While some people continue to look to Japan for an heir to Hayao Miyazaki's throne, there's a chance that he's already arrived in the shape of Tomm Moore, the Irish-born writer and director of The Secret Of Kells. Just as Miyazaki often draws upon Japanese folklore and tradition, with The Secret Of Kells Moore turns to his counrty's religious roots and the ancient Book of Kells, crafting a tale deeply imbued with Celtic symbolism and Christian lore. Moore creates a dream-like, ephemeral world and isn't afraid to slacken the pace in favour of atmosphere - another aspect of his style which closely resembles Miyazaki's but feels like a compliment rather than a pale imitation. The Secret Of Kells confirms that traditional cel animation is alive and well, evoking worlds in a style of classical art and somehow imbuing them with a sense of timelessness that is thoroughly impressive for a directorial debut.
