Fire in Babylon
Fire in Babylon

Movie spotlight

Fire in Babylon

2011
Movie
83 min
English

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.

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes97%
Metacritic77/100
Google Users94%
Director: Steven RileyGenres: Documentary, Sport

Plot Summary

This documentary chronicles the rise of the West Indies cricket team to global dominance during the 1970s and 1980s. It features interviews with legendary players who explain their journey from island underdogs to an invincible force. The film highlights their aggressive style of play and the cultural impact they had on the Caribbean.

Critical Reception

Fire in Babylon was widely acclaimed by critics for its compelling storytelling, archival footage, and insightful interviews with cricket legends. It is praised for capturing the essence of an era and the remarkable achievements of the West Indies team.

What Reviewers Say

  • A thrilling and nostalgic look back at a legendary cricket team.

  • Features captivating interviews with iconic players.

  • Successfully conveys the passion and power of the West Indies team.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly enjoyed Fire in Babylon, praising its nostalgic journey through West Indian cricket history and the powerful performances of the featured players. Many found it to be an inspiring and well-made documentary.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Documentary at the British Independent Film Awards.

Fun Fact

The film uses a unique narrative technique where the legendary West Indian fast bowler Michael Holding acts as the primary narrator, guiding the audience through the team's history.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Set against a backdrop of colonial history and superiority, this is a cracking documentary that depicts the rise and sustained success of the West Indies cricket team that started in the 1970s and prevailed for over a decade. Using some rem...