Preserving the mother tongue is important because it not only allows the language to be remembered but also passed on to the next generation. We all know that large countries often push their own languages, which slowly erodes the mother tongue. How does it help that we cherish one and want to destroy the other?
“Knee” tells the legendary story of a fighter who achieved victory through collective action. This is a vivid and engaging film about the rise of a rebellious Irish rap group from west Belfast. Directed by Rich Peppiatt, the film blends political energy with comedy to create a hilarious story about cultural pride, resistance and perseverance.
The film centers on childhood friends Naoise (Naoise Ó Caireallain) and Liam Óg (Liam Óg Ó Hannahidh), who grew up in post-Good Friday Agreement Northern Ireland. They are inspired by Naoise’s father Arlo (Michael Fassbender), an IRA legend who instilled in them the belief that “every word spoken in Irish is a sign of Irish freedom.” bullet. Arlo is absent and presumed dead, while Naïse’s mother (Simone Kirby) has become a recluse, and the boys find themselves lost in the club scene and dabbling in drugs.
Their lives take a turn when Liam Ogg is arrested and flatly refuses to speak English. Music teacher JJ (JJ Ó Dochartaigh), a gentle and composed man, steps in as translator and sees potential in Liam Ogg’s rebellious work. Together they formed the rap group Kneecap, with JJ serving as their masked DJ. What started as a bar show quickly turned into a movement, attracting both fans and the ire of authorities. This has attracted the attention of all aspects of society, including politicians.
The entire cast performs well, but the real stars are the trio themselves. Naoise, Liam Óg and JJ bring authenticity and energy to their characters, making the story both personal and impactful. Ó Dochartaigh’s portrayal of JJ is particularly noteworthy, balancing the character’s gentle appearance with his rebellious spirit. This is what we call an organic performance. Rich Peppiatt’s direction is sublime and dynamic. The film is filled with music and quick cuts that keep the pace brisk and engaging. It paints a stark image of Irish patriotism, showing that if it persists in every country, no external force can defeat it.
Knees explores themes of cultural identity, rebellion and the power of language. The film depicts the struggle for Irish language recognition as a personal and political struggle. The character’s journey from villain to cultural icon highlights the transformative power of art and resistance. It’s a must-see for its unique blend of humor, politics and music. It’s a film that celebrates Irish culture and language with a rebellious spirit and a sense of fun, with an important message: never forget who you are, even when the world tells you to.
