The Secret of Kells (NR, 2010)
common sense media says
Magical animated adventure is intense but beautiful.
parents & educators say
- 71% say there are positive messages
- 57% say violence is an issue
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this Oscar-nominated animated movie is too intense for preschoolers and even young elementary school-aged kids. Steeped in Irish folklore, the movie includes scenes of Barbarian invaders sweeping through towns, terrorizing and killing people with their swords and axes as they go. There are also some frightening images of red-eyed, snarling wolves and an evil pagan serpent god. Some families might also be concerned with the tension between religion (the main characters are all brothers in an abbey) and paganism (depicted by a fairy and a monstrous creature in the woods). Mature kids old enough to handle the cartoon violence will learn about Irish legends, the tradition of illuminated manuscripts, and how every hero needs friends to succeed in his quest.
Positive role models:
Brendan learns to practice his gift, collaborate with Aidan, ask for help
when it's needed, and act bravely when he thinks his friend is in
danger. Aisling could have been cruel to Brendan when he wandered into the woods, but instead she helps him, befriends him, and teaches him the wonders of the woods. Brother Aidan nurtures Brendan's talent and tells him it's a gift he must use.
when it's needed, and act bravely when he thinks his friend is in
danger. Aisling could have been cruel to Brendan when he wandered into the woods, but instead she helps him, befriends him, and teaches him the wonders of the woods. Brother Aidan nurtures Brendan's talent and tells him it's a gift he must use.
Violence:
The tone of the animation can turn dark, gloomy, and downright scary in parts, especially during the scenes when the Vikings are shown with their axes drawn or when a pack of red-eyed wolves circle a boy in the woods. The Barbarian invaders mercilessly set fire to a whole town and bring their axes down to kill the fleeing villagers. Needless to say, the Barbarians are frightening and murderous. The sequence with the pagan creature that haunts the woods is also intense. One character is shown near death after he has been speared, and other characters are presumed dead due to a fire.
Sex:
Not applicable.
Language:
Not applicable.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Not applicable.
More on The Secret of Kells
Review It
Based on 14 parent & educator reviews:
- 71% say there are positive messages
- 57% say violence is an issue
- 36% say there are positive role models
Most useful reviews by all members
ConcernedMommyE
parent of 5 year old
parent of 5 year old
This movie is completely violent, scary and inappropriate for children of all ages. I am so appauled that people actually nominated this movie for an Oscar and marketed it as a children's movie. The so called "experts" and animators love to surprise parents with completely inappropriate content and over the top violent scenes and sounds. This just shows how self indulgent and out of touch movie makers are with the parents expectations and the childrens emotional limits. The creators apparently either do not have children or do not care that thier children are scared for the next year after watching this "childrens movie". This movie was made to indulge the creators need for folklore and style content with complete disregard for thier audience.
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AppleNell
parent of 6 and 9 year old
parent of 6 and 9 year old
Unusual and Stunning Animation Married to a Fascinating Tale
If, like me, you have wearied of a steady diet of Pixar and Disney animation, you will be intruiged and dazzled by "The Secret of Kells." The movie is visually astounding, but not in any of the usual ways. Much of the animation reminded me of the Cartoon Network's "Star Wars the Clone Wars" series, which itself is reminiscent of series like "Speed Racer." With "Kells," however, stylized simplicity becomes quite simply magical, and a vehicle capable carrying a fascinating and true story/legend forward.
And the movie is remarkably true to what is known and passed down about The Book of Kells (a real text, now housed at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland). Be aware, that this faithfulness to story does mean there are harsh (though, again, stylized) depections of the Viking raids upon the Celtic settlements. This was scary for both my five and eight year olds; yet they stuck with the movie to the end. I had a great conversation with the older child afterwards about why the Vikings were shown as being inhuman (think the Huns from Mulan, except a step further), in which we reached the conclusion that it was because they chose violence and showed no mercy.
I do want to note that the ending of the movie is blatantly religious, although not offensively (in the sense of proselytizing or judgement) so. Even if your family is not religious, however, "The Secret of Kells" could serve as fascinating fodder for a conversation about belief, fanaticism, and --oh yeah-- fairies.
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adriennemarie
parent
parent
I would highly recommend this beautiful movie. My children (8, 5 and an 8 year old friend) were entranced and drawn in. They loved Brendan's courage in defying the Abbott to learn caligraphy and gathering the materials needed to learn the craft. At the same time, they understood the Abbott was trying to protect Brendan and loved him. The intricacy of the artwork fascinated them and led us to look at the Book of Kells online.
