The Secret of Kells (2009)

A group of Irish animators decided that they wanted to make a film inspired by the type of Celtic illuminated art found in The Book of Kells, So it is the art that makes this movie, the production design feels wonderfully original, even though its really over a thousand years old. The story concerns a young man named Brendan, who at 12 years of age has spent his entire life in the fortified village and abbey of Kells in Ireland, where he is raised by his stern but loving uncle the Abbott Cellach (Brendan Gleeson, the only real 'name' in the cast). When an old associate of Cellach's arrives at Kells fleeing the Viking raid on the Isle of Iona, Brendan becomes fascinated with the text this Brother Aiden had fled to protect. It is of course what will become known as the Book of Kells, and before long Brendan starts to work as one of its illustrators, and shows a tremendous talent at this. But Abbott Cellach is not pleased with this because he feels it a waste of time and a frivolity when he needs everyone to put their whole effort into re-enforcing the walls of the village for the Viking attack he suspects is coming. The film also features a fairy named Aisling who assists young Brandon when he ventures for the first time out of the village to find berries and such to make ink to illustrate the book. A cartoon feature about 8th century Celtic monks, can't say I've ever seen that before. An enjoyable and original production that imparts a sense of history. ***