Mystical Films About Sacred Libraries

Description: The film follows Lamont Cranston, who gains the ability to cloud men's minds and becomes The Shadow. His quest for redemption leads him to uncover secrets in ancient libraries and texts.

Fact: The character of The Shadow was originally a radio show character, and this film was an attempt to bring the character to the big screen with a mystical twist.

Description: Dean Corso, a rare book dealer, is hired to authenticate a copy of "The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows," a book rumored to contain the secret of summoning the Devil. His journey takes him through Europe's most secretive libraries and collections.

Fact: The film is based on the novel "El Club Dumas" by Arturo Pérez-Reverte. Director Roman Polanski himself appears in a cameo as a mysterious figure in a bookshop.

Description: While not exclusively about a library, the film involves the uncovering of ancient secrets through symbols and texts, leading to the exploration of sacred libraries and archives across Europe.

Fact: The film was shot in various real locations, including the Louvre Museum, which adds authenticity to the settings. It sparked controversy due to its depiction of religious themes.

Description: A story about a man who can bring characters from books to life when he reads aloud. His adventures lead him to seek out rare books, including those in sacred libraries, to reverse the chaos he has caused.

Fact: The film features a cameo by Roger Allam, who plays the voice of the book's narrator. The film's title refers to a fictional book within the story.

Description: A modern-day teenager is transported back in time to ancient China, where he must return a magical staff to its rightful place in a sacred library to prevent chaos.

Fact: This film marks the first time Jackie Chan and Jet Li have co-starred in a Hollywood production. The film blends elements of Chinese mythology with a quest for ancient knowledge.

Description: A young man discovers he is the heir to a line of sorcerers, and his journey involves learning magic from ancient texts housed in secret libraries.

Fact: The film includes a scene inspired by the famous "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" segment from Disney's Fantasia. The character Balthazar Blake was originally conceived as a villain but was changed to a mentor figure.

Description: In a post-apocalyptic world, Eli carries a sacred book that holds the key to humanity's survival. His journey involves protecting this book from those who would misuse its power, often leading him to libraries and archives.

Fact: The film's ending was kept secret from the cast and crew until the last day of shooting to maintain the surprise. The book Eli carries is revealed to be a Braille version of the Bible.

Description: Set in a 14th-century Italian monastery, this film follows a Franciscan friar and his novice as they investigate a series of mysterious deaths linked to the monastery's vast library, which holds forbidden knowledge.

Fact: The film is an adaptation of Umberto Eco's novel of the same name. Sean Connery's performance as the friar William of Baskerville was critically acclaimed.

Description: This film introduces us to Flynn Carsen, a bookish librarian who discovers that his new job at the Metropolitan Library involves protecting magical artifacts. The library itself is a labyrinth of secrets, housing ancient knowledge and mystical items.

Fact: The film spawned a trilogy, with each installment exploring different mythical artifacts. The character of Flynn Carsen was inspired by the likes of Indiana Jones and Harry Potter.

Description: This animated film tells the story of Brendan, a young boy living in a medieval abbey, who embarks on a quest to complete the Book of Kells, one of Ireland's greatest treasures, involving a journey through mystical forests and libraries.

Fact: The film uses a unique visual style inspired by the illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages. It won the 2010 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.