Stunning visuals in ‘Kells’

While most people were raving about “Up” before the 2010 awards season, a much smaller group was touting an Irish animated film called “The Secret of Kells” that most people never even got the chance to see.
 
“Kells” lost out on the award, which was not a tragedy by any means, but the film is still impressive, even if only for its visuals.

“The Secret of Kells” follows Brendan, a young boy living in a medieval village in the company of a group of monks. Their village is under threat of attack from marauding barbarians, but Brendan is more concerned with writing holy books. While wandering through the off-limits forest, he meets a young fairy girl who will be invaluable in helping him complete his mentor’s most important text.

The visuals of “Kells” are nothing short of amazing. The backgrounds are incredibly intricate and detailed in contrast to the film’s box-like characters. However, the film is lacking in some areas, particularly character development and story.

Despite some faults, “Kells” is still a beautiful film to view.