13/24
When fate brings Belfast teacher J.J. into the self-confident 'low life scum' Naoise and Liam Og, the needle drops in hip hop act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish, they lead a movement to save their native language. Ireland’s official submission for Best International Feature Film; 97th Academy Awards 2025. Arló Ó Cairealláin: Every word of Irish is a bullet fired for Irish freedom. Reference to the Film Junk Podcast: Episode 961: Into the Wild + TIFF 2024 (2024). Belfast is performed 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 our sixties and seventies, and there was total engagement, and no one left before the lights went out. I spoke to one group of about 5 and they all agreed on the strength of the film. I lived and traveled in the Netherlands and Eira (as it was) in the early 80s, so I really appreciated the quality of the script. The acting was excellent, and the dark humor was right up my alley. I’m not a big hip hop fan, and you certainly don’t have to be to appreciate the film, but I’ve always had a huge appreciation for Eminem and Die Antwoord, and that’s clear. I think the latter clearly influenced 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 one in the household who gets it. Hopefully my kids will get at least some of the cultural references and enjoy the soundtrack. If you get the chance, take it, because this film shows how good a work of art can be created with a very limited budget and authentic actors. Based on a true story.