Why did it take me so long to watch this beautiful little movie? The Secret of Kells is, for absolute reals, my new obsession.
One of the very best things about this movie is that the richness of the art is equaled by the sense of history, the characters, and the story.
While young Brendan has grown up knowing only the inside of the Kells monastery walls, his experience of the world expands when a refugee from the Viking attacks on Iona (Brother Aidan, master illuminator) brings The Book to Kells. Brendan enters the forest (an activity forbidden by Abbot Cellach, his uncle) and meets Aisling, a fairy who helps him not only in his quest for berries, but in facing his deepest fears - represented by the pagan god Crom Cruach.
The names are lifted right out of the pages of Celtic history, and even the immortalized cat Pangur Bán has a special role.
You can see why I'd fall in love with this movie. It has everything I want: good looks, a personality, and a sense of humor. And of course religion.
Sadly, a few reviews by Christians of this movie found it Not Christian Enough™ and asked why there would be more reality to the "pagan nonsense" than the Jesus stuff. For example, though the famous Chi-Ro page is mentioned several times, its symbolism is never explained. To them, I say, dear reviewers: a) Congratulations! (Imagine Link opening a trunk in Zelda) You've found a fairy tale, it is awesome and b)Sure, Jesus here or there would have been nice, but you are aware that this wasn't made to be a nice lil fluffy Christian movie, yes? Personally, my interest in my own religious history was piqued and ever since then I've been on a path of study of Celtic Christianity. I've been reading up on Christianity and the Celts (an aside: love those little books, perfect for non-academics like me), Thin Places: An Evangelical Journey into Celtic Christianity and now The Book of Kells (a birthday present from Hans, along with the movie ❤).
Anyone who may be a mild stalker of interesting fellows should definitely visit and follow The Blog of Kells, written by Tomm Moore, director, animator, and all-around creative genius behind The Secret of Kells. Just look at the total cuteness and fabulousness of his next project:
Song Of The Sea - Conceptual Trailer from Cartoon Saloon on Vimeo.
11 comments:
Isn't it a gorgeous movie???
I rather liked the concept that the old pagan ways made the Christian symbol possible. I guess you have to know that the book of Kells is a bible... but that just adds layers. And I love layers.
It's just gorgeous, isn't it? I saw it recently, bought it for the kids and think I enjoyed it more than they did, the artwork is just incredible. Cant wait for the new one, I LOVE selkies, so it will be on my 'must see' list!
Never heard of this. Will have to seek it out, Thanks, Jessica Marie! xoxoxo s
Oh... oh my goodness, I absolutely must watch this. It looks amazing.
I thoroughly enjoyed that movie! I thought it was very beautifully done, and it was not supposed to be an in-your-face Christian movie. A Movie like this is how seeds are planted.
I adored this movie!
Unusual animation. Looks cool
Oh I love this movie!
Beautiful art and music
...aaaand: a breton audio-version :)
(I love celtic languages, even if I'm not a good speaker of them).
Lovely blog by the way!
:)
http://www.blogger.com/home
I definitely love your blog.
I am organizing a virtual party my blog, I invite you to participate if you like it.
The theme of the party are the fairies.
On 24 June, "World Day of the fairies".
You can wear a button to your blog.
In my blog I have a translator.
Hugs
So glad you have seen this, isn't it just perfect. I love it so much, its a shame some folks cant just see it for what it is & enjoy the artistry & concept.
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