The exquisite art and fairytale ambience will win over animation fans and children alike.
90
Village Voice
Village Voice
Gorgeously mounted tale of enlightenment through art and courage.
90
SalonAndrew O'Hehir
SalonAndrew O'Hehir
A gorgeous transcription of medieval decorative art and its themes into a contemporary animated narrative, one that should enthrall children older than 8 or so, along with the adults lucky enough to watch with them.
It is only fitting that a movie concerned with the power and beauty of drawing -- the almost sacred magic of color and line -- should be so gorgeously and intricately drawn.
There's something kind of captivating about a film that's been painstakingly drawn to glorify the craft of illustration, and that's comfortable using retro techniques. Because after all, what else makes sense for bringing to life the gold and scarlet ornamentation in ancient manuscripts?
80
Variety
Variety
With its jewel-bright colors and intricate use of lines, the result is absolutely luscious to behold.
The movie isn’t quite suitable for the extremely young, but its apocalyptic tint may be catnip for smart preteens. They’ll breathe in the chilly air of a mysterious forest--the way forests should be.
80
The Hollywood ReporterMichael Rechtshaffen
The Hollywood ReporterMichael Rechtshaffen
Kells proves that in the increasingly high-tech world of feature animation, there still can be a place for old-time tradition.
50
Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman
Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman
Regrettably, the film's story is so busy yet flat that the effect isn't magical -- it's more like watching the tale of some very enchanted wallpaper.