Feature documentary about the great West Indies cricket team of the 1970s and '80s. Fire In Babylon is the breathtaking story of how the West Indies triumphed over its colonial masters through the achievements of one of the most gifted teams in sporting history. In a turbulent era of apartheid in South Africa, race riots in England and civil unrest in the Caribbean, the West Indian cricketers, led by the enigmatic Viv Richards, struck a defiant blow at the forces of white prejudice worldwide. Their undisputed skill, combined with a fearless spirit, allowed them to dominate the genteel game at the highest level, replaying it on their own terms. This is their story, told in their own words.
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Churchill once said, of his memoirs of WW2. "This is not history, this is my case"The same can be said for Fire in Babylon - it is brilliant, moving and a must watch for anyone who loves the game of cricket. But it is one side's story.Some of these examples have already been covered by previous reviewers, but I'll add my take :The West Indies were one all with India in '76, when they caught them on an unsafe pitch and basically bowled bodyline. The Indians are no cowards. They held their own in a hostile environment.The traditional bogan VB-fueled abuse at the MCG is not particularly racial. Botham's paternity has been questioned on many occasions, as has Hadlee's supposed inter-species sexual predilictions. To act offended and then half an hour later say "if you cannot stand the heat - get out" is a bit hypocritical. Alvin Kalicharran was not mentioned. No-one would know that he was WI's best batsman in the mid 70s, and captained them when the rest went off to make money on the Packer circus.Which leads to -> there was a bit of Black-Asian tension in the WI in the 70s, and a feeling that some good Asian West Indians were being marginalised by the new regime. Some of those Asians joined the rebel team to South Africa. Maybe they felt "seriously embodied" with their struggling brothers and sisters in Uganda.For the sake of fairness, Tony Greig's grovelling crawl back to the pavilion could have been mentioned - he did publicly admit what an idiot he'd been. He made his amends by helping sign up the West Indies up to WSC thereby getting them the pay they deserved. Went on to become good friends with Michael Holding.It's a great story, but more Disney than Documentary.
I had heard much about Windies cricket of the 70's and 80's. I had never understood why they were so aggressive. I had not understood how they became such great sporting giants. I think I know now. 11 guys from different islands form a team that makes them known around the globe. They left a legacy unparalleled to date in any sports. The people of Windies are proud of their Cricket. And why not they produced a team and legends that will live for ever in the pages of history. This documentary should be an example for other sports and nations as well. The only thing that could have made the movie more powerful would have been more video highlights, more action. Congrats to Stevan Riley for producing a wonderful movie.
Being a huge fan of the game, i watched the trailer some time back and have that in my watch list. I got hold of the copy last week and watched yesterday. I must say, it took me by surprise. I am not saying it is a very well made documentary from cricket point of view, but what i meant to say is, its nothing there for its target audience which are "Cricket Fans" as far as cricket is concern.Now the best part of the documentary is when it starts. The humiliating tour of WI to Aus, in 75. That is what put the things in motion and what followed was exactly what Aussies did to them in that particular tour. Right after that, the tour of India (I enjoyed that a lot) where India refused to play was an horrific but beautiful account from history at least from pace bowling point of view. Comes the later part and it really disappoints as it shifts the focus from cricket to something else. Some less important if you are not a WI and a cricket fan, The altering egos and the politics. This is where it really gets messy. Now the point here is not what happen at that time, but what it yields after 10/15 years. Now if we take a look at WI they are at the rock bottom and its really hard to believe that it is the same country which produced legends of the game.
I'm no longer a cricket fan but my childhood memories of cricket in the 70's and 80's was that we were excited to have such great competitors come to play in Australia. They were great athletes and thrilling to watch.This film tells the other side of the story - the systemic racial hatred aimed at them in the 1970's and 80's from UK, Australia and South Africa. Stevan Riley is English so he makes it look like it was mostly Australian and South African racism - but even India refused to play them at one stage.They managed to rise above it and their achievements make them statesmen for the game. Their recollections are for the team achievements not the individual performances (and there is plenty to admire on both levels). Their impact went beyond sport. Viv Richards and his Four Men of the Apocalypse are my new heroes. They don't seem to make them like that anymore.On a lightweight note, these men are aging wonderfully. I bet Lillee, Thomo etc don't look anywhere near as good these days.
