Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Irish rap biopic has drugs, sex, language, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Kneecap
What's the Story?
In KNEECAP, real-life Irish language rappers play themselves in the story of how two drug dealers and a teacher came to become an Irish hip-hop phenomenon.
Is It Any Good?
A stylized version of the story of a real-life Irish language rap group, this is a fun, funny, and dramatic film that delivers a serious message about the eradication of language by political force. The band members—Liam Óg "Mo Chara" Ó Hannaidh, Naoise "Móglaí Bap" Ó Cairealláin, and JJ "DJ Próvaí" Ó Dochartaigh—are first-time actors playing semi-autobiographical characters of themselves, but they look completely at home telling their story in Kneecap. Meanwhile, the zippy direction combusts with the spirit of youthful indulgence mixing with musical creativity and the rush of starting a band. Set after The Troubles, it explores themes of generational trauma, as well as the lingering threat of violence between groups in Northern Ireland. As confident as the music the hip-hop trio make, the movie is a potent mix of elements that sheds an honest, nonjudgmental, but sometimes uncomfortable light on the lives of young people.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the drug use in Kneecap. How do you think it was depicted? Was it glamorized or glorified? Do you think movies should always show the negative effects of drugs? What does it mean when it doesn't?
Talk about the campaign to preserve the Irish language. The movie says that an indigenous language dies every 40 days globally. Do you think it's important that cultures and communities preserve their languages? What might be lost when a language stops being used?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Did it feel appropriate for the type of movie it was? What did it contribute to the movie?
What did you know about "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland before you saw this movie? Has it encouraged you to find out more? How to talk to kids about violence, crime, and war.
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 2, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : September 10, 2024
- Cast : Naoise Ó Cairealláin , Liam Óg Ó Hannaidh , JJ Ó Dochartaigh , Michael Fassbender
- Director : Rich Peppiatt
- Studio : Sony Pictures Classics
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 105 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : pervasive drug content and language, sexual content/nudity and some violence
- Awards : BAFTA - BAFTA Winner , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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