12/14When fate brings Belfast schoolteacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed “lowlife scum.” Naoise and Liam Og, the needle drops on a hip hop act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish, they lead a movement to save their mother tongue. Ireland’s official submission for the “Best International Feature Film” category at the 97th Academy Awards in 2025. Arló Ó Cairealláin: Every Irish word spoken is a bullet fired for Irish freedom. Referenced in Film Junk Podcast: Episode 961: Into a Violent Wilderness + TIFF 2024 (2024). Belfast performed by Orbital. Saw Kneecap today at one of the UK’s best multiplexes. Interestingly, the entire audience (all 10 of us) were in their sixties and seventies and the engagement was total and no one left until the lights came up. I spoke to a group of about 5 people and they all agreed on the strength of the film. I lived and travelled in and around Ireland (as was the case) in the early 80s so I really appreciated the quality of the script. The acting was exceptional and the dark humour was perfectly fine for me. I’m not a huge hip hop fan and you certainly don’t have to be to enjoy the film but I’ve always rated Eminem and Die Antwoord highly and it’s clear to me that they clearly had an influence on Kneecap’s sound and style as an outfit. I’ll get it on Blu Ray in due course but I think I’ll be the only person in the house who ‘has’ it. I hope my kids learn at least some of the cultural references and appreciate the mind-blowing soundtrack. If you get the chance, give it a try because this movie illustrates how much art can be created with a very limited budget and authentic actors. Based on a true story.
