The Secret of Kells
Seen it?2009 | 79 min | Animation, Family, Fantasy
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
Critics loved it (90% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office loss. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for fantasy fans and families. If you loved Song of the Sea or Wolfwalkers, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Feel-good.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 19 min.
- What might put you off
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Adventure awaits 12 year old Brendan who must fight Vikings and a serpent god to find a crystal and complete the legendary Book of Kells. In order to finish Brother Aiden's book, Brendan must overcome his deepest fears on a secret quest that will take him beyond the abbey walls and into the enchanted forest where dangerous mythical creatures hide. Will Brendan succeed in his quest?
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
90% on Rotten Tomatoes, 81 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.4 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$2 million worldwide on a $8 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 165K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Song of the Sea
Friday Night FlickAlso from director Tomm Moore: a critically acclaimed family film.
Wolfwalkers Friday Night FlickAlso from director Tomm Moore: a critically acclaimed animated story.
How to Train Your Dragon 2 Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed fantasy film.
The Dark Crystal
Saturday SpecialAnother family film, and a Saturday Special.
The Water Horse Sunday Safe BetAnother family film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Tomm Moore
- Evan McGuireBrendan (voice)
- Christen MooneyAisling (voice)
- Brendan GleesonAbbot Cellach (voice)
- Mick LallyAidan (voice)
- Liam HouricanBrother Tang / Leonardo (voice)
- Paul TylakBrother Assoua (voice)
- Michael McGrathAdult Brendan (voice)
- Paul YoungBrother Square (voice)
- Nora TwomeyAdditional Voices and Walla (voice)
- Alli McCannAdditional Voices and Walla (voice)