Arts & Culture

Kneecap
What: Movie, 105 mins.
When: Fri., Aug. 2
Genre: Fact-based drama
Rating: NNNN (out of 5)
Why you should watch: Real-life agit-prop Irish nationalist rappers Kneecap give stunning performances as themselves in what is ultimately a fun “rock and roll” movie with a message.

A RAUNCHY, RIVETING, fictionalized look at real-life “low-life scum” Northern Ireland rappers Kneecap, who use their music to perpetuate the once outlawed and still “endangered” Irish language.

Based on the life story of Kneecap, a trio of Belfast-based rappers — Naoise Ó Cairealláin (Móglai Bap), Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh (Mo Chara) and JJ Ó Dochartaigh (DJ Proval) — the three talented hip hop performers prove to be astounding actors as well, powering a compelling tale of resistance and revolt.

As authentic as punch in the face, director and co-writer Rich Pepiatt uses urgent, rough and raw storytelling to create a riveting look at post-Troubles Northern Ireland where Catholic citizens continue to fight for their rights, including the freedom to speak and grow their once-banned language. Bap is adrift as his father has gone underground and on the run in his fight with the occupation, leaving Bap and his pal Mo Chara mostly aimless — filling their time with drug-dealing and, eventually, developing a rap act. High school teacher, the future DJ Proval, helps the boys develop their sound, providing beats and mentorship. But when the trio decides to play live, he pulls on an Irish-coloured balaclava, familiar as an Irish Republican Army disguise, giving him anonymity and the band an increased sense of menace.

Like any great “rock and roll” movie, The Man wants to stop the music and demonize the band. In this case, The Man is “The Peelers,” the police, as well as some Republican tough guys who feel threatened by the out-of-control kids and the movement they appear to be igniting.

The lads’ drug-dealing complicates their musical ambition and the moonlighting high school teacher/DJ finds juggling his day job with being a nighttime agitator increasingly difficult.

Kneecap has all the exuberance of the great “rock and roll” movies, a powerful political message, great performances and inventive, fresh filmmaking.

Kneecap, the band, played Toronto’s Axis Club in March, and based on this impressive release, they can’t come back soon enough.