Like yesterday’s post, today’s SOTD is from a musical biopic set across the pond. But Kneecap is a very different movie than Better Man.
The film depicts the beginnings of the titular Irish rap trio, an unlikely outfit made up of two troublemaking young men and an Irish language teacher (who wore a ski mask during the band’s early performances to hide his identity from people who knew him from his day job).
They are among the few remaining speakers of the Irish Gaelic language, and use it liberally in their songs.
The three band members play themselves, a fact I didn’t realize until the end credits. First time actors all, they are magnetic and hilarious, holding their own against such seasoned performers as Michael Fassbender.
Given its subject matter, Kneecap features plenty of great music scenes. The clip I’m featuring today is actually the end credit sequence. After a couple of somber title cards decrying the erasure of indigenous languages across the world, one of the band’s songs kicks in and plays over clips from their actual history.
It’s a glorious sendoff for an exhilarating film that’s well worth seeking out (it’s currently streaming on Netflix).
Here, tell him
Who’s the most violent person you know except Arlene
(Ha ha ha ha ha haaaa) Oh that would be you kid (ha ha ha ha) Respect
[Véarsa 1/Verse 1: Mo Chara]
Focain caite amach arís
Barraíocht piontaí le barraíocht snaois
Equals a cocktail brave for unleashin’ the beast
Oíche mhór amach fuinne, at least
Troid eile, he’s beatin’ some fella
Tá an R.U.C. anseo anois [?] eile
Fucked in to the back of the jeep, he falls asleep
He does it every week
[Droichead 1: Mo Chara]
Tiocfaidh ár lá, get the Brits out lad!
A one way ticket please I’ve lost my bus pass
[Véarsa 2: Mo Chara]
Isteach san offie
He’s lookin’ some tins man
Ag cailleadh focan foighde anois man
“Keep ‘er lit ta fuck or fuckin’ fuck off” Jesus said on the cross
Two tins of Boost, 20 fegs and the fuck is still lost
Who’s next, me miss, son would you like a bag?
For your shopping, not your nose, I see your ankle tag
Fuck you curfew, dislocated eyesocket
Overnight, cop shop with two grams in his pocket
Just his reputation now he’s known for being a rocket
In his dreams 9mm loaded…
[Cúrfa: Móglaí Bop & Mo Chara]
I’m a H – Double O – D. Low life scum, that’s what they say about me
‘Cause I’m a H – Double O – D. Low life scum, that’s what they say about me
[Véarsa 3: Móglaí Bop]
A dog with a job, what the fuck is that?
When our poor Micky’s just sittin’ in the flat
Sippin’ on his cans and smokin’ rollies
‘Cause all the best jobs are taken by the dolies
[Véarsa 4: Móglaí Bop]
Squidgy black, yeah craic, and mo spliff achan lá
Beat the fash and the sesh, get that note off my car
Ach anois, Hector’s stash, má tá pús san áit
Ach ar dtús, cúpla líne, sula n-éiríonn seo aisteach
[Droichead 1: Móglaí Bop & Mo Chara]
It’s gonna be a blood bath
It’s gonna be a blood bath
It’s gonna be a blood bath
(It’s gonna be a blood bath)
[Véarsa 5: Móglaí Bop & Mo Chara]
Throw a hook, a jab and a boot
I sneak a quick toot then I fire another boot
For callin’ me a fruit
For tryna take the loot
But Billy won’t be bothering anymore hoods
‘Nois cúpla ceist, do ya want it in your chest?
Or your knees or your head?
DJ Próvaí has the lead
You can beg, you can plead, you can tell us what we needYou can change your name
But you’re all the fuckin’ same
[Cúrfa: Móglaí Bop & Mo Chara]
I’m a H – Double O – D. Low life scum, that’s what they say about me
‘Cause I’m a H – Double O – D. Low life scum, that’s what they say about me
I’m a H – Double O – D. Low life scum, that’s what they say about me
‘Cause I’m a H – Double O – D. Low life scum, that’s what they say about me
Meet Me In Montauk 
For someone who claims not to like biopics, you’ve seen and liked quite a few this year. Perhaps rather than disparaging the genre, you should just acknowledge that some biopics, like movies of other genres, are done better than others.
Of course that’s the case. Wouldn’t you say the same thing about Westerns?
Not really. With few exceptions, I don’t like westerns, even when they are well-liked and critically praised. Same with horror films.
I have genres I like more than others, and genres that don’t usually excite me (like biopics), but I can’t think of a genre I universally dislike.
With music, I can. I’ve never made it through a heavy metal album.
I agree I don’t universally dislike any genres but I definitely hate torture in any movie I watch and will avoid at all costs. I still close my eyes when Bruce Willis runs over the broken glass in Diehard 😩for example
Hooray! Totally loved Kneecap as well – you featured my two fave 2024 biopics back to back!
I remember seeing this trailer ages ago and being excited to see the film, and then… nothing. Was it even released in theaters? Will definitely check it out.
As for biopics, like any sort of “based on” type of film, I’m guessing you’re more forgiving the less you know about the original subject matter. There’s not much difference during the viewing experience between watching such a film or one that’s pure fiction whereas you’re comparing and judging a film that’s based on something you know relatively well… which is why I’m fascinated that A Complete Unknown worked as well for you as it did.
I think there’s something to that, but it’s not always the case. I believe I’m more likely to enjoy a biopic if it does something interesting with its storytelling and/or form. Making it a full-blown musical, casting an ape in the lead, infusing it with an anarchic spirit and casting the real-life performers.
The ones I reject are more akin to fictionalized VH1 Behind the Music episodes.