Kneecap movie a riotous, debauched, hilarious love letter to Irish language

Biopic telling tale of Belfast rappers is a surefire hit,

WHEN it was first reported Belfast Irish language rap trio Kneecap would be the subject of a movie, some eyebrows were raised.

Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh), Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) and DJ Próvai (JJ Ó Dochartaigh) were already successful, their music had charted and they were making waves culturally and politically due to their outspoken nature.

But it seemed strange they would get the film treatment so early in their career.

However, within minutes it’s clear to the viewer this is not your typical biopic.

It’s a rollercoaster ride of debauchery, comedy and mishaps that tells the tale of three working class men who managed not only to stamp on the feet of the music industry, but did it using their ancient mother tongue.

It opens with the christening of Móglaí Bap (all three Kneecap members play themselves) in the woods.

The ceremony is interrupted by the arrival of an RUC helicopter — police believe an IRA meeting taking place.

Set predominantly in 2019, the main thrust of the story centres on DJ Próvai who, working as an Irish teacher, is called to interpret for Mo Chara, who has been arrested by the PSNI and refuses to speak English.

This encounter helps him recognise his and his friend’s rapping abilities.

The trio then come together to form Kneecap — named after “what Belfast is most famous for”,

‘It’s Kneecap’s acting debut, remember... all three give remarkable performances in film’

according to Mo Chara.

All the time the trio are trying to avoid a republican anti-drug group and a PSNI inspector with a grudge — both dead set on stopping them in their tracks.

Oscar-nominee Michael Fassbender plays Móglaí Bap’s father, who ‘died’ years before, but has actually been on the run from police.

Fassbender’s inclusion was always likely to help the film get international distribution, and while he gives a great turn as a messiah-like figure floating throughout (his character hides out as yoga instructor ‘Bobby Sandals’), his presence isn’t really needed to bolster what’s going on.

This is particularly obvious in the screen time he shares with Móglaí Bap, who holds his own with the acclaimed actor, particularly in one reunion scene set on a beach, and in another, silent moment featuring the pair separated by phone boxes. It’s worth remembering the movie marks Kneecap’s acting debut. But it’s something the audience will soon forget, as all three give remarkable performances — Móglaí Bap’s delivers an emotional turn, DJ Próvai in his tricolour balaclava plays the lead with aplomb, and Mo Chara’s timing means he has a future in comedy if the music doesn’t work out. The latter’s introduction, sitting in a police custody suite while being interrogated, speaking only in Irish to a begrudging detective, is hilarious.

Jessica Reynolds, who plays Mo Chara’s Protestant girlfriend Georgia, also makes her mark in the film.

Visually, it’s a feast, with stop motion scenes to demonstrate drug hallucinations, including one accidental ketamine binge which features — spoiler alert — a cameo from Gerry Adams.

There are poignant moments too, as when DJ Próvai realises his girlfriend, an Irish language campaigner who has lambasted Kneecap, recognises it’s him behind the balaclava while on stage.

Like many hip-hop artists, the group is often criticised for misogynistic lyrics.

But the film ensures mothers, especially those with husbands who were involved in the Troubles, are represented.

It doesn’t glamorise it either — at one point Móglaí’s mum says to her estranged ‘dead’ husband that he “left her in a prison cell, so he could escape one”.

She later plays a pivotal role in combating RTÉ censorship after the broadcaster bans Kneecap’s music (the lads learn about the decision by reading the Belfast Telegraph).

The film’s third act falters slightly, with some pacing issues, and the finish is ever so slightly disjointed. But that’s perhaps understandable: how do you end a movie about the careers of three men on the cusp of international success?

If you’re familiar with Kneecap’s lyrics, you’ll now what to expect in terms of content. If you’re not, be warned.

It doesn’t shy away from drug use and references, or sexual content.

And it’s certainly the first film in history to turn an argument about saying “North of Ireland” or “Northern Ireland” into dirty talk during intercourse.

It could easily have ended up being just a glorified feature length music video to promote the trio.

Instead, with the help of director Rich Peppiatt, Kneecap have created an edgy piece of art that’s sure to provide encouragement to those determined to protect and promote the indigenous language of this island. Kneecap is due to be released in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on August 8.