Watch Fires of Kuwait

Fires of Kuwait is a compelling documentary from 1992 that reveals the shocking aftermath of the Persian Gulf War. The documentary was directed by David Douglas and released by MacGillivray Freeman Films. The film focuses on the environmental catastrophe that occurred in Kuwait after the retreating Iraqi army set fire to over 650 oil wells.

The documentary opens with breathtaking aerial footage of the oil fires that turned the sky black with smoke and engulfed Kuwait in a toxic cloud of fumes. The footage is both awe-inspiring and sobering, as it captures the scale of the destruction wrought upon Kuwait by the retreating Iraqi forces. The film makes no secret of the fact that the oil fires were set deliberately as a form of environmental terrorism, and the images of the flames are truly terrifying.

Throughout the documentary, we hear from various experts who explain the environmental and human impact of the oil fires in Kuwait. The experts include environmental scientists, firefighters, and local residents, who witnessed the destruction firsthand. Their testimonies paint a picture of unimaginable devastation, including the loss of plant and animal life, toxic air pollution, and a significant increase in medical problems and birth defects.

Rip Torn narrates the documentary in his inimitable style, giving voice to the vast scope of the disaster, as well as the human stories that make it so compelling. He does an outstanding job of conveying the enormity of the task faced by the firefighters tasked with putting out the blazes, as well as the courage and resilience of the Kuwaiti people in the face of such adversity.

The documentary also features spectacular footage of the firefighters at work, battling against the elements and the sheer scale of the task before them. The images of the teams working in the intense heat and dense smoke are truly remarkable and demonstrate the incredible bravery of those involved.

One of the most striking things about Fires of Kuwait is the way it puts a human face on the environmental disaster. We hear the stories of ordinary Kuwaitis whose lives have been turned upside down by the fires, from a fisherman who has lost his livelihood to a schoolteacher who is forced to wear a mask to protect herself from the toxic air. These vignettes help to convey the human cost of the disaster and make it all the more sobering.

The documentary also highlights the incredible teamwork and international cooperation that went into putting out the fires. Teams from all over the world came together in a joint effort to extinguish the flames and mitigate the environmental damage caused by the fires. The documentary shows how these efforts paid off, demonstrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Despite the environmental disaster that took place, the documentary ends on a note of hope, highlighting the efforts being made to restore the natural environment in Kuwait. We see teams of scientists and conservationists working to repair the damage done by the fires and revive the fragile ecosystem.

In conclusion, Fires of Kuwait is a truly remarkable documentary that reminds us of the fragility of our planet and the need to act together in the face of environmental catastrophe. With its stunning footage, heartfelt interviews, and powerful message, this is a film that will stay with you long after you've watched it.