The Norse invasion may frighten some children (went over the head of my 5 year old, troubled my 8 year old), but you can prepare children in advance by providing the historical context in advance. The music is more intimidating than the imagery, which is fairly abstract.
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framinghanley
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
review
It's perfect for little kids. It send a good message
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blakenashlynsmomma
parent of 8 and 10 year old
parent of 8 and 10 year old
This was a beautiful movie! We have been studying the dark and middle ages and illuminated manuscripts and my kids recognized right away that this movie was just like an illuminated manuscript. We were totally impressed with the artistry, the music and the idea of bringing light to the dark times. And what could do that better than a beautifully illustrated book of the gospels? The the mythical parts of the story are representative of the mythical illuminations actually found in the Book of Kells. Although it is a Christian manuscript it contains many illustrations based on folklore and myth and the movie does a wonderful job of showing how, at this time and place in history, the two could go hand and hand. My 7 and 9 yr olds were not frightened by the violent scenes but I can see where a younger child might be. The violence is not senseless and sensationalized as another reviewer suggests but rather imperative to the story to illustrate the great need for the illuminated manuscript. The need for hope and light in the midst of violence and darkness.
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RAT
parent of 9 year old
parent of 9 year old
Great film for all people, including kids, who are 9+
My 9 yr old and I absolutely loved it. The animation was incredibly intricate and beautiful-- it was a visual feast. The story was somewhat harsh and "a little bit violent" according to my daughter, but unlike many foreign films the story, dialogue, and accents were easy to understand and follow. My daughter says that "the characters were very pronounced," meaning it was easy to tell what their motives and issues were. She liked the fairie because if it weren't for her there would be no girls in the movie. ("At first I was like, uh, where are all the girls?" ) We are both interested in learning more about Celtic history and taking a museum trip to see illuminated manuscripts.
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kaloren
parent of 5 and 10 year old
parent of 5 and 10 year old
Violence of war and spooky woods
I loved the story, but feel my 9-year-old will be too spooked by the forest scenes. Also, the war scene may be a bit much for her as well. This movie was well done and the story of the illuminated manuscripts is wonderful.
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saludafly
parent of 10 year old
parent of 10 year old
Delightful movie
Wonderful movie with terrific images. A very classic film. My 9 year olds were inspired to research the book and the origin when we left the movie. Delightful afternoon movie.
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Mattmchugh
parent of 8 and 10 year old
parent of 8 and 10 year old
Beautiful animated film threaded through with Irish art and history
I absolutely loved this movie. In a era of hyper-detailed 3D computer imagery, it's highly stylized hand-drawn animation is an old-school wonder to behold. Celtic motifs are incorporated throughout the visuals, an appropriate nod to its core subject matter: the creation of the greatest Irish illuminated manuscript, the real Book of Kells. Beyond its gorgeous artistry, the story is classic coming-of-age as a 12-year old boy in an 8th century Irish monastery becomes apprentice to a master illustrator against the wishes of his stern uncle, who can think only of defending against marauding Vikings. Strung through it is a subtle theme of a world moving from pagan to Christian beliefs -- with elements that will seem simply fantasy to kids, but to adults, a sly view of the turning of history. There's a Viking attack that is a bit intense, though it's depicted mostly with shadowy outlines than real violence. I don't think most kinds over 8 would any trouble with it; younger ones, just be sure they're not too sensitive. The consequences are honest (not every one survives) but those that do preserve art and culture in a way that is truly touching. All in all, I found this a wonderful movie and my kids (10 and 7) were riveted. It's even prompted discussions about the real Book of Kells and the history of illuminated manuscripts. Can't ask much more from a cartoon.
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CBeth
parent of 10 year old
parent of 10 year old
A stunningly beautiful tale
As several other reviewers have noted, the visual imagery in this movie is stunning -- only it is BEYOND anything I have seen in animation. It is absolutely beautiful, and worth seeing for this alone.
We (my 9 year old and I) did not find it scary at all, I think largely because everything was so stylized. The whole film comes across more like a dream than anything "real," but this only adds to the magic. I also think that anything religious (pagan, Christian, whatever) is only what the viewer brings to it -- it stands on its own as a story, and comes across more like a fairy tale. I rated it 8+ because I think younger viewers would have trouble following it (I had to explain some background to my son as well -- he didn't know what a monastery was, for example (obviously not our culture, but this was an opportunity to learn!))
I highly recommend it!
