Preserving one’s mother tongue is important as it allows one to not only remember it, but to pass it on to the next generation. It is a well-known fact that larger countries often promote their own languages, which slowly erodes native languages. How does it help if we value one and want to destroy the other?
“Kneecap” tells the story of a larger-than-life fighter, a victory achieved through collective action. It is a lively and engaging film that chronicles the rise of a rebellious Irish-language rap group from West Belfast. Directed by Rich Peppiatt, this film combines political energy with comedy to create an entertaining story about cultural pride, defiance and perseverance.
The film centres on childhood friends Naoise (Naoise Ó Cairellain) and Liam Óg (Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh), growing up in Northern Ireland in the aftermath of the Good Friday Agreement. They are inspired by Naoise’s father, Arlo (Michael Fassbender), a legendary IRA figure who instilled in them the belief that “every Irish word spoken is a bullet for Irish freedom”. With Arlo absent and presumed dead, and Naoise’s mother (Simone Kirby) a recluse, the boys find themselves lost in the club scene, dabbling in drugs.
Their lives are turned upside down when Liam Óg is arrested and steadfastly refuses to speak English. Music teacher JJ (JJ Ó Dochartaigh), a kind and calm man, steps in as translator and spots potential in Liam Óg’s rebellious writings. Together, they form the rap group Kneecap, with JJ as their masked DJ. What begins as a pub act quickly becomes a movement, attracting fans and authorities alike. This attracts attention from all angles of society, including politicians.
The entire cast gives outstanding performances, but the real stars are the trio themselves. Naoise, Liam Óg and JJ bring authenticity and energy to their roles, making the story feel both personal and impactful. Ó Dochartaigh’s portrayal of JJ is especially noteworthy, as he balances the character’s affable exterior with a rebellious spirit. This is what we call an organic performance. Rich Peppiatt’s direction is sublime and energetic. The film is filled with music and fast-paced montages, which keep the pace lively and engaging. It paints a stark picture of Irish patriotism, suggesting that if it persists in every country, no outside power will ever be able to defeat it.
“Kneecap” addresses themes of cultural identity, rebellion and the power of language. The film portrays the fight for recognition of the Irish language as a personal and political battle. The characters’ journey from miscreants to cultural icons highlights the transformative power of art and defiance. It is a must-see film for its unique blend of humour, politics and music. It is a film that celebrates Irish culture and language with a rebellious spirit and sense of humour, and conveys an important message: don’t forget who you are, even if everyone tells you to.