The Secret of Kells
The Secret of Kells
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Watch-outs
What this film brings
Content barometer
Violence
2/5
Moderate
Fear
3/5
Notable tension
Sexuality
0/5
None
Language
0/5
None
Narrative complexity
1/5
Accessible
Adult themes
0/5
None
Expert review
This family animated film blends medieval adventure, Celtic mystery and striking stylized artwork, with a poetic atmosphere that regularly turns dark and unsettling. The main sensitive elements involve fear, including a threatening forest, wolves, a serpent like evil spirit, and a Viking invasion setting with destruction and characters facing real danger. The violence is not graphic and remains highly stylized, yet several scenes can unsettle young children because of their visual intensity, loud sound design, and the story's references to loss, death, and a stern adult exerting pressure on a child. This is not adult material, but it does require some emotional maturity because the darker moments are frequent enough to matter. I would recommend it from about age 8 with parental support, and closer to age 10 for most children to enjoy the artistry and story without becoming overly frightened.
Synopsis
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?
Difficult scenes
During Brendan's journeys into the forest, he faces a dark living environment filled with threatening trees, eerie sounds, and a wolf attack. The sequence is stylized and not gory, but the feeling of pursuit and immediate danger can be intense for young viewers, especially children who are sensitive to aggressive animals or dark settings. The story introduces Crom Cruach, an evil presence tied to a dark cave and a very intimidating serpent like form. These scenes are among the most unsettling in the film, using sustained tension, abstract threatening imagery, and the idea of confronting a dark force, which can be frightening even without graphic violence. The Viking threat hangs over the whole story and eventually becomes a direct attack on the abbey. The film shows panic, refugees seeking safety, stylized combat, threatened buildings, and injured or endangered characters, giving the movie a stronger emotional intensity than many animated films aimed at very young children. The relationship between Brendan and his uncle Cellach may also be difficult for younger viewers, because the adult is stern, controlling, and sometimes intimidating. Some scenes include harsh scolding, confinement, and strong psychological pressure placed on the child, which may affect children who are sensitive to family conflict or injustice.
Where to watch
No verified platform for the US market yet. We keep this section updated as availability changes.
About this title
- Format
- Feature film
- Year
- 2009
- Runtime
- 1h 15m
- Countries
- Ireland, France, Belgium
- Original language
- EN
- Directed by
- Tomm Moore
- Main cast
- Evan McGuire, Christen Mooney, Brendan Gleeson, Mick Lally, Liam Hourican, Paul Tylak, Michael McGrath, Paul Young, Nora Twomey, Alli McCann
- Studios
- Cartoon Saloon, Gébéka Films, Les Armateurs, Vivi Film, France 2 Cinéma, Celluloid Dreams, RTÉ, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland
Content barometer
Violence
2/5
Moderate
Fear
3/5
Notable tension
Sexuality
0/5
None
Language
0/5
None
Narrative complexity
1/5
Accessible
Adult themes
0/5
None
Expert review
This family animated film blends medieval adventure, Celtic mystery and striking stylized artwork, with a poetic atmosphere that regularly turns dark and unsettling. The main sensitive elements involve fear, including a threatening forest, wolves, a serpent like evil spirit, and a Viking invasion setting with destruction and characters facing real danger. The violence is not graphic and remains highly stylized, yet several scenes can unsettle young children because of their visual intensity, loud sound design, and the story's references to loss, death, and a stern adult exerting pressure on a child. This is not adult material, but it does require some emotional maturity because the darker moments are frequent enough to matter. I would recommend it from about age 8 with parental support, and closer to age 10 for most children to enjoy the artistry and story without becoming overly frightened.
Synopsis
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?
Difficult scenes
During Brendan's journeys into the forest, he faces a dark living environment filled with threatening trees, eerie sounds, and a wolf attack. The sequence is stylized and not gory, but the feeling of pursuit and immediate danger can be intense for young viewers, especially children who are sensitive to aggressive animals or dark settings. The story introduces Crom Cruach, an evil presence tied to a dark cave and a very intimidating serpent like form. These scenes are among the most unsettling in the film, using sustained tension, abstract threatening imagery, and the idea of confronting a dark force, which can be frightening even without graphic violence. The Viking threat hangs over the whole story and eventually becomes a direct attack on the abbey. The film shows panic, refugees seeking safety, stylized combat, threatened buildings, and injured or endangered characters, giving the movie a stronger emotional intensity than many animated films aimed at very young children. The relationship between Brendan and his uncle Cellach may also be difficult for younger viewers, because the adult is stern, controlling, and sometimes intimidating. Some scenes include harsh scolding, confinement, and strong psychological pressure placed on the child, which may affect children who are sensitive to family conflict or injustice.