In Kneecap, free speech isn't about what you say but what language you speak. A true-ish story, this madcap political comedy-drama stars the three members of a real-life Belfast hip-hop group who rap about drugs, sex, and freedom in the ancient native tongue of Ireland—it was banned in the North until 2022.
Naoise Ó Cairealláin, Liam Óg, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh star as themselves: Naoise and Liam are two low-level drug dealers who came of age after the "ceasefire" between the UK and Irish Republicans. JJ is the nerdy music teacher who slaps sick beats over the lad’s profane Irish-language rhymes.
Together, they inspire local youth and piss off the British cops. Michael Fassbender costars as Naoise's da, a former IRA soldier who faked his death. This is a rags-to-semi-riches rager about pride and imperialism. Rich Peppiatt directs with energy and creativity, especially during the raucous and rude stage performances.
I’m sold.