17/16
Ireland’s official submission for Best International Feature Film; 97th Academy Awards 2025
Plot
When fate brings Belfast teacher JJ to the self-confessed 'lowlife dung' Naoise and Liam Og, The Needle Drops On A Hip Hop works like no other. Rapping in their native Irish, they lead a movement to save their native language. Arló Ó Cairealláin: Every word spoken in Irish is a bullet fired for Irish freedom..
Belfast is performed by Orbital
Link to the Movie Junk Podcast: Episode 961: In a Violent Nature + TIFF 20244). I saw Kneecap today at one of the UK’s top multiplexes. Interestingly, the entire audience (all 10 of us) were in their sixties and seventies, there was total engagement and no one left before the lights went up.
The acting was exceptional and the dark humour was right up my alley
I spoke to a group of about 5 people and they all agreed how strong the film was. I lived and travelled in NI and Ireland (as it was) in the early 80s so I really appreciated the quality of the script. I’m not a big hip hop fan and you don’t really need to be to appreciate the film but I’ve always had a very high opinion of Eminem and Die Antwoord and it’s clear to me that the latter clearly influenced the sound and style of Kneecap as an outfit.
Based on a true story
I’ll get this on Blu ray in the future but I think I’ll be the only one in the household who “gets it”. I hope my kids get at least some cultural references and enjoy the kick-ass soundtrack. If you get the chance, check it out because this film shows how great a work of art can be created with a very limited budget and authentic actors.