Film Review & Study Guide: The Secret of Kells Appropriate for 8 and up Run time: 75 mins
This film review and study guide was created by Jenn Chretien during the University of Rhode Island’s LSC 597: Library Film Education taught by Dr. Renee Hobbs. This review and guide are for the Secret of Kells, a 2009 English-language animated feature film directed by Tomm Moore. It includes terms and keywords, themes, questions for discussion, activities, and relevant resources for both classroom and informal use.
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Leap 2: Movie Review and Study Guide for “The Secret of Kells”
Review
When a mysterious illustrator comes to his monastery, a young boy named Brendan is taken on as his apprentice. Brendan must use courage when he decides to leave the only home he has ever known in order to find a special berry needed to make the ink for their illuminated manuscript known as the Book of Kells. During his journey, he is aided by supernatural creatures that he was originally taught to fear. What results, is Brendan’s realization that the world is more complex and wonderful than he was raised to believe in his sheltered upbringing. The Secret of Kells utilizes exquisite hand drawn illustrations and color to convey mood. The viewer is left with the understanding that with the help of friendship and a little magic, nature and love can triumph over darkness and war.
2009 Academy Award Nominee for Animated Film
2010 Providence Children’s Film Festival Selection.
STUDY GUIDE:
1. For Classroom Use:
Film Title: The Secret of Kells
Director: Tomm Moore
Country of Origin: Belgium, Ireland
Language: English
Run Time: 75 minutes
Brief Summary: A mysterious illustrator comes to visit a remote Irish monastery on the verge of a Viking invasion. A young monk named Brendan leaves the only home he has known in order to find the proper berry to mix the special ink to complete the powerful and magical Book of Kells.
Suggested Age Group: 8 and up due to scary scenes.
Genre: Animated feature film
Before Viewing:
Relevant Film Terms and Vocabulary
Book of Kells – an illuminated manuscript depicting the four gospels
Fairies – a small imaginary being of human form that has magical powers
Illuminated Manuscript – a highly decorated manuscript containing illustrations, borders, and initials. Manuscript – a book or document written by hand
Pangur Ban – a poem written by an Irish monk about his cat
Scriptorium– a room where illuminated manuscripts were worked on.
Vikings – Scandinavian pirates that raided coastal villages
Major Themes:
Art, relationships, old vs. new, culture, friendship, light over darkness, courage, spirituality.
Questions for Discussion:
In the movie, the villagers and monastery inhabitants are preparing for a Viking invasion. What time period does this suggest the movie takes place in? Why would the Vikings be attacking a monastery? What rules do your parents have in place to keep you safe at home? Do you agree with them? As part of his adventure, Brendan has to overcome his fears by walking through the enchanted forest. What do you think he will find? What would you find if you had to take a similar journey? What books or objects do you hold important? Why?
Activities:
Brendan is kept safe behind the monastery walls for safety and protection. Divide yourselves in pairs or groups and come up with relevant rules to keep you safe. Write a skit or create a multimedia message in order to advertise your rule.
After Viewing : Analyzing the Film/Filmmaker choices
The story:
Do you think Brendan made the right choice by defying his uncle’s wishes? Why or Why not? Why was the illuminated manuscript so important? Would anything be considered equally important to people of today? Why was Brendan so afraid of the forest? Why did Cellach make him so afraid of the forest and the magical creatures that lived there? What did the illustrations convey to you about life in a medieval Irish village? Discuss the portrayal of the Vikings in this film and other films. Do they come across similarly? What is different?
Context:
Discuss the use of color in the film animation to convey mood? Do you think it was effective? Discuss the method of outlining used in animating each character. How does this tie into the concept of an illuminated manuscript Compare the US film trailer with those from other countries. What do those differences tell you about the intended audience and what they are placing importance on in the film?
Activities:
Create your own illuminated manuscript Write and enact a script detailing what you would find on your own adventure through an enchanted forest
Resources
Exploring the Book of Kells http://ccea.org.uk/colmcille/exploring_book_kells/index.php The Library at Trinity College http://www.tcd.ie/Library/bookofkells/ The Getty Museum. Making Manuscript http://www.artbabble.org/video/getty-museum/making-manuscripts Illuminated Manuscripts for Kids http://www.mykidsadventures.com/illuminated-manuscript/
II. Informal Settings
Before viewing
Relevant Film Terms and Vocabulary
Book of Kells – an illuminated manuscript depicting the four gospels
Fairies – a small imaginary being of human form that has magical powers
Illuminated Manuscript – a highly decorated manuscript containing illustrations, borders, and initials.
Manuscript – a book or document written by hand
Pangur Ban – a poem written by an Irish monk about his cat
Scriptorium– a room where illuminated manuscripts were worked on.
Vikings – Scandinavian pirates that raided coastal villages
Major Themes:
Art, relationships, culture, old vs. new, friendship, light over darkness, courage, spirituality.
Questions for Discussion:
Discuss what each main character held to be important. What does that tell you about their personality? Is there a book or object that is as important to you as the Book of Kells was in this film? Why is it so important? Are there rules that you have that you disagree with?
After Viewing : Analyzing the Film/Filmmaker choices
The story:
Do you think Brendan made the right choice by defying his uncle’s wishes? Why or Why not? Why was the illuminated manuscript so important? Would anything be considered equally important to people of today? What is the difference between how Vikings are portrayed in this film and other movies? What do you think of Aisling’s depiction of being a wolf girl when Brendan first encounters her?
Context:
Discuss the use of color in the film animation to convey mood? Do you think it was effective? Why were the hands drawn the way they were? Discuss the use of hand drawn vs. CGI in this film. Do you think the movie would have had the same message if the animators used CGI?
Activities:
Create your own illuminated manuscript Think of something you are afraid of. Draw a magical creature that you would like to help you overcome your fears
Local Resources
Rhode Island School of Design activities for kids http://ce.risd.edu/search/courses/?ages=kids