Set in West Belfast in 2019, Kneecap is a biographical film directed by Rich Peppiatt about the rise of the Irish hip-hop trio of the same name. Filled with sex, drugs and political insight, the film discusses the deep importance of legally recognising Indigenous languages and how media censorship affected the group’s aim of reintroducing spoken Irish to Northern Ireland.
Though the film has plenty of comedic moments, often featuring many profanities, this does not distract from the message of the film: the reclamation of the Irish language is one step closer to our freedom.
Alongside more experienced actors, such as Michael Fassbender, Móglaí Bap, Mo Chara and DJ Próvai play themselves in the film, adding to its’ realism and immersing audiences into life in Northern Ireland. Despite not being professional actors, it is not noticed, as the trio are effortlessly cool with their perfect comedic timing.
Context to the film and the Irish language.
Until 2022, the Irish language was not legally recognised as being equal to English. The Troubles throughout Northern Ireland, which lasted for around 30 years in the 20th Century, divided the North into Protestants and Catholics.
Being under British rule meant that there was also a large split between English and Irish speakers, which gradually resulted in the decrease of spoken Irish.
Many people fought for Irish to be legally recognised as equal to English, giving people the right to speak it. The film explores how Bap, Chara and DJ Próvai use their music to encourage more people, particularly Northern Irish youth, to speak Irish.
By integrating English into their majorly Irish songs, talking mostly about taking drugs, the songs are more accessible to wider audiences and further expose the language.
An immersive experience
There are multiple times within the film where visual effects are used to display each of the trio’s perspectives, mostly when they are on drugs and experiencing a very bad trip. This allows us to identify with the characters and understand their cause, whilst also allowing time to express their natural comedic abilities.
We are further immersed due to the fast pace of the film which, accompanied by the upbeat soundtrack, leaves no time for dwelling on reality. Most of the songs featured are those of the trio, though other gritty, political songs are also included.
Notably, the Kneecap hit, ‘Better Way to Live’ with Grian Chatten, the lead singer of Irish Rock band Fontaines D.C. Their song ‘Liberty Belle’ is included on the soundtrack and mirrors the hopefulness of the musicians.
As much as this film is about championing the Irish language, it will undoubtedly generate more excitement around Kneecap’s music, hopefully putting them on the map alongside the extensive list of influential Irish musicians.
Summary
Kneecap is an important story destined to be told on the screen. This story perfectly demonstrates how artistic expression of political beliefs and ideologies is often disregarded in contemporary Northern Ireland.
The production of this film is a method of further reclaiming the Irish language throughout the North of Ireland, fighting against the oppression of the British Empire and exposing audiences to the very real, and important, realities of the reclamation of native languages.
Feature Image Credit: Curzon Films
