29/13
When fate brings Belfast schoolteacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed 'lowlife shit' Naoise and Liam Og, the pin-drop hip-hop duo perform like no other. They rap in their native Irish and lead a movement to save their mother tongue. Ireland’s official entry 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. Link to Film Junk Podcast: Episode 961: In a Violent Nature + TIFF 2024 (2024). Belfast presented by Orbital. I saw Kneecap today in one of the best multiplexes in the UK. Interestingly, the entire audience (all 10 of us) were in their sixties and seventies and there was total engagement and no one left before the lights came up. I spoke to one group of about 5 and they all agreed on how powerful the film was. I lived and travelled in NI and Ireland in the early 80s (as well as before) so I really appreciated the quality of the script. The acting was exceptional and the dark humour was right up my alley. I’m not a huge hip hop fan and you certainly don’t have to be to appreciate the film, but I’ve always held Eminem and Die Answer in high regard and it’s clear to me that the latter were a definite influence on the sound and style of Kneecap as an outfit. I’ll get it on Blu-ray eventually but I think I’ll be the only person in the household who ‘gets’ it. Hopefully my kids will pick up at least some of the cultural references and enjoy the fabulous soundtrack. If you get the chance, give it a try, because this film illustrates how well a work of art can be created with a very limited budget and authentic actors. Based on a true story.