Kneecap (2024)
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Kneecap Movie Review
Kneecap is a 2024 Irish drama film directed by Rich Peppiatt. It’s a worthy film in its messaging, but a lackluster one in its execution.
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“A country without a language is only half a nation“
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It follows a titular hip-hop band and it is about their escapades. Rapping in their native Irish language, they lead a movement to save their mother tongue. I respect the Irish for actually making movies in their language in recent years. This film is not just in that language, but it’s also thematically about the importance of preserving native languages across the world and fighting against English taking over every country. This is a wonderful sentiment that I wholeheartedly support.
With that being said, the movie itself isn’t worthy of its beautiful message. I’d expected a strong film judging by its premise, but what I got is a story about an insufferable group of people, who are difficult to like or care about. I realize that this may not matter to most people or critics, but to me if I do not like any single character on screen and if I am not invested in their story, then the movie is not successful at all.
Watching these three idiots do drugs and make fools of themselves while their atrocious music is in the background is simply not my idea of a good fun, I am sorry to say. I despise this type of music that is just noise to me, so the soundtrack quickly got on my nerves. None of the three characters were appealing in the slightest or well developed for that matter, so I did not care what happened to them.
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Kneecap has a kinetic energy to it that is admirable. The technical aspects are strong – especially solid are directing, acting from the supporting players (Michael Fassbender is back, but in a very small role) and its setting that is well brought to life. Some of the dialogue is quite good, but for the most part the overwhelming focus on music and shenanigans took away from the importance of its central message.
Kneecap is an Irish film about the importance of preserving native languages and I find that sentiment beautiful and hugely important today. But that excellent premise and messaging could not save the movie from its poor execution. It’s well made and energetic, but also focused way too much on music and shenanigans instead of its main theme. Watching these idiots do drugs and make fools of themselves while their horrible music is playing in the background is simply not my idea of a good time.
My Rating – 3
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