Films So Good

Before I start this review, I have to confess my love for Irish cinema, which may make me a little subjective about this movie. And now, the review begins!

Directed by Rich Peppiatt, Kneecap is a semi-biographical film about a hip-hop trio from Belfast who exclusively rap in their native Irish language. As the language struggle continues in Northern Ireland, with groups advocating for Irish to be recognized as equal to English, the band not only amplifies the Irish voice but also represents a broader social movement.

The group consists of Naoise (Móglaí Bap) and Liam Óg (Mo Chara), two young men from West Belfast, and schoolteacher JJ (DJ Próvaí), who accidentally meets them and guides them to form the band. It’s important to note that these are the actual members of Kneecap. They may not be professional actors, but they did a decent job, adding a layer of authenticity that few music biopics achieve. Alongside them, Michael Fassbender delivers a notable performance as Naoise’s father, Arlo, a former IRA member who faked his own death.

The movie stands out for its authenticity and dynamic storytelling. Despite tackling serious themes such as cultural identity and language preservation, its humor is sharp and well-executed. I found myself laughing in many scenes—for example, when, as kids, they threw weed into the church’s thurible, Mo Chara’s relationships with Protestant girls, or JJ’s attack on the police.

Visually, Kneecap employs stylistic elements reminiscent of films like Trainspotting, using rapid editing to reflect the chaotic and rebellious spirit of its protagonists. This approach has been praised for capturing the essence of the band’s ethos and the vibrancy of Belfast’s youth culture.

In summary, Kneecap is a compelling film that blends humor, music, and socio-political commentary to tell the story of a band that defied norms and championed their cultural heritage. I consider Kneecap one of the best films I have seen recently, but it is not just a good movie—it’s also an important one. Furthermore, I regard it as a great addition to the legacy of Irish music films, standing alongside The Commitments (1991), Once (2006), and Good Vibrations (2012).

Movie Rating: 84/100

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