My daughter and I sat down, got comfortable and watch a very special story, The Secret of Kells, about a remote medieval outpost of Ireland.  Young Brendan embarks on a new life of adventure when a celebrated master illuminator arrives from foreign lands carrying a book brimming with secret wisdom and powers.  

To help complete the magical book, Brendan has to overcome his deepest fears on a dangerous quest that takes him into the enchanted forest where mythical creatures hide.  It is here that he meets the fairy Aisling, a mysterious young wolf-girl, who helps him along the way.  But with the barbarians (Vikings) closing in, will Brendan’s determination and artistic vision illuminate the darkness against evil? 

The story is enchanting and spiritual in many ways.  The animation is unlike our American ways, symbolic with brilliant colors. My daughter was wary of the dark side of the story. But we found the Vikings not so scary because they were more of a representation of evil than evil. The killings were only hinted, very mild, a good lesson for filmmakers. I recommend the movie for children over 10.  Rightly so, The Secret of kells was nominated for Best Animated Feature at Academy Awards 2010.

Screenhead has a copy of The Secret of Kells to give away.  Post your name and we will pick the winner October 20, 2010.