When fate brings Belfast teacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed 'skinny' Naoise and Liam Og, the hip-hop needle drops act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish, they lead a movement to save their mother tongue.. Ireland’s official submission for the 'Best International Feature Film' category at the 97th Academy Awards in 2025.. Arló Ó Cairealláin: Every word spoken in Irish is a bullet fired for Irish freedom.. Mentioned on Film Junk Podcast: Episode 961: In Violent Nature + TIFF 2024 (2024). Belfast, performed by Orbital. I watched Kneecap today at one of the best multiplexes in the UK. Interestingly, the entire audience (all 10 of us) were in their sixties and seventies and there was total engagement and no one left before the lights went up. I spoke to a group of about 5 people and they all agreed how powerful the film was. I lived and traveled in North Dakota and Ireland (as it was) in the early 80s so I really appreciated the quality of the script. The acting was outstanding and the dark humor was right up my alley. I’m not a big hip hop fan and you certainly don’t have to be to appreciate the film but I’ve always held Eminem and Die Antwoord in high regard and it’s clear to me that the latter clearly influenced the sound and style of Kneecap as an outfit. I’ll get this on Blu ray at some point but I think I’ll be the only person in the household who ‘gets’ it. Hopefully my kids will get at least some of the cultural references and enjoy the great soundtrack. If you have the chance, give it a try, as this film illustrates how well a work of art can be created with a very limited budget and authentic actors. Based on a true story.