46/17
When fate brings Belfast teacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed “scumbags” Naoise and Liam Og, it is the beginning of a hip hop act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish, they lead a movement to save their mother tongue. Official entry of Ireland for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards 2025. Arló Ó Cairealláin: Every Irish word spoken is a bullet fired for Irish freedom. Quoted on Film Junk Podcast: Episode 961: In a Violent Nature + TIFF 2024 (2024). Belfast, performed by Orbital. I saw Kneecap today in one of the best multiplexes in the UK. Interestingly, the entire audience (all ten of us) were in their sixties and seventies and it was totally engaged and nobody left before the lights came up. I spoke to a group of about 5 people and they all agreed on how strong the film was. I lived and traveled in Northern Ireland and Ireland in the early 80s (as it was then) so I really appreciated the quality of the script. The acting was exceptional and the dark humor was right up my alley. I’m not a huge hip hop fan and you don’t have to be to enjoy the film but I’ve always appreciated Eminem and Die Answer and it’s clear to me that the latter were clearly an influence on Kneecap’s sound and style as a band. I will be getting the film on Blu-ray in due course but I think I’ll be the only person in the household who “gets it”. Hopefully my kids will understand at least some of the cultural references and enjoy the killer soundtrack. If you get the chance, be sure to check it out as this film shows how well you can create a work of art with a very limited budget and authentic actors. Based on a true story.