When fate brings Belfast teacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed “low-grade scum” Naoise and Liam Og, the needle drops on a hip hop group like no other. Rapping in their native Irish, they lead a movement to save their mother tongue. Ireland’s official submission for the 97th Academy Awards’ “Best International Feature Film” category in 2025. Arló Ó Cairealláin: Every word of Irish spoken is a bullet fired for Irish freedom. Referenced in Film Junk Podcast: Episode 961: In a Violent Nature + TIFF 2024 (2024). Belfast performed by Orbital. I saw Kneecap today at one of the UK’s top multiplexes. Interestingly, the entire audience (all 10 of us) were in our sixties and seventies and there was total engagement and no one left before the lights went up. I spoke to a group of about 5 people and they all agreed that the film was very good. I lived and travelled in Northern Ireland and Eire (as it was) in the early 80s so I really appreciated the quality of the script. The performances were outstanding and the dark humour was right up my alley. I’m not a huge hip-hop fan and you certainly don’t need to be to appreciate the film, but I’ve always rated Eminem and Die Antwoord very highly, and it’s clear to me that the latter clearly influenced the sound and style of Kneecap as a whole. I’ll get it on Blu-ray in due course but I think I’ll be the only person in the house who “gets it”. I hope my kids understand at least some of the cultural references and enjoy the cool soundtrack. If you get the chance, give it a chance as this film illustrates how well a work of art can be created with a very limited budget and authentic actors. Based on a true story.