There aren't too many Irish made Oscar nominated movies so I was looking forward to watching "The Secret of Kells" directed by Tomm Moore.
The standard of animation was very high, breathtaking at times. The animators seemed to have been inspired by beauty of the Book of Kells itself as they have created some of the most colourful and vibrant images I've seen in a movie in a long time.
The story is about a young boy (Brendan) living in the monastery of Kells where his uncle is the Abbot. His uncle is obsessed with building up the defences of the monastery to protect them from the marauding Vikings. Other monks are transcribing sacred manuscripts. A monk arrives from the island of Iona with an uncompleted book after Vikings have destroyed the monastery there. Brendan is talented at drawing and takes a lot of interest in the new monk and the book, much to the displeasure of his uncle. Aided by a fairy (Aisling) he meets in the forest Brendan finishes the book just before the Viking attack.
Interestingly the story has elements of both Ireland's Christian and pagan heritage but the ending seems quite abrupt especially when the film is only seventy-five minutes long. Actors such as Brendan Gleeson and Mick Lally, both very familiar to Irish audiences, voice the main adult characters. Evan McGuire is excellent as Brendan.
So a treat for animation fans while the story might spark curiosity in people to discover more about Irish heritage and history.
The standard of animation was very high, breathtaking at times. The animators seemed to have been inspired by beauty of the Book of Kells itself as they have created some of the most colourful and vibrant images I've seen in a movie in a long time.
The story is about a young boy (Brendan) living in the monastery of Kells where his uncle is the Abbot. His uncle is obsessed with building up the defences of the monastery to protect them from the marauding Vikings. Other monks are transcribing sacred manuscripts. A monk arrives from the island of Iona with an uncompleted book after Vikings have destroyed the monastery there. Brendan is talented at drawing and takes a lot of interest in the new monk and the book, much to the displeasure of his uncle. Aided by a fairy (Aisling) he meets in the forest Brendan finishes the book just before the Viking attack.
Interestingly the story has elements of both Ireland's Christian and pagan heritage but the ending seems quite abrupt especially when the film is only seventy-five minutes long. Actors such as Brendan Gleeson and Mick Lally, both very familiar to Irish audiences, voice the main adult characters. Evan McGuire is excellent as Brendan.
So a treat for animation fans while the story might spark curiosity in people to discover more about Irish heritage and history.