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Films

The Secret of Kells

The Secret of Kells is an animated film released in 2010. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, the film is set in 9th century Ireland.  Little-known before its Oscar nomination, The Secret of Kells is an independently distributed film that has won several film festival awards.

Based on the origins of Ireland’s most famous illustrated manuscript, The Book of Kells, the film was created by an Irish studio, Cartoon Saloon.

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The animation is inspired by medieval Irish art. Variety Magazine writes, “This may be the perfect film for children whose parents are art historians specializing in pre-Renaissance periods.”

Synopsis: Adventure, action and danger await 12 year old Brendan, who must fight Vikings and a serpent god to find a crystal and complete the legendary Book of Kells. Brendan is hard at work with his uncle, Abbott Cellach, and the other monks, helping to strengthen the abbey walls as protection against the Viking raids. But a new life of adventure begins with the arrival of Brother Aidan, a celebrated master illuminator who initiates Brendan into the art of illumination, awakening his hidden, but extraordinary, talents. In order to finish the magnificent book, Brendan has to overcome his deepest fears on a secret quest that will take him, for the first time ever, beyond the abbeys walls into the enchanted forest where dangerous mythical creatures hide. It is here that he meets the fairy Aisling, a mysterious young white wolf/girl, who will become his closest friend and helper. But with the terrifying Viking Hordes closing in, will Brendan succeed in his quest to illuminate the darkness and prove that enlightenment is the best fortification against barbarians?

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Medieval News: Can The Secret of Kells win an Oscar?

The Book of Kells: A Celtic Treasurelecture on the history, art and symbolism of the Book of Kells, a medieval Celtic decorated gospel manuscript.

Official website for The Secret of Kells

The Secret of Kells Facebook Page

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