The Secret of Kells

"Turn the darkness into light"

2009 1h 19m EN

👍

7.4

SOLID

★7.4TMDB · 826

AnimationFamilyFantasy

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

Adventure awaits 12 year old Brendan who must fight Vikings and a serpent god to find a crystal and complete the legendary Book of Kells. In order to finish Brother Aiden's book, Brendan must overcome his deepest fears on a secret quest that will take him beyond the abbey walls and into the enchanted forest where dangerous mythical creatures hide. Will Brendan succeed in his quest?

“Turn the darkness into light”

WhatsApp X Facebook Telegram

Where to watch · US

Amazon VideoRent

Apple TV StoreRent

Google Play MoviesRent

Google Play MoviesBuy

YouTubeBuy

Fandango At HomeBuy

Cast

Evan McGuire
Brendan (voice)
Christen Mooney
Aisling (voice)
Brendan Gleeson
Abbot Cellach (voice)
Mick Lally
Aidan (voice)
Liam Hourican
Brother Tang / Leonardo (voice)
Paul Tylak
Brother Assoua (voice)
Michael McGrath
Adult Brendan (voice)
Paul Young
Brother Square (voice)

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Tomm Moore
Writers: Fabrice Ziolkowski, Fabrice Ziolkowski
Languages: English
Countries: Ireland, France, Belgium

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 8

RUNTIME

Did you know

Tight 79-minute runtime — shorter than most television pilots.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 8

MONEY

Did you know

Earned back only 23% of its budget on initial theatrical — a commercial disappointment on release.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 8

ERA

Did you know

Released 17 years ago.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 8

WORLD

Did you know

International production across 3 countries: Ireland, France, Belgium.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Original score by Bruno Coulais. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

6 / 8

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Fabienne Alvarez-Giro shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#06

7 / 8

CAST

Did you know

Evan McGuire and Christen Mooney and Brendan Gleeson carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#07

8 / 8

FACT

Did you know

Marketing tagline: "Turn the darkness into light".

MoodPlayr · trivia#08

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Tomm Moore directs. Bruno Coulais scores. Fabienne Alvarez-Giro cuts. Runs lean at under 100 minutes. A commercial under-performer on release. Produced in Ireland, France, Belgium. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

1Tight 79-minute runtime — shorter than most television pilots.
2Earned back only 23% of its budget on initial theatrical — a commercial disappointment on release.
3Released 17 years ago.
4International production across 3 countries: Ireland, France, Belgium.
5Original score by Bruno Coulais. Worth a dedicated listen after — most great films lose half their impact without the score.
6Editor Fabienne Alvarez-Giro shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
7Evan McGuire and Christen Mooney and Brendan Gleeson carry the top of the cast.
8Marketing tagline: "Turn the darkness into light".
9IMDB entry: tt0485601 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
10Classified under 10 themes, including "mythology", "vikings (norsemen)", "barbarian", "underwater".
11Released under 12 different titles around the world.

The technical file

Original score: Bruno Coulais
Editing: Fabienne Alvarez-Giro
Sound: Fabien Devillers
Runtime: 79 min · 1h 19m
Aspect ratio (typical): 1.37:1 (Academy)
Status: Released
Budget: $8,000,000
Box office: $1,803,412
Return: 23% of budget
Original language: EN
Certification (US): NR
IMDB: The Secret of Kells (2009)

Also by

Tomm Moore

Stills · wallpapers

Selected frames

Full-resolution frames — open one to save it as a wallpaper.

Wallpaper

Trailers & featurettes

Watch the pieces

Community reviews

What people are saying

Alunauwie2025-09-12
★ 8/10
The film is a historical fantasy inspired by the origins of the Book of Kells, a Latin manuscript of the four Gospels adorned with beautiful illustrations. It introduces viewers to a religious and artistic legacy within the context of the Catholic Church. The narrative centers on the character Brendan and his role in completing the sacred manuscript. Visually, the film is striking, with unique animation, ornate aesthetics, and harmonious colors that enhance its historical tone. The glowing depiction of the book and its golden ink captures the divine reverence toward sacred texts. However, some elements, such as the actual "secret" of Kells or the fate of the town after an attack, remain unclear. Despite the narrative gaps, the film delivers an immersive experience that blends history, myth, and faith through stunning art and sound. It rightfully earned critical acclaim, including 7 awards and an Oscar nomination in 2010. Ultimately, it teaches the importance of staying open to guidance while choosing wisely based on wisdom and experience. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com)

Production companies