“Kneecap” is a movie that depicts the rise of the Irish hip-hop band Kneecap. The movie was written and directed by Rich Peppiatt. It stars the members of Kneecap as themselves, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and J. J. Ó Dochartaigh.
The movie documents how the band formed and how they rose to
popularity. Seeing all they have overcome to get to where they are now is
inspiring. Learning about how they got their name and their logo makes sense in
the political climate they live in, within Belfast.
“Every word of Irish spoken is a bullet fired for Irish
freedom,” was said in Irish, and this quote is a beautiful reminder of what
keeping the Irish language alive means for so many. This movie’s focus on the
Irish language is so important. Kneecap’s goal is to bring the Irish language
to new generations and to preserve Irish culture. This movie definitely aids in
this goal.
The “operation” to watch an American Western movie from the
perspective of the Native Americans is something everyone, especially those in
the United States, should do. This scene may seem insignificant, but it talks
about British colonialism not just in Ireland, but in other countries as well.
It shows the little steps people can take to learn about the effects of colonialism
worldwide.
The use of the Irish language throughout the movie is so
crucial for the advancement and preservation of the language. It exposes viewers
to the Irish language while utilizing subtitles, so it is still accessible to
audiences. It intersperses facts about the language throughout the movie without
feeling like a documentary, which helps people learn and understand in a
natural way.
Viewers should be aware that the movie has some adult
language, sexual scenes, and violence. However, all of these things are
essential for the story. They are not there simply to be there; they help to
further the plot and showcase the themes of the movie.
Overall, this movie is a great movie that helps preserve Irish
history and the Irish language. Not only does it focus on Kneecap’s mark on
Irish history, but it also showcases how everyone can do something to help history,
whether that means marching in the street or making music. This movie is
relevant across cultures and political climates, making it relatable, even
though it takes place about a decade ago.