This animated feature is set in the Abbey at Kells in Ireland and is centred on Brendon, the Abbot's nephew. Brendon is an apprentice working along the monks in the scriptorium as they illuminate various texts. He hears them talking about a great illuminator; Brother Aidan of Iona whose work, 'The Book of Iona' is beautiful beyond compare. After Vikings raid Iona, Brother Aiden escapes to Ireland with his book and makes his way to Kells. Here Brendan gets to know him and agrees to help him gather berries needed to make his ink. To do this he goes into the forest despite knowing that his uncle doesn't want him leaving the abbey. In the woods he meets Aisling, a forest spirit who helps him. He also learns of a dangerous spirit called Crom Cruach
a spirit he will later have to confront before he starts to learn how to illuminate texts himself. Eventually the Vikings arrive at Kells and Brendon flees with Brother Aidan.
This story about the creation of Ireland's famous 'Book of Kells' is an utter delight. The animation is great with detail to rival that of Japan's Studio Ghibli but with a distinctly Irish feel. The story is told well and I really liked the main characters; Brendon is a great protagonist; curious and adventurous without seeming overly precocious. Aisling is also a delight; it is a pity that her role isn't a bit larger as she is such a charming character. The rest of the cast of characters is interesting to. There are moments of real threat; these are fairly dark at times but not too frightening for younger viewers. The voice cast did a fine job bringing the characters to life; these characters have relatively simple but charming designs. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of animation looking for something a little different.
This story about the creation of Ireland's famous 'Book of Kells' is an utter delight. The animation is great with detail to rival that of Japan's Studio Ghibli but with a distinctly Irish feel. The story is told well and I really liked the main characters; Brendon is a great protagonist; curious and adventurous without seeming overly precocious. Aisling is also a delight; it is a pity that her role isn't a bit larger as she is such a charming character. The rest of the cast of characters is interesting to. There are moments of real threat; these are fairly dark at times but not too frightening for younger viewers. The voice cast did a fine job bringing the characters to life; these characters have relatively simple but charming designs. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of animation looking for something a little different.