Kneecap

Ireland's official submission for Best International Film. Sex, Drugs & Rap - and Revolution. Rich Peppiatt's cheeky movie is based on the true story of a trio of Northern Irish rappers collectively known as Kneecap. They distinguish themselves from other UK musicians by singing their lyrics in Irish. Unwittingly at first, they become a rebellious symbol in their land in West Belfast in the "post-war" period after The Troubles.

The movie stars the actual members of the group as themselves- Naoise Ó Cairealláin, Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh and JJ Ó Dochartaigh. Peppiatt's screenplay (with input from the band) is pretty loose story-wise by design. The Director uses mixed media and plays with the film form in enjoyable ways. The Kneecap members are natural performers which brings a scruffy authenticity while also being impudent and refreshingly self-mocking. There are professionals in the cast including Josie Ellis, Jessica Reynolds (as Liam's spiky British girlfriend) and a very good Michael Fassbender as Naoise's dad who was an Irish revolutionary.

What gives the movie its spark is that this all took place during a period when there was a movement to force the British government to recognize Irish as an official language of Northern Ireland. Kneecap's rude and crude lyrics took on a whole new meaning and importance. Merely singing those songs in public became an act of civil disobedience. The main story-line is strong enough that some of the more obvious "scripted" movie moments stick out as being unnecessary. Fortunately, the anarchic energy makes up for those missteps. KNEECAP is an out and out banger.

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.

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.

So, two best mates in Belfast have regular run-ins with the police. One is jailed overnight for claiming to speak only Irish (Gaelic) and requiring a translator to communicate with the police. These mates are low-level drug dealers who enthusiastically endorse their products based on personal experience. Eventually, they bring on a DJ and decide to form a hip hop trio called Kneecap (a reference to the IRA's habit of shooting drug dealers in the knees as punishment). Oh yeah, they decide that all their lyrics will be in Irish, hardly a shrewd business decision since only 1% of the population of Ireland (about 30,000 people) are regular Irish speakers.

From the outset, "Kneecap" offers a sustained level of manic energy, excitement and enthusiasm that courses through its crazy, chaotic, anarchic story in a way that's irresistibly intoxicating. Oh yeah, while liberties are taken - repeatedly, profanely - this is essentially a true story. The three key roles are played by the three members of the band, none of whom has any prior acting experience. Michael Fassbender ("Steve Jobs") also tags along.

What carries this project is the band's refreshing willingness to be brash, bold and bawdy, while displaying complete disregard for how their ideas, their lyrics or their story land with the audience. They rail about British colonialism (primary schools using the Irish language were not allowed until 1972; the first Irish secondary school opened in 1991). They advocate for Irish becoming an official language in Northern Ireland (finally happened in 2022). They unflinchingly offer graphic examples of police thuggery. During a press junket, one band member was asked whether he had any reservations about the level of drug use portrayed throughout the film. His response: "No drugs were harmed in the making of this movie." In short, this film is a hot mess offered with uncompromising directness.

Full disclosure, some story elements are fictionalized. For example, in the film the Radical Republicans Against Drugs threaten the boys because they are, you know, drug dealers. In real life, Republic Action Against Drugs was founded in 2008 and eventually merged with the Real Irish Republic Army in 2012.

As you've already figured, this is hardly a film for those with delicate sensibilities. For the hardy souls willing to submit to this onslaught of profanity, profundity and political incorrectness, it's exhilarating. Kudos to Rich Peppiatt, the British writer/director who helms this Irish manifesto without a hint of irony. Here's hoping Naoise Ó Cairealláin (aka Móglaí Bap), Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh (aka Mo Chara) and JJ Ó Dochartaigh (aka DJ Próvai) become household names - seriously.

"Kneecap" is certain to be the Irish entry for Best International Feature Film at the Oscars. Don't be surprised if it's a Best Picture Nominee.