Director: Dylan Mohan Gray
Starring: William Hurt
Running Time: 84 Minutes
Certificate: Exempt
Dylan Mohan Gray’s FIRE IN THE BLOOD has caused a huge stir since its release. When we first reviewed the film back in 2013, we called it “one of the most important documentaries of the last 10 years” and our opinion has not changed one bit.
FIRE IN THE BLOOD tells the story of how Western pharmaceutical companies and governments blocked access to low cost treatment for AIDS drug treatment, causing over ten million deaths. The film documents the fight of how the world, from the poor to the upper class, joined forces to try and bring down these companies.
“People are dying, and the medicines are in my suitcase!” is one of the first quotes you hear in the opening scenes of the documentary, indicating just how brutally truthful this documentary is going to be. Narrated by Academy Award winner William Hurt, FIRE IN THE BLOOD gives a platform to a subject that has surprisingly not been talked about in documentary. We see many subjects who have been affected by AIDS, but the story that will stick with you most is the story of Zackie Achmat, an activist with AIDS who refused to take medicine until it was available to all. His story went so global that Nelson Mandela went to visit him to try and take the anti viral drugs, but even he could not convince him. Achmat’s story and others truly bring a tear to your eye. You won’t get any more heart wrenching than this.
Gray’s first feature takes you on an emotional, sometimes angry ride from beginning to end. He chooses his subjects wisely, ranging from people living normal lives with aids to the familiar faces that tried their best to use their power for good. Alongside its heart breaking elements, FIRE IN THE BLOOD teaches you about keeping that fight and drive inside of you to achieve something great, and in the case of Zackie Achmat, something absolutely incredible. But as Gray mentioned in our interview, the fight is not over against these companies, so that is why we have to keep FIRE IN THE BLOOD fresh in our minds. Buy this DVD and educate yourself.
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EXTRAS: Definitely check out the deleted scenes and extended interviews to get a deeper insight and opinion behind what happened. Definitely not to be missed.
FIRE IN THE BLOOD Is Released 24th March
