The Secret Of Kells

The polished work of Pixar and its peers has left a large void for alternatives, and The Secret of Kells, basing both visuals and storyline on the famous Celtic manuscript, the Book of Kells, delights in filling it. Brendan, a young boy longing to assist the renowned ‘Illuminator’ Brother Aiden in illustrating the ancient Book of Iona, struggles under his authoritarian uncle Cellach, whose concerns lie solely with the impending Norse invasion. Requiring magical tools, Brendan steals off to the forbidden forest where he meets a shape-shifting Faerie who assists him while fumbling elegantly through the ornate flora and fauna. The textured, richly patterned imagery merges Celtic swirls, knots and mazes to unique effect. Graphics range between the innocent quality of an Eric Carle collage to stark stylisation depicting monstrous Vikings and pillaged townsfolk. While the plot at times lacks focus, the theme of light in the darkness is illuminated wonderfully by considered and hypnotic animation. [Juliet Buchan]