February 3, 2010
Over the years, filmmakers have found some fairly rich source material in the Middle Ages -- from serious studies of the medieval psyche like The Seventh Seal and The Passion of Joan of Arc to much lighter fare such as The Court Jester and Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Some have even been recognized by Oscar®.
This year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has recognized a lesser-known work by nominating it in the category of Best Animated Feature Film.
The movie is The Secret of Kells, the story of a boy who must find a way to complete the legendary Book of Kells and stop the Viking attacks on the abbey he grew up in. I haven't seen the film myself; in fact, it isn't due to be released in the U.S. until March. But you can get a glimpse of the film at The Secret of Kells website, which includes a plot synopsis, a trailer, an image gallery and information about the voices.
The Secret of Kells is not a slick, Pixar-style production, but it does have some very nice artwork. Most intriguing of all, though it appears to be something of a fantasy, it does tell a story related to actual historical events and a treasured artifact of medieval times. I look forward to seeing it, though I may have to wait for it to come out on DVD so I can get it through Netflix.
For more about the Book of Kells, check out:
If you've seen The Secret of Kells, please feel free to share your impressions in the comments section of this blog.
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February 3, 2010 at 3:42 pm
(1) Anachronista says:
Comments are closed.
Over the years, filmmakers have found some fairly rich source material in the Middle Ages -- from serious studies of the medieval psyche like The Seventh Seal and The Passion of Joan of Arc to much lighter fare such as The Court Jester and Robin Hood: Men in Tights. Some have even been recognized by Oscar®.
This year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences has recognized a lesser-known work by nominating it in the category of Best Animated Feature Film.
The movie is The Secret of Kells, the story of a boy who must find a way to complete the legendary Book of Kells and stop the Viking attacks on the abbey he grew up in. I haven't seen the film myself; in fact, it isn't due to be released in the U.S. until March. But you can get a glimpse of the film at The Secret of Kells website, which includes a plot synopsis, a trailer, an image gallery and information about the voices.
The Secret of Kells is not a slick, Pixar-style production, but it does have some very nice artwork. Most intriguing of all, though it appears to be something of a fantasy, it does tell a story related to actual historical events and a treasured artifact of medieval times. I look forward to seeing it, though I may have to wait for it to come out on DVD so I can get it through Netflix.
For more about the Book of Kells, check out:
The Book of Kells
An introduction by your Guide
Images from the Book of Kells
Highlights from the book here at the Medieval History site
If you've seen The Secret of Kells, please feel free to share your impressions in the comments section of this blog.
Â
Comments
February 3, 2010 at 3:42 pm
(1) Anachronista says:
It’s a beautiful, magical animation/illumination. As a student of the Celtic arts and an illuminator myself, I am elated to see this ancient masterpiece being used as a basis for such a great story. I just wish I could see this on the big screen!
Comments are closed.
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