If Trainspotting hooked up with a hip-hop biopic at an Irish language festival, their love child would be Kneecap. This film is an adrenaline-fueled, hilariously chaotic celebration of culture, rebellion, and the unlikeliest of hip-hop heroes. Directed by Rich Peppiatt, it tells the semi-autobiographical story of Kneecap, the Irish-language rap trio who turned their mission to preserve Gaeilge into a movement—and a damn good soundtrack.
First things first: the performances. Liam, Naoise, and JJ don’t just play themselves—they are themselves. Their chemistry feels authentic, raw, and so naturally charismatic it’s impossible not to root for them, even when they’re stealing batons or dodging police in a Prodigy-fueled chase sequence (seriously, MVP scene). Michael Fassbender even shows up as Naoise’s father, because why not throw in an Oscar nominee for good measure?
Stylistically, Kneecap thrives. Lyrics flash across the screen with the same frenetic energy as the beats, the editing zips and zags, and the whole thing feels like a party that occasionally pauses to punch you in the gut with political reality. Themes of oppression, gentrification, and cultural erasure are front and center, but they’re handled with both gravity and humor, making the message resonate without ever feeling preachy.
And the music? Fire. If you didn’t have Kneecap on your playlist before, you will now. Every Irish word they spit feels like a bullet for freedom, and you’ll be googling “how to learn Gaeilge” before the credits roll.
Sure, the film runs a tad long, but its rebellious spirit and infectious energy make up for it. Kneecap is more than a biopic—it’s a manifesto, a love letter to language, and a middle finger to oppression. Grab a Guinness, crank up the volume, and let this cinematic riot take you for a ride. Sláinte!
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