‘Ireland’ is certainly not the first word someone thinks of when they hear rap. “Kneecap”, directed by Rich Peppiatt, and released this past August, follows an Irish rap group on their quest to save the Irish language from looming extinction. In the opening scene we meet Naoise and Liam Ó, two childhood best friends and “lowlife” junkies. The trope of the aimless and wandering young drug dealer is an old one, yet Peppiatt introduces something special to the mix. Amongst the best friends’ inconspicuous stuffing of drugs into pockets, and ketamine-induced bus rides, Naoise and Liam – some of the last remaining native Irish speakers – have an inspiring love for their country and a violent passion for Ireland’s liberation from the English regime.
In a stroke of fate, Liam meets JJ, a run-down, argyle-sweater-wearing Irish teacher with a hidden talent for sound mixing. Stricken by Naoise and Liam’s songs, he agrees to help them. Soon their songwriting sessions in a cramped garage turn into small shows at the local pub and then sold-out performances at big name music festivals. Naoise, Liam, and JJ are reborn as Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara, and DJ Próvai. They call themselves Kneecap.
Yet with Kneecap’s rising fame comes backlash; people who find their vulgar attacks against the British disagreeable, and their depiction of drug use repulsive. And while their songs are far from delicate and innocent, it inspires a new wave of Irish speaking. Along with the band itself, the once dying Irish language is thrusted into the spotlight.
“Kneecap” is a witty, creative and artistically-directed, and surprisingly heartfelt film. Beyond their rise to fame, the characters each have deep and emotional storylines: JJ and his wife’s struggling marriage; Liam’s seemingly cold and indestructible heart melting for a girl; and Naoise’s relationship with his estranged freedom-fighter father. This film knows exactly when to be funny, and exactly when to tone down its lewd humor. It’s well balanced and composed. This can be partly attributed to Peppiatt’s intelligent and intentional directing style: he knows when to use static, straight-on shots and when to use wild colors and bizarre editing.
This film induces every possible emotion from the viewer. Part of this must also be credited to the beautiful acting in this film. I was shocked to find that the actors in the movie are the actual members of Kneecap! Usually, I find that many musicians-turned-actors are self-conscious on camera, intentional with every word and action. However, this case was an exception. Naoise and Liam’s acting was raw and present, like that of a true thespian. It didn’t feel like they were trying too hard to appear despairing or tough. Everything was natural.
Coming out of this movie, the first thing I did was learn some Irish phrases (that are now all but forgotten) and stalk Kneecap’s discography. I suggest everybody do the same.
Go hifreann leat Béarla! Go maire sibh Kneecap! (To hell with your English! Long live Kneecap!)