret of Kells is a magical animated classic that tells the story of Brendan, a young monk whose life is changed forever when he is initiated into the secrets of the Book of Kells and embarks on an extraordinary adventure, meeting fearsome monsters, Vikings, and a serpent god along the way. From the producers of Kirikou and Belleville Rendez-Vous and nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature, is a unique and stunning adventure for the whole family.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
24 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I took my kids (age 13 and 7) to the cinema by chance one afternoon and this was the only thing on. Since granny is Irish, we thought we'd go in and I'm so glad we did. It is one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. My 13 year old girl was entertained, my 7 year old boy was enthralled, I was captured by the beauty of the animation.
It was very slightly scary in a few places (for a 7 year old) but it has a good, solid, old-style story with wonder, forbidden friendships, duty, fear, growing. Even those who don't follow the younger ones into an enchanted world (I confess I did), can appreciate the animation. I could not get over the way the celtic designs were woven into the scenery, the trees, the mists. And the songs and Irish poetry made it a true feast for the eyes and ears and one I won't forget in a hurry.
In fact, Granny is getting it for Christmas because we told her so much about it!
It was very slightly scary in a few places (for a 7 year old) but it has a good, solid, old-style story with wonder, forbidden friendships, duty, fear, growing. Even those who don't follow the younger ones into an enchanted world (I confess I did), can appreciate the animation. I could not get over the way the celtic designs were woven into the scenery, the trees, the mists. And the songs and Irish poetry made it a true feast for the eyes and ears and one I won't forget in a hurry.
In fact, Granny is getting it for Christmas because we told her so much about it!
21 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This remarkably underrated and overlooked film is by far the best animation I have seen in a while. The story is based upon how the equally wonderful Book of Kells came to be, through the adventures of a young boy, Brendan, and his friend, a fairy called Aisling.
The story isn't what grabs you, it is the beautiful and painstakingly detailed hand drawn animation that keeps you hooked right up until the somewhat abrupt climax. Also worth a mention is the fabulous soundtrack which left me thinking I may well invest in the audio cd.
Truly this is a masterpiece and well worth five stars. It is a film both young and old will enjoy, which will be enhanced further by a decent soundsystem and widescreen tv - definitely an audio-visio experience!
The story isn't what grabs you, it is the beautiful and painstakingly detailed hand drawn animation that keeps you hooked right up until the somewhat abrupt climax. Also worth a mention is the fabulous soundtrack which left me thinking I may well invest in the audio cd.
Truly this is a masterpiece and well worth five stars. It is a film both young and old will enjoy, which will be enhanced further by a decent soundsystem and widescreen tv - definitely an audio-visio experience!
27 of 30 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
It's heart-warming to know that the British Isles can produce - in Tomm Moore - an animator with a vision that is undoubtedly set to rival the great Miyazaki. Amazingly, this stunning independent film was made for a mere £5 million - the catering bill for a modest Hollywood film - and was completely hand-drawn. Which doesn't mean it's crude or sketchy. It's as polished as a Ghibli or Pixar film. Every scene looks fabulous, and the film has audio and music to match. Yet surprisingly, even when it first opened in Ireland, the box-office was low and the film struggled with its American cinema distribution. Why? A few jaded early reviews probably didn't help - I vaguely remember reading gripes about the 'weak' plot, and other niggles, that put me off the film. How wrong they were, as the Oscar nomination proved. The story is fine, and the characters are well-delineated and engaging. The dialogue is crisp, well delivered, and the story moves along briskly. As for the DVD - the standard typography and choice of image for the DVD cover is not ideal - it wouldn't look out of place in the young kids' bargain bin. But I guess that it's the old Miyazake trick - lull the kids into a false sense of familiarity via the DVD cover and the starting few minutes, and then let the imagination rip later. While the film's visual panache will undoubtedly appeal to (and possibly frighten) 6-8 year olds, it's probably older intelligent children in the 9-12 range who will enjoy it the most - and possibly all the more after a look at the real Book of Kells in the online facsimile, and a read of the famous short poem "Pangur Ban". The DVD extras include two short 'making of' featurettes, and an apparently (I never listen to them) rather dry audio commentary. Overall, a gem.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Beautiful!
Beautiful, mesmerising! Big congratulations to all concerned. Watched courtesy of Lovefilm, just off to order my own copy! All my Irish roots kicked in!!!
Published 9 days ago by Mrs. C. Shepherd
A classic highly recommended for Celts of all nationalities
`The Secret of Kells' is one of the most visually arresting animated features of the past decade and easily the best Irish animation of all time. Read more
Published 12 days ago by Jonny Rondo
a disappointment
bought it for my 3 and 12 years old to watch over Easter break, found the story weak, quite boring, the children gave up on it within 10 minutes, quite scary for the little one. Read more
Published 1 month ago by I. Came
Beautiful
I can't recommend this enough. It was so beautiful to watch. Occasionally it was difficult to hear the voices on the soundtrack and I thought they could have developed the story a... Read more
Published 2 months ago by peppermint
Outstandingly beautiful artwork
We bought this because my nine year old son is obsessed by the Vikings and it seemed that this would fit the bill. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Julia
Another Irish Treasure.
I love my history, especially that exciting Norse period between the 8th and 11th centuries in which this beautiful little animated film is set. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Bob Salter
Wonderful film
This film is utterly charming; it's beautiful, it's light hearted and a wonderful expression of a culture that doesn't get showcased enough. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Harry Willoughby
Animated Animation, Stolid Story
I've been to Trinity College and seen the Book of Kells and it's very nice. Like so many antiquities it's hard to impress a modern audience; we take many things for granted. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Sam
Totally deserved it's Oscar nomination
Beautiful. If it'd had the publicity 'Up' had, it could have one the nomination. French, Irish collaboration - has the myth of Irish folklore with the stylistic perfection of... Read more
Published 7 months ago by A. L. Stevens
Visually Perfect
The Secret of Kells is a beautifully crafted film. The score and soundtrack keep you smiling, while the characters and story engage your interest. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Jonathan Blair
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