KNEECAP (2024)

 

Directed By: Rich Peppiatt 

Written & Story By: Rich Peopiatt, Naoise O Caireahain, Liam O Hannaihdi, Ji O Doxharjaich 

Cinematography: Ryan Karnaghan

Editor: Chris Gill and Julian Ulrichs 

Cast: Naoise O Caireahain, Liam O Hannaihdi, Ji O Doxharjaich, Jessica Reynolds, Michael Fassbender, Josie Walker, Fionnula Flaherty, Adam Best, Simone Kirby

When fate brings Belfast teacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed 'low life scum' Naoise and Liam Og, the needle drops on a hip hop act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish, they lead a movement to save their mother tongue.

The film is a kind of origin story of the Irish Gaelic hip hop band of the title. Which is inspired and fun.

As it is stylish and plays around with different mediums throughout. Though seems to have endless energy and at first seems more a juvenile sophomoric comedy. Though is. With heart that becomes a coming of age movie. 

While the film has a vibrant energy and a wild spirit. It actually does have something to say. Colonialism and a country losing its culture and kind of being forced out. 

Though through the youth and their rebellious attitude pave the way for saving their own history. That they seem to usually not care about. 

Though presented to them in Their own language and culture. That leaves them constantly inspired.

It becomes more than you expect and all the more winning for it. As it’s like it’s characters more than your first impression from looking at them. There is much more to them, even if what happens isn’t necessarily planned. It’s share they find themselves. 

As you watch and learn more and more about the group behind the scenes you might find yourself surprised. As at first I thought the character who was their DJ in the film was created to flesh out the characters and their situations with a professional actor. Though he is their DJ In. Real life

Jessica Reynolds is a standout as a love interest femme fatale for one of the duo. Who seems to want not being in a relationship but tortures the character by cosntabtly flirting with others and turning him down then coming onto him.

Michael Fassbender has a pivotal but small role which is how I first heard about this film. Though I must give credit to reviewer @moviesaretherapy who gave the film a rave and truly inspired me to give the film a chance and have to say I don’t regret it.

Grade: B