37/26
When Belfast teacher JJ enters the orbit of self-proclaimed ‘scum’ Naoise and Liam Og, the needle drops on a hip-hop track like no other. Rapping in their native Irish, they lead a movement to save the language. Ireland’s official entry for ‘Best International Feature Film’ at the 97th Academy Awards in 2025. Arló Ó Cairealláin: Every word spoken in Irish is a missile fired for Irish freedom. Mentioned on Film Junk Podcast: Episode 961: In Brutal Nature + TIFF 2024 (2024). Belfastby Orbital. Saw Kneecap at one of the best multiplexes in the UK today. Interestingly, the entire audience (all 10 of us) were in their 60s and 70s and the engagement was total and no one left before the lights came up. I spoke to one group of about 5 people and they all agreed on how powerful this film was. Having lived and travelled around Northern Ireland and Ireland (as it was) in the early 80s I really appreciated the quality of the writing. The acting was exceptional and the dark humour was right up my alley. I am not a huge hip hop fan and you certainly don’t have to be to appreciate this film but I have always held Eminem and Die Antwoord in high regard and it is clear to me that the latter has clearly influenced Kneecap’s sound and style as a band. I will buy this on Blu-ray in due time but I think I will be the only one in the house who will ‘get it’. I hope my children will understand at least some of the cultural references and appreciate the amazing soundtrack. If you get a chance, definitely watch this film because it shows how well you can create a work of art with a very limited budget and real actors. Based on a true story.