Kneecap are an Irish band made up of rappers Naoise Ó Cairealláin, Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh, and a DJ named JJ Ó Dochartaigh. This film is, as far as I can tell, a fictionalized tale of how they achieved whatever level of success they now have. For the purpose of this review, I'll be referring to the stars by their stage names (and they play up to those personas onscreen so there's no need to maintain any major distinction). So here's a review of the musical stylings of Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara, and DJ Próvai.
Directed by Rich Peppiatt, who also co-wrote the screenplay with his musical stars, this is, at heart, a fairly standard tale of people struggling to find appreciation for their talent. While Móglaí Bap and Mo Chara have been treading water for some time, they end up being able to take their ambition up a notch when they encounter a teacher who can help create beats for their lyrics. That teacher will become known as DJ Próvai. Aside from the familiar elements, you also get a look at the struggle of growing up in Belfast, and the struggle to pull away from a history that keeps so many weighed down, as well as a campaign to keep the traditional Irish language alive.
I've seen one or two people compare this favourably to the many films that came out in the wake of Tarantino's success. That's fine, but I don't think it's actually correct. This is a film that feels more in line with the best works of Danny Boyle, and it delivers visuals and music with an energy and passion that make it an impactful statement of intent for all involved.
Funny, rebellious, violent, and exuberant all at once, Kneecap works as both a movie, and one with some important messages in it, and an advert for the wit and music of the featured band. Did I head straight to my main music streaming service as soon as the film was over to add the band to my ever-growing list of favourites? Yes. And I suspect others may do the same, whether you know the Irish language or don't.
The three band members are enjoyable and charismatic performers, particularly when jumping around on a stage to energise and entertain the masses. I won't single anyone out, but the film knows how to use their varying strengths and weaknesses, and also surrounds the central trio with people such as Josie Walker (playing a determined and tough detective), Fionnuala Flaherty (also heavily invested in promoting the use and preservation of the Irish language), Jessica Reynolds (a love interest with a very twisted kind of dirty talk), and Simone Kirby and Michael Fassbender (parents who are both absent, in different ways, until the crunch point when viewers hope they will actually step up and help their son).
I've been a bit cautious in writing this review, lacking knowledge of the band while ensuring I word things in a way that doesn't seem problematic outwith the context of the film (because Kneecap certainly don't care about tip-toeing around the feelings of those who don't own their own place in either the here and now or the there and then), but the main thing I want to convey is how much I enjoyed this. I laughed out loud on a number of occasions, I turned the volume up for the music, and I hope to see and hear more from everyone involved.
8/10
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