Kneecap

I went to the Cineworld Secret Screening last night which turned out to be "Kneecap". I'd seen the trailer, so was aware of the film, though I was wholly unaware that Kneecap are a real band, nor that the actors in it were playing themselves.

As one of a small number of Irish speakers in Belfast, JJ O Dochartaigh is called into a police meeting as an interpreter, where he meets Liam Og O Hannaidh who is pretending that he only speaks Irish to annoy Detective Ellis (Josie Walker). JJ sees a book of hip-hop lyrics, written in Irish, by Liam and his friend Naoise O Cairaellain. A music teacher, and in a relationship with an advocate for the Irish language, JJ sees the potential for using music to increase awareness. When the trio start to perform, they quickly gain a following, but the content of their lyrics makes them enemies in both the police, and with a dissident republican organisation that are against the promotion of drug use in the city.

"Kneecap" is quite the film to show to a group that aren't expecting it. Approximately a quarter of the audience in my screening left within the first 25 minutes, driven away by the explicit drug use, swearing and sex scenes as well as - let's face it - the most egregious problem for some people, subtitles. They missed a film I quite enjoyed (largely because of all those reasons I've just mentioned) but also because, despite the idea of people playing themselves in films being fraught with disaster (15:17 to Paris) the boys here actually do really well. So much so I couldn't believe that they were the actual guys and not full-time actors. There are professional actors in the other roles though, none more high profile than Michael Fassbender, who plays Naoise's father.

It's a genuinely funny film, that treats its subject matter with a light touch and tells a complete story. Comfortably the best of the musical biopics I've seen this year.

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.

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 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.

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.