Kneecap (2024)

There are many reasons why people might be offended by the Irish rap group Kneecap. With frequent drug use, foul language, and anti-social behaviour abound in this fictionalised origin store, there's plenty for the easily hurt- but what's interesting is that a small group seem to be upset by the fact that the group themselves dare to promote the Irish language.

Language is the crux of Kneecap. For those that need a history lesson, that can be found elsewhere (read a book); but the basics are that many centuries ago Britain implemented law in Ireland that banned the use of Gaeilge language and much of Irish culture. Kneecap, made up of Liam and Naoise (and later JJ Ó Dochartaigh) are part of the "ceasefire generation" were taught at a young age by Naoise's republican father (Michael Fassbender) that "every Irish word spoken is a bullet for Irish freedom."

They live in Belfast, the heart of the troubles for so many years and are proud of their Irish roots, united in hatred about British rule over what they and many others would describe as the North of Ireland. The conflict between Catholics and Protestants is of course well documented, but once Northern Ireland became part of the United Kingdom, many Catholics were denied jobs, housing, and many other things in the country because of their faith.

And, equally, there are many Protestants who feel quite the opposite; that they are very much part of the UK. Add in other factions (for example the many forms of the IRA and other political groups) as well as a lack of English understanding of Irish history and the whole situation, and you have one unholy mess. Bizarrely, I've heard many people praise Kneecap and then immediately talk about freeing Palestine- seemingly because that's the latest political mess that's been put in front of our screens for us to consume.

It's an interesting point to make because it proves a general lack of understanding of geopolitical and historical fact. People add flags of currently oppressed countries to their social media names and posts just because other people are doing so, and shout freely about freedom because other people are doing it without any sort of background knowledge. It's just the latest political thing that is the current narrative often driven by current media.

This is important because the lack of understanding in England about the history between Ireland and England is astonishing. It's not taught in schools here at all, presumably because of England's unwanted hand in atrocities during the conflict and throughout history. But people relate this struggle after seeing Kneecap to others, like the Gaza conflict despite the fact they are so utterly different, but are lumped together because they're both supposed struggles for freedom.

I digress. With these morals and Irish pride running through their veins, Kneecap made the decision to rap in Irish- and the language is how they meet JJ Ó Dochartaigh when he's drafted in as a translator after Liam is arrested- because Liam refuses to speak English to the 'peelers'. He spots the Irish lyrics in Liam's notebook, sees the promise, and agrees to become part of the band- but during gigs he wears an Irish flag coloured balaclava to protect his anonymity; he's a teacher at a local school. Kneecap refuse to conform to ideological want from British rule; and director Rich Peppiatt (who directed one of their recent music videos) uses Guy Ritchie style subtitles and edits to tell the story, which is frequently highly amusing.

The driving force of the film is the band themselves, and their gigs explode off the screen fully convincing you of their patriotic pride and deep-rooted Irish honour. Kneecap flies by, and as well as being a thoroughly entertaining and very amusing couple of hours, might very well provide an important historical lesson to many. But who am I kidding? Despite the fact that 'Soldier F' is currently on trial for the murder of two unarmed civilians (and attempted murder of five others) during the horrific events of Bloody Sunday in 1972, people will be more interested in 'freeing Palestine'; because that's what's currently being put in front of them, so they don't need to make the effort to find out anything themselves. 8.3/10