The Secret of Kells Review

Messages: Although Brendan disobeys his uncle, he is ultimately trying to dowhat's best for Kells by preserving the famous illuminated manuscriptthat Aidan needs his help to finish. Brendan believes God has grantedhim a gift to illustrate the manuscript, and he follows this gift. But he alsolearns that what his abbot uncle called "pagan nonsense" wasn'tnonsense at all; there is magic in the woods, in the form of abeautiful fairy girl and an underground monster. Some families might not be comfortable with the depiction of pagan motifs and characters along with strong spiritual/Christian themes.

Role models: Brendan learns to practice his gift, collaborate with Aidan, ask for helpwhen it's needed, and act bravely when he thinks his friend is indanger. Aisling could have been cruel to Brendan when he wandered into the woods, but instead she helps him, befriends him, and teaches him the wonders of the woods. Brother Aidan nurtures Brendan's talent and tells him it's a gift he must use.

Violence: The tone of the animation can turn dark, gloomy, and downright scary in parts, especially during the scenes when the Vikings are shown with their axes drawn or when a pack of red-eyed wolves circle a boy in the woods. The Barbarian invaders mercilessly set fire to a whole town and bring their axes down to kill the fleeing villagers. Needless to say, the Barbarians are frightening and murderous. The sequence with the pagan creature that haunts the woods is also intense. One character is shown near death after he has been speared, and other characters are presumed dead due to a fire.

Sex: Not an issue

Language: Not an issue

Consumerism: Not an issue

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue