When we think of biopics, we think of underdogs overcoming all odds just through the magnetic power of one’s voice or mastery of their instrument, with the accolades a natural reward for all they’ve been through. Kneecap is not that. The biopic about the titular Belfast hip hop act acknowledges the Troubles, but right off the bat, they would rather tackle that through the actual music. With a low budget, Kneecap dresses themselves in neon tracksuits, reliving their beginnings with stylized camera movements, scribbled out lyrics and action lines, and an impeccable energetic score sync from their usual music video director Rich Peppiatt. It’s an exciting new portrait of the band and Ireland today.
Synopsis
When fate brings Belfast teacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed "low life scum" Naoise and Liam Óg, 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.
Storyline
Arriving as an interpreter for a police interrogation, Belfast teacher JJ meets Liam Ó Hannaidh and Naoise Ó Cairealláin, leading to a hip hop act that becomes the unlikely face of the Civil Rights movement to save their native language.
TLDR
Very funny. Very Irish.
What stands out
Subtitles are great for audiences outside a country to understand it, but given the subject matter, it’s appropriate to not have English subtitles, except for the stylistic, scribbled out one for Kneecap’s songs. It’s a nice touch.
