Film Review #172: KNEECAP

Film Review #172: KNEECAP
Protecting One's Mother Tongue as an Uncompromising Act of Patriotism

Still from Kneecap. Credits: Sony Pictures Classics and BFI

Centering on an actual Irish hip-hop trio of the same name, Kneecap follows Liam and Naoise, two reckless but passionate and talented rappers, who form an unlikely bond with uninspired teacher JJ who is equally devoted to music himself. Set against the backdrop of a society relegating the native Irish language, the trio lead a movement with their original music to save their mother tongue.



Directed and co-written by Rich Peppiatt, Kneecap marks the filmmaker's feature debut. This film’s premise may turn some away for appearing as “too niche". Yet, to watch Kneecap is to recognize and acknowledge the universal lesson that the only way to overcome the discomfort of facing the unknown or unfamiliar is to confront and maybe even embrace it.

Still from Kneecap. Credits: Sony Pictures Classics and BFI

     "No one is anyone until they are."

In my view, this must be how Peppiatt felt when he was making his first short film, and then again his first full-length feature film, as with any filmmaker just starting out. As for us audiences, it is no different. Every time we watch a new film, we learn something new about the world. What about in life? Every time we accomplish something new, do we then realize we could actually do it. Kneecap could be a "niche" Irish indie film, but it is every bit relevant and an essential watch.

Singapore has had its fair share of turbulent history with language policies. In our nation's formative years post-independence, mother tongues and dialects were severely restricted and the detrimental effects can still be felt today. Local artists lament the grave hurt inflicted upon mother tongues and dialects in Singapore over the decades, and many produce critical works of art that show their discontent, with one recent example being 2023's A Year of No Significance   by Kelvin Tong. Of course, one could take some comfort in knowing that mother tongues are accorded increasing importance in our education system now, and dialects are finally (albeit gradually) heard and spoken in mainstream media from time to time.

     "Every word of Irish spoken is a bullet fired for Irish freedom."

Patriotism may have state-prescribed ways of expression. However, each individual's relationship with their homeland is ultimately unique. A key attribute of any civilization is its language(s). This film is fearless in portraying the limits to which some would go just to safeguard something that is part of who they are.

Still from Kneecap. Credits: Sony Pictures Classics and BFI

Kneecap is an achievement on multiple fronts. To energize and entertain the viewer with its snappy storytelling and electrifying music is one; to effectively introduce the music of Kneecap (the hip-hop trio) to the rest of the world is another. But above all, to tell the world an important story about the Irish identity and the Irish people, and at the same time, to challenge the viewers to reflect on the suppressed parts of themselves, is probably what truly makes this film remarkable.

Catch the Singapore Premiere and exclusive screening of Kneecap for SFS Showcase #43 on 12 April, Saturday: https://theprojector.sg/films-and-events/kneecap/

SFS Members can claim their free ticket through this password-protected page: https://sfs-kneecap-pw.peatix.com/

Log in to your membership now or email info@singaporefilmsociety.com for the password.

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About the author: About the author: Jarrett is a devoted cinephile for over half of his life. Apart from movies, coffee keeps him awake and music keeps him alive. Having studied theatre and performed as an actor before, he's also a sucker for great performances.

Connect with Jarrett here: https://linktr.ee/jarrettandfilm