Fire in Babylon

You don't have to know much about the sport of cricket to appreciate Fire in Babylon, an engaging documentary about the most successful, longest-dominating (as well as one of the most controversial) teams in all sports history (not just cricket): the legendary West Indies squad of the late 1970s and '80s, underdogs not taken seriously until a concentration of talent and a shift to a more intimidating style of play reversed their fortunes. Employing a fastball that could take their opponents' heads off, the West Indies players began winning games while stoking international black pride. This was the era of protests against apartheid in South Africa, the rise of militant black power in the United States, and a pushback from immigrants of color in a hostile, postcolonial Britain. The team's aggressive play was seen as a blow against white oppression, and its undefeated record over many years kept the legend going. Director Stevan Riley mixes archival footage of game action with contemporary interviews of former teammates, along the way incorporating music (especially from Bob Marley) to add cultural context. Riley never really addresses the ethical issue of the violence the “Windies” brought to the sport, but Fire in Babylon does successfully tell the team's story while also opening a window on the era's racial tensions. DVD extras include an interview with Riley and producer John Battsek. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)