33/13
Referenced in the Film Trash Podcast: Episode 961: In a Violent Nature + TIFF 2024 (2024)
Tale
When fate brings Belfast teacher JJ into orbit, self-confessed “low life trash”; Naoise and Liam Og, pin-drop hip hop acts like no other. Rapping in their native Irish, they lead a movement to save their native language. Ireland’s official submission for the ‘Best International Feature Film’ category at the 97th Academy Awards in 2025. Arló Ó Cairealláin: Every Irish word spoken is a bullet fired for Irish freedom.
Belfast presents Orbital
Greetings from the Darkness Again. The Troubles in Northern Ireland were a 30-year political and social conflict that officially ended in 1998 with the Good Friday Agreement. Even today, the pain and memories and divisions remain. Writer-director Rich Peppiatt’s film is set in 2019 (West Belfast) and is described as “mostly a true story”.
The resistance they face is stiff and sometimes dangerous
It involves controversial hip-hop group Kneecap and the push to make Irish an official language. Early on, we’re told: “A country without a language is only half a country.” A chance encounter brings music teacher JJ (DJ Provai) into the world of self-described “low life scum”, Naoisen (Moglai Bap) and Liam Ogi (Mo Chara) – drug dealers and wannabe musicians. The trio, who perform in their native Irish, inexplicably and coincidentally become the unlikely faces and voices of the language movement. but perhaps they remain their own biggest obstacle to success.
Without acting experience, they’re convincing enough to tell (mostly) their own story in a comedy-drama style
Another plotline occasionally rears its head – Naoisen’s father Arlo (Michael Fassbender) has been on the run since Naoisen’s death. 39 in childhood and is now a paramilitary figure being hunted by the police, despite the family’s attempts to convince him he’s dead. Arlo, who occasionally emerges, offers guidance and advice to the boys, who face oppression and opposition from conservative and right-wing forces, fighting their rebellious nature and pursuit of radical change. playing themselves.
They’re also experts on the f-word
We’ve seen Irish mayhem many times, but director Peppiatt and the trio create an energetic brashness that works well in creating cultural and class divides. This may not be the first story of drug dealers turned lyricists, performers and social influencers, but we certainly appreciate the moments of authenticity that once again demonstrate the power and influence of music (even if the bouncy subtitles are a step more challenging). The Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 established Irish as an official language, and Kneeling Down shows that the punk rebellion continues. Oh, and Ask Your Friends: “What’s Crazy?”, in cinemas August 2, 2024.
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