Fire in Babylon [DVD] [2010]

Very good documentary, highly recommend for anyone who has a interest in cricket and the West Indies team

This is one of the best documentaries you will see and you don't have to like or understand cricket to enjoy it! The film charts the rise of the greatest cricketing team ever to grace the field, the West Indies between 1975 and 1996. It looks at the politics of race and sport and shows how the only way the Windies could answer injustice and racism was by excelling on the field. Their contribution has benefited cricket as a whole and the level at which all nations have to compete now is far higher than that which existed prior to the rise of the Windies. The film shows the double standards of the English and Australian teams, especially the latter which was happy to dish out dangerous bowling from the likes of Lillee and Thomson but could not take it when the West Indians retaliated with Roberts, Holding, Croft and Garner. The film also shows the struggles of the players, their experiences in Australia, disputes with their own cricketing board, and the bias of the media, as well as how the hopes and aspirations of ordinary people in the Windies and England rested on the success of the cricketing team. I was fortunate to see all of the test matches between England and the Windies in this film and it captures the spirit of the players and the audience as it really was. In fact, audiences of all races appreciated the manner in which the Windies played and the excitement generated even if they hated the results. It is a joyous, uplifting film of an era the likes of which we will never experience again.The film mixes original footage with commentary from musicians, admirers and many of the players themselves, and music from many local bands and established singers. This is definitely one for a long summer evening in with friends and sets up a summer full of sport...and cricket. The blu-ray picture sparkles and is bright and the 5.1 soundtrack is suitably loud and energetic. This film has only just been released in the theatres over a fortnight ago and is, along with 'Senna' which is the other sports documentary of Summer 2011, one of the the highlights of the year. Don't miss out.

This documentary is formidable, powerful and makes for quite brilliant viewing. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a complete goon. The film revives the glory years of West Indian cricket from the mid 1970s to the 1980s and the impact this had on black politics and culture. Under the captaincy of Clive Lloyd the West Indies 1975 tour to Australia was the virgin tour for most of the young guys like Viv Richards, Michael Holding and Andy Roberts. They got pummelled and peppered by the brutality of the Aussie bowling attack of Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thompson. The Windies got beaten badly. They were also subject to disgraceful racist abuse from the fans. Both must have hardened them both mentally and physically. Lloyd then thought, if the Aussies can do this then so can we and he went in search through out the West Indies to find the powerful / fast bowlers to drive his new West Indian cricket team. Then roll on the English in 76. We played right into their hands when Tony Grieg muttered that infamous "grovel" remark. What a complete nark, and we gave the West Indies the ammo required even before a ball was bowled or a shot played. They smashed our arrogant and pompous heads into the ground and good. I just wish I could've seen them play back then. What a team. The question is, how would one react if one was facing Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Joel Garner or Malcolm Marshall? Well I would brown my trousers and run away towards the site screens. I am a Somerset fan and I am so pleased we honored Sir Viv Richards with the naming of a set of entrance gates and a stand after him at the County Ground in Taunton. Such a shame Peter Roebuck cancelled his contract in 1986 along with Joel Garner. I was lucky enough to see Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh and Ian Bishop play at the County Ground and by Joe they were quick. Plus they were more than happy to sign my autograph book and ask how we were. Well I digress, but take it from this review that the DVD is an absolute classic.

This should be compulsory viewing for any cricket fan interested in the history, culture and development of the game, as well as anyone interested in black history. It's made up of commentary from an impressive range of the great West Indian cricketers of the 1970s and 80s who recount their memories, attitudes and reactions to their inexorable rise to 15 years of cricketing domination. There are some great highlights from their performances at this time, though these are brief clips and this is certainly not primarily a collection of classic footage. Hearing the likes of Sir Viv Richards, Colin Croft, Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Clive Lloyd and others talk about their understanding of their role in history, race relations and protests is compelling. Their utter refutation of the 'Calypso Cricket' label demonstrates their mental and physical strength and their determination to prove themselves and stand up for the rights of black people in the West Indies, Britain and across Africa. Particularly striking was the intensely serious way in which they still spoke of Tony Grieg's infamous claim that his 1976 England team would make the West Indies 'grovel' and their absolute determination to prove him wrong. On a cricketing level, the reverence these players clearly have for Clive Lloyd, their captain, was palpable, while their utmost respect of their respective talents and achievements makes clear what a strong team bond existed among them. Viv Richards, as the most famous West Indian cricketer of the era, dominates the discussions, and for all his well-known cricketing prowess, he cuts a yet more impressive figure here, speaking with clarity, passion, dignity and pride about his understanding of his iconic role and the strong belief shared with his team-mates that they represented and fought for equal recognition for black people across the world. A superb film that illustrates the power of sport and the wonderful achievements of this fabulous collection of cricketers both within and beyond the game.

This is a great film. However I do not know why I had to do an 18+ age check when the film is rated 12

I bought this a while ago and forgot about it. It wouldn't play on my Blu-ray player in Japan, so I tried to watch it via an external blu-ray player connected to a computer, and it still didn't work. I was too busy at the time to waste more time trying to return it.

This movie presents a fascinating story of how a West Indian team, built from a relatively small population from twelve widely scattered islands, was able to conquer the cricket world. No other sports team has ever dominated their sport for as long as this team did.The building of the team is presented within its political, cultural and sociological context accompanied by some great reggae music. The story will appeal to everyone regardless of whether they are sports fans. A must see.

This video becomes a part of my heritage. As a West Indian, I take great pride in this piece of historical account of the emergence of a great cricket team (West Indies Cricket Team). I am disappointed though that it cannot be seen on my DVD Player. The rating would have been a (five *)if it was DVD ready. Speedy Hen LTD Should have informed the customer about this problem. So be more cautious!!!I wish they would replace this and give me one that works on my DVD Player. I was lucky to see it on my computer.

This item is a dud!!! Do not purchase products from Amazon.caDVDs and BDs do not play.This website is a scam.