Kneecap

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2:22

Kneecap

R

Released Aug 2, 2024

1h 42m

Comedy

Drama

Music

Biography

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

141 Reviews

95%

Popcornmeter

50+ Verified Ratings

When fate brings Belfast schoolteacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed 'low life scum' Naoise and Liam Og, the needle drops on a hip hop act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish language, KNEECAP fast become the unlikely figureheads of a Civil Rights movement to save their mother tongue. But the trio must first overcome police, paramilitaries and politicians trying to silence their defiant sound -- whilst their anarchic approach to life often makes them their own worst enemies. In this fiercely original sex, drugs and hip-hop biopic KNEECAP play themselves, laying down a global rallying cry for the defense of native cultures.

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Critics Consensus

A rebellious anthem for cultural preservation, Kneecap is as shaggy, rambunctious, and lovable as the eponymous hip hop group at its center.

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Jacob Oller

AV Club

Rich Peppiatt’s film has a hard time connecting its stylish music video silliness with drama that meanders and a political message that repeats like it’s stuck on a cheap turntable.

Rated: C-

Oct 25, 2024

Full Review

Wenlei Ma

The Nightly (AU)

It crackles with energy, attitude and youth, and takes you along for a riotous and persuasive ride.

Rated: 3.5/5

Sep 6, 2024

Full Review

Stephen Romei

The Australian

This highly original film is about liberation, of an indigenous language and of the people who speak it. As Caitlin puts it: “A country without a language is only half a nation.”

Rated: 3.5/5

Aug 31, 2024

Full Review

Andrew Kendall

Stabroek News

[There is] something thoughtful and moving within the comedy. Even when it is at its most rowdy, there’s a tenderness in “Kneecap” that charms and entertains.

Jul 17, 2025

Full Review

Juan Pablo Russo

EscribiendoCine

...[Kneecap] doesn't seek to explain a cultural phenomenon, but rather to amplify its power. And it does so not only as a portrait of a band, but as a documented struggle that...resonates strongly...[Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 8/10

Jun 25, 2025

Full Review

Marcelo Paredes

Cinencuentro

Even with its unnecessary formal neatness, Kneecap shines in its ideas and message, enough to considered it a noteworthy film. [Full review in Spanish]

Jun 24, 2025

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J W

Go in knowing as little as possible about the story, and a bit about the Troubles and you’ll have an absolutely stunning experience. I read this before going and it was super helpful as a refresher: https://m.imdb.com/review/rw9937468/?ref_=tt_urv

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/22/24

Full Review

KNEECAP

I liked it...A bit humorous, crude, language but I understand Belfast lingo and really enjoyed it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/16/24

Full Review

Tim

Shocking and rebellious, this comedy is an interesting Oscar submission by the government of Ireland. (Not for children!)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/15/24

Full Review

Kevin

It brilliantly bumped up against all the complexities founding NI

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/25/24

Full Review

Mr. Hollywood

Enjoyable. Whats interesting about this movie is that the same people who saying this movies praises were the same people hating anyone who didnt go along in 2020. Think about that

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

08/21/24

Full Review

John M

SO good. Lord the music and the performances. Story was gripping. I thoroughly enjoyed it.It wasn't perfection, but it was absolutely a breath of fresh air. I was engaged. I cared and I was entertained.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/19/24

Full Review

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Kneecap: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

When fate brings Belfast schoolteacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed 'low life scum' Naoise and Liam Og, the needle drops on a hip hop act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish language, KNEECAP fast become the unlikely figureheads of a Civil Rights movement to save their mother tongue. But the trio must first overcome police, paramilitaries and politicians trying to silence their defiant sound -- whilst their anarchic approach to life often makes them their own worst enemies. In this fiercely original sex, drugs and hip-hop biopic KNEECAP play themselves, laying down a global rallying cry for the defense of native cultures.

Director: Rich Peppiatt
Producer: Trevor Birney, Jack Tarling
Screenwriter: Rich Peppiatt
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: Fine Point Films, Mother Tongues Films
Rating: R (Pervasive Drug Content|Language|Sexual Content/Nudity|Some Violence)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Music, Biography
Original Language: Irish
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 2, 2024, Wide
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.1M
Runtime: 1h 42m

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