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.

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.

This is an excellent and challenging film, but I expect may be challenging for some of those from the various Irish and Northern Irish communities - which I'm not. I should also add it's not for people who find the idea of prolific drug use/references and sting language offensive - if you're one of those, don't see this.

Is absolutely does help to have a little familiarity with the history of the troubles etc, but this film can also be viewed without that - it's a banging story about struggle and music, and almost feels like a really edgy, far more political reimagining of the Commitments - for the modern audience.

The music is excellent, whether you understand Irish or not (I don't). One of the reasons I went is because I'd heard a couple of tracks form Kneecap and really liked them - I'm in my mid 60's, so this isn't just for those under 20.

The story, acting, direction and script all come together in a really enjoyable and, ultimately, uplifting.

Brilliant comedy and great music. Never knew I was a fan of Irish hip-hop. As a Belgian, I certainly missed some of the specifically Northern Irish jokes, but there are so many that the film remains hilarious. Think Trainspotting, but more cheerful and with a school teacher and background politics.

The energy and charisma of the Kneecap lads is truly infectious. Their performances, fuelled by a healthy dose of ketamine, bring very funny film scenes.

But beyond just the music, the film does an excellent job of weaving in the complex social and political realities of life in Northern Ireland. The film depicts the lives of contemporary Belfast youth, who know the Troubles only from stories but have never experienced them themselves. The film tackles everything from the fun of substance use to the generational trauma of the Troubles with a blend of humour and poignancy.

Overall, Kneecap is a rollicking good time that left me with a newfound appreciation for hip-hop and N-Ireland. This film is an absolute must-see, whether you're a fan of hip-hop or not. It's a raucous, heartfelt celebration of music, creativity, and the power of finding your voice, even in the midst of adversity. And now I suddenly want to learn Irish and perhaps visit Ireland too.

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.