The Secret of Kells
Performance & Direction: The Secret of Kells Review
Last updated: February 4, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Secret of Kells (2009) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Animation.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Animation is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Secret of Kells features a noteworthy lineup led by Evan McGuire . Supported by the likes of Christen Mooney and Brendan Gleeson , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: The Secret of Kells
Quick Plot Summary: The Secret of Kells is a Animation, Family, Fantasy film that combines stunning visual artistry with storytelling that appeals to all ages. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The film presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. 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? The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: The Secret of Kells
Ending Breakdown: The Secret of Kells resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to animation resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the animation themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Secret of Kells reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Secret of Kells?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Animation films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Secret of Kells
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $8.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $1.8M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Secret of Kells Budget
The estimated production budget for The Secret of Kells is $8.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Secret of Kells
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Secret of Kells Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Apple TV Store
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Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Secret of Kells Parents Guide & Age Rating
2009 AdvisoryWondering about The Secret of Kells age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Secret of Kells is 78 minutes (1h 18m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.4/10, and global performance metrics, The Secret of Kells is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2009 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Secret of Kells worth watching?
The Secret of Kells is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies. It has a verified rating of 7.4/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Secret of Kells parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Secret of Kells identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Secret of Kells?
The total duration of The Secret of Kells is 78 minutes, which is approximately 1h 18m long.
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Critic Reviews for The Secret of Kells
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)
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.