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Snale
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
A good choice for tweens
Secret of kells is my favorite movie ever, however, it could be very scary for young kids. (I was shaking the entire time, and i'm 11!)
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ArismanFam
parent of and 2 , 7 , 8 , 12 year old
parent of and 2 , 7 , 8 , 12 year old
Wonderful animation, unique, ages 8 up.
We loved this movie! Beautifully animated - very unique style. It is a nice, new (to us) story from Irish folklore. The Book of Kells is a real book from ages ago.
My 7 year old got a little edgy during some dark parts but it tells a good story of overcoming fears and using your talents.
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Cleanthes
parent of 8 year old
parent of 8 year old
Fine for any kids who haven't themselves grown up in a monastery.
This is a magical movie with really creative animation. (Never before has it been so clear that a cat is essentially a geometric design.) When the Norsemen invade, things get a little scary, but in a general, non-explicit way that won't disturb many kids; my seven-year-old was fine. The movie stresses mortality but in a way I regard as positive; death exists but art and faith redeem it. Orthodox Christians might have some legitimate worries. The movie's religion is a bit syncretic: both Christian and pagan religious beliefs are presented in positive terms, and the monster believed in by the fairy character is disbelieved by the monks but turns out to be real.
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office guy
kid, 10 years old
kid, 10 years old
A good story with a little violence but not too much
It had beautiful animation and music. It made me interested about learning about illuminated manuscripts. The illustrations were soooo beautiful! I thought it was a great movie for 9 and up. But it was a little violent in some parts like when the Vikings attacked, but I thought they needed to show the violence because it was a good story about a time in the past.
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PL Hans
adult
adult
Brilliant movie suitable for mature/older pre-teens
This movie was a surprise Oscar nominee, but after seeing it I am no longer surprised. What is faulty in my opinion, is that it did not win. Now don't get me wrong, Up was awesome, but it relied almost entirely on story, action, and humor. Secret of Kells has all that, but also amazing music and spectacular visuals. They're pretty simple, but highly effective. Warnings: there are some intense moments of peril not suitable for children under the age of 8, for sure. However, parents can talk about fantasy, rebellion/obedience, and the Book of Kells.
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immzzzzy
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
Great, dispite my nit-picking.
This movie was good, but I have a few problems with it. Overall, it was probably a bit intense for little kids, but otherwise wonderful. My issues with it lie deeper than that.
I enjoyed the fact that it played off of Irish culture, history, and fables, but it wasn't entirely accurate. One little thing I picked up was that most of the characters are redheads, but they fear the coming of the Vikings. Historically, the "typical" Irish red hair came from the Vikings, which would make it impossible for the movie characters to have red hair before their arrival. This doesn't make it a bad movie, I'm just nit-picking.
One more significant problem is that I think it ends too early. The story is hardly resolved. The last few years of the story are summed up in a couple of minutes, which I thought did it little justice. Not to mention my favorite character, the spirit girl, is under used. I'd have like to have seen more of her.
Despite my review so far, which I feel I should apologize for, the movie is beautiful. It's filled with gorgeous imagery, and the music is enchanting. See this film, and enjoy the fantasy of the Book of Kells. I also suggest looking up the real thing; incredible.
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Pie Mama
parent of 9 , 14 , and 17 year old
parent of 9 , 14 , and 17 year old
A few scary parts but otherwise, amazing!
This was an amazing movie! The I love the girl, they should have just have her as the lead character! How it looked, fantastic! There are a few scary parts that had me jumping in my seat! But thats pretty much it, the history factor will maybe want to make you kids study about it, my kids did!
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masteralex
kid, 10 years old
kid, 10 years old
a girl sneeks into hades and the underworld cave and learns about zeus posidon and hades and getting away from danger
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iluv2write123
kid, 10 years old
kid, 10 years old
Great Movie, Honestly a Hidden Gem!
This is really a beautiful movie, that was really fun to watch and see. Since so many movies for kids today have tons of inapropriate stuff, marketing, "sexy" images and language while 4-year-olds are watching it, this movie really stood out! I loved the illumination plot, and watching the boy grow up and carry on the art. Ashlin the fairy was a good female character, and she was a funny, refreshing character! However, there was some noticeable violence when the Vikings attacked that scared my 2-yr-old sister and so probably younger kids shouldn't watch that part, but overall a wonderful movie and a must-see.
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mightygreenm
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
Fantastic Movie!
This was the best movie at a film festival I went to. The animation was fantastic. The story was great because it was based on Celtic mythology. The only downside was that it was a bit scary at times. But, overall, this movie was AWESOME!
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