Review of Fire in Babylon (2011) by Liam P — 12 Mar 2012

Great documentary on one of the greatest sports teams of all time - the West Indies cricket team of the mid-70s to mid-80s.

More than just a sports movie, it highlights the social and political impact of the West Indies' rise to the top and includes interviews with social commentators, including reggae stars like Bunny Wailer. Insightful interviews with many of the players, especially Viv Richards, Clive Lloyd, Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Colin Croft and Gordon Greenidge.

On the negative side, while concentrating on the social and political aspects, some of the cricket details are missed. Some key moments are missed, e.g. the home test against India after which Clive Lloyd decided to go with four pace bowlers, the 75 and 79 World Cups. A bit more coverage of the individual and team feats would also have been great. (This said, one could not ever have too much cricket in a movie - if this was 5 hours long because of all the cricket it showed, I would probably still say it doesn't have enough cricket!).

Overall, a very stirring story, made more poignant by the depths to which West Indies cricket have sunk now. This movie should be compulsory viewing in the West Indies, and by every member of the WI cricket team. The current team clearly have no inkling of their rich heritage, and how they are letting that down.