There are many things I love about
The Secret of Kells. I love its innovative animation style which is inspired by the monastic Bible illustration tradition. I love its story about relationships and maturity and the things we leave behind as we come of age. I love its mythic feel. I love how informed it is by the history of the Book of Kells, the history of the Vikings (this film depicts better than any I've ever seen just what sort of threat the vikings were to the people of Europe in the middle ages), and the transition of the Celtic people from a Pagan nation to a Christian nation while still maintaining some of their fondness for elements of Paganism.
As you write about this film, please answer two of the following questions:
- What did you like most about this film? Why? (Or, if you disliked it, tell us about that instead.)
- How did this film help you better understand historical or cultural things you didn't know about before?
- What did you think of the films ending? Did you work for you?
- What did you make of the moment when our protagonist, as an adult, met Ashleigh the last time and there was a barrier between them?
NOTE: This film is on Netflix instant view.
I feel like it helped me historically understand how the vikings were. I felt like that was a good portrayal of them. Also It helped because it kind of showed how were changing, like religion wise. They were changing into more Christian based life.
ReplyDeleteI did like the ending. The whole thing about him going back into the forest and then being lead back to his uncle was a good way to end it. I really liked that the uncle had held on to the first thing he had drawn. Anyway yeah the ending really worked for me.
The ending was AMAZING it worked very very well for me. i loved the film for anamtion it was amazing and very well put together i could not belive how well it went it sounded dumb at first but when it ended it blew my mind.
ReplyDeleteThis film was very interesting, it was different from the films that we have seen so far in this class. Just in the beginning where this narration was just this little girl in a low voice telling a story was one of the things that was interesting. What i liked most about this film was how it told the story. The story was very interesting on how much life and effort people would put into these books, even if their lives depended on it. The film made it seem like this was a very important magical book which gave people hope to me. Makes me wonder how the real thing looks like since this was based on the real thing.
ReplyDeleteWell like Josh said, this film made me learn that vikings weren't just people who had weapons, ships, and stuff based on how their lifestyle was. They were people that many have feared and lost their lives and yet they couldn't do anything about it until a certain point of time where military and kingdoms were introduced. Vikings would attack small places like these without anything to protect themselves and their families. the film, they were portrayed as these unstoppable force that can't be fought with (except for the wolves at the end that killed a group).
I loved the art style that they chose for the movie. Making it 2D and stylized the way that it was allowed them to make it look and feel more Celtic. It was like watching an animated storybook rather than just a film.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the last moment where she is running away is kind of like Brendan following his memories back to the place he called home. It seems almost like the reason she wasn't a girl is because he isn't a child anymore. He sees the majestic white wolf, not the little girl he was friends with because he has grown up, and lost some of the magic and wonder that comes with childhood.
I don't mean to offend anyone but watching this movie made me want to come with a script of a man falling in love with a forest fairy.
ReplyDeleteThis movie was overall pretty good and that means something since I'm not too fond of Celtic Nordic culture. The illustration also reminded me of the disney movie "Atlantis" of how the ancient designs were. If that makes sense.
I knew that the Viking culture was well cruel but I didn't know that they went out to great lengths to destroy religious artifacts. But what I really wonder is if they had no idea the items were there but just wanted to burn and rip things. I believe the Vikings also believed in demi-gods or deities is that correct? I definitely saw the transition of paganism with fairies and serpent like illusions to having the Christen religion take place.
I also get the ending of Asling suddenly disappearing symbolizing the pagan religions end but I would of personally like to have her and Brendan to have a brief moment together I don't know why.
Ashton Bowers,
ReplyDeleteI liked pretty much everything about this film. The animations seemed a little weird to me at first but I got used to them and I think it is just right for the movie. This movie helped understand more about the Vikings, I knew they would raid towns for it's treasure and valuables, and they would kill people who got in their way, but I didn't know they would kill even the innocent people that didn't do anything.
I think when the protagonist meets aisling for the last time it is representing that they are leaving paganism behind. The ending wasn't the best for me but it was fine, I would have liked it if the boy talked to aising one more time.