Kneecap

I saw this movie tonight as AMC's Screen Unseen mystery movie, so I knew less than nothing about what I was walking into. Whether you like rap or not, see this movie for the incredible cinematography. Ryan Kernaghan deserves awards for this movie. I've never thought to look up a cinematographer UNTIL seeing this movie. Spectacular.

The story itself is very powerful and makes you truly respect Irish people and their love for their country, while making a lot of laughs and not taking itself too seriously. It delivers a powerful message of the importance of heritage. If you're a proud Brit, might be best to sit this one out.

I saw Kneecap today in one of the best multiplexes in the UK. Interestingly, the entire audience (all 10 of us) were in our sixties and seventies and there was total engagement and no-one left before the lights went up. I spoke to one group of about 5 and they were all in agreement about how strong the film was. I lived and travelled in NI and Eire (as was) during the early 80s so truly appreciated the quality of the script. The acting was exceptional and the dark humour was right up my street. I'm not a big hip-hop fan and you certainly don't need to be to appreciate the film, but I've always rated Eminem and Die Antwoord very highly, and it's clear to me that the the latter were clearly an influence on the sound and style of Kneecap as an outfit. I will get this on Blu ray in due course, but I think I will be the only person in the household who 'gets it'. Hopefully my children will get at least some of the cultural references and enjoy the kick-ass soundtrack. If you get the opportunity, do give it a go as this film illustrates just how well a piece of art can be created using a very limited budget and authentic actors. Based on a true story.

Greetings again from the darkness. The Troubles of Northern Ireland were a 30-year political and social conflict that officially ended in 1998 with the Good Friday Agreement. Even today, the pain and memories and divisions remain. Writer-director Rich Peppiatt's film is set in 2019 (West Belfast) and is billed as a "mostly true story" involving controversial hip-hop group Kneecap and the push to make Irish an official language. Early on we are told, "A country without a language is only half a country." A circumstantial fluke brings music teacher JJ (DJ Provai) into the world of self-described "low life scum", Naoise ( Moglai Bap) and Liam Og (Mo Chara) - drug dealers and wannabe musicians. Performing their raps in native Irish tongue, the trio inexplicably and by happenstance, becomes the unlikely face and voice of the language movement. The resistance they face is stout and sometimes dangerous ... yet possibly they remain their own biggest hurdle to success.

Another plot line occasionally rears its head - Naoise's father Arlo (Michael Fassbender) has been on the run since Naoise's childhood and is now a paramilitary figure pursued by the police, despite family efforts to convince he's dead. Popping up now and again, Arlo offers guidance and words of advice to the boys who face oppression and opposition from the conservative and proper forces fighting their rebellious nature and pursuit of radical change.

Adding to the interest level here is that all three members of Kneecap play themselves. With no acting experience, they are convincing enough in telling (mostly) their own story in comedy-drama style. They are also experts at flowing f-words. We have witnessed Irish chaos many times, yet director Peppiatt and the trio generate an energetic cheekiness that plays well in establishing cultural and class differences. This may not be the first story of drug dealers becoming lyricists, performers, and social influencers, but we certainly appreciate the moments of authenticity proving yet again the power and influence of music (even if the bouncing subtitles are a step beyond challenging). The 2022 Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act affirmed Irish as an official language, and Kneecap shows punk rebellion will carry on. Oh, and ask your friends, "What's the craic?"

In theaters August 2, 2024.

Saw this on a secret screening, initial synopsis had me thinking, "oh I will be out the door in the first 15 minutes", but no, strong performances from all involved makes this an often funny, somewhat dramatic and rollercoaster of a movie following the unlikely events that end up forming the Irish Hip-Hop trio Kneecap.

It is easy to caveat this with "it will not be for everyone", which it will not be, many will not like the drug use, or the language, its context and suitable for the setting, and Kneecap uses these in balance to provide laughs along the way, as well as what has to be one of the funniest sex scenes in a long while.

I had the pleasure of watching this movie at a film festival in Poland. I felt compelled to recover my IMDb account credentials just to share my thoughts because I believe the current reviews do not do it justice.

No other film at the festival evoked as much laughter from the audience during the screening. While there were many remarkable films, this one stood out as my favorite. From what I've heard, the audience reaction at Sundance was similarly enthusiastic.

If you're considering watching this movie, disregard the reviews below. True, it isn't an arthouse film, and it does advocate drug use, strong language, and police brutality. However, it is an absolute joy to watch. It conveys profound messages about the quest for freedom, self-expression, and defiance.

Most importantly, this movie is authentic. The main characters are played by the musicians themselves (and they do a fantastic job). It may not be factually accurate, but it excels at conveying the feeling and authenticity without being phony or pretentious.

This movie is pure punk, wrapped in a colorful and sweet package. I higly recommend it.