Irish animators cast their spell over the Book of Kells. By CALEB STARRENBURG.

THE Book of Kells is a venerated tome containing the four gospels of the New Testament, illustrated by Irish monks in the eighth century. The Secret of Kells is the debut animated feature from directors Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey, about a young boy tasked with completing the manuscript’s centerpiece Book of Iona.

In the film Brendan lives with his uncle, Abbot Cellach, in a monastery on the edge of a mysterious forest. Fearful of an impending invasion by marauding Vikings, the abbot is working to build a huge sanctuary for his parish. Of course, the young monk is more interested in painting than piling bricks. When the great illustrator Aidan arrives with an incomplete Iona and Norseman on his tail, you know there will be a showdown. Oh, and then there’s the bit when Brendan runs away to the forest and meets the mystical wolf-girl and has to fight the giant snake creature in a cave to steal a magic seeing-crystal. Although pitched at the seven-and-up crowd, I have a feeling the film’s busy narrative might prove tough going for some children. There’s also a lack of context. It’s never mentioned exactly what the Book of Kells is (perhaps it’s assumed we already know – it is a national treasure in Ireland), so while we’re told the book is important, we’re not told why.

That’s not to say the film’s blending of Irish history and legend isn’t an entertaining ride. And its simple message about the wonder of art is a welcome escape during these bleak economic times. What really sets this film apart, however, is the visual flourishes. Moore and Twomey don’t just take their narrative inspiration from the Book of Kells, but also their visual cues. The Kells manuscript is often cited as the pinnacle of Insular art (also referred to as Celtic art), characterised by ornate, swirling motives and stylised impressions of animals. In the film everything from snowflakes to trees and flames are illustrated with an Insular art-flair. In particular, the Vikings are wonderfully abstract creations (and perhaps on the scary side for young ones). Mostly hand-drawn, the animation feels both antiquated and startling fresh.

The Secret of Kells’ largely two-dimensional and swirling aesthetic won’t be to everyone’s liking, although it certainly makes an interesting departure from the American and Japanese animation hitting our screens. All up, a noteworthy debut from Moore and Twomey. I look forward to seeing more of their work.