Review: A rowdy Irish rap trio with a growing sense of purpose tells its own story in ‘Kneecap’

by

As a proud Irish speaker myself, born and raised under the shadow of Unionist rule, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to the lads of Kneecap. Growing up as “cease-fire babies,” we shared the same youthful despair, the same longing for our native language to be recognized and respected.

Two lads fluent in Irish language take a stand for their underappreciated mother tongue when they transform into underground rappers in the energetic and entertaining film “Kneecap.” The title also belongs to the actual West Belfast group whose backstory – enhanced with intense political tension and hilarious wit by writer-director Rich Peppiatt – provides an exhilarating, high-spirited experience.

Instead of following the usual documentary path, showcasing their journey from rebellious West Belfast youths to globally acclaimed cultural figures, Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara, and DJ Próvaí decided to take a more creative approach. Why stick with another interviews-and-clips movie when you can make your own unique spin on films like “A Hard Day’s Night,” “The Harder They Come,” or even “The Commitments”?

Raised as “cease-fire babies” following the Good Friday Agreement and yet experiencing the youthful frustration of oppressive Unionist rule, childhood friends Naoise (Ó Caireallain) and Liam Óg (Ó Hannaidh), deeply influenced by Naoise’s father Arlo (Michael Fassbender), a renowned figure in the IRA known for his car-bombing activities, embrace a belief instilled in them by their father: “Every word of Irish spoken serves as an ammunition for Irish independence.”

Arlo, sadly, is missing and believed deceased, leaving Simone Kirby, his mother, to retreat into seclusion. Meanwhile, the campaign for official recognition of the Irish language in Northern Ireland gains momentum. Unfortunately, Naoise and Liam Óg, rather than being actively involved, are predominantly nightlife-enthused individuals, who are primarily preoccupied with procuring or distributing drugs.

In this scenario, when Liam Óg is taken into custody and chooses not to converse in English with his questioning official, the soft-spoken music instructor JJ (Ó Dochartaigh) feels compelled, despite his reservations, to act as a translator. As he delves into the chaotic diary of Liam Óg’s life filled with sex, drugs, and anti-British sentiments, he discovers a raw style of poetry that seems on the brink of becoming a rebellious and edgy new genre of hip-hop music.

With the duo finding interest in the idea and JJ deciding to conceal himself as their three-colored balaclava-donning DJ (adding a touch of irony since a military mask helps him maintain his respectable day job), this newly formed threesome transforms from a peculiar oddity on the pub stage into a heated community controversy. As Kneecap’s vocal music and actions driven by ketamine bring their audience a compelling motive to learn (and safeguard) their native language, the group also becomes a new focus for law enforcement – even attracting attention from the Republicans’ own self-regulating militias, who view their impact as potentially threatening.

As a movie reviewer, I’d put it this way: “Packed with music and sharp edits, ‘Kneecap’ delivers a raw humor and grit that supports its clever use of soundtracks. The fact that it maintains such an energetic pace throughout is impressive, particularly given the unpredictable nature of self-mythologizing projects. The acting in this film is a dynamic blend of skillful performances and unique personalities. Among the main cast, Ó Dochartaigh stands out as the one most likely to secure additional roles. Director Peppiatt, surprisingly British, masterfully juggles the various storylines, characterizations, tones, and stylistic touches, evoking the unbridled energy of ‘Trainspotting’-era Danny Boyle.”

1. This work stirs and never grows monotonous. Peppiatt manages to make drug humor feel playfully amusing once more, and Irish nationalism appears enticing, worthy of jubilant celebration; there’s a blend of rough satire and affectionate sentiment at work here. Hidden within the rebellious spirit of “Kneecap” is a hard-hitting comedy of etiquette – it resonates deeply with the emotional chasms among people on the same side, while also being delightfully irreverent about the peculiar allure Liam Óg feels for his British love interest Georgia (Jessica Reynolds).

In the HBO series “Kneecap,” each Irish speaker aspires to make their presence felt, their struggle for freedom noticeable, through expressions that are both poignant and lively. This unique blend of raw emotion, fueled by the trailblazing spirit of American hip-hop, offers a refreshing, engaging take on transatlantic culture.

Read More

2024-08-04 18:11