Witness one of the biggest catastrophic disasters within Australia through this documentary. Fire Front takes a deep look into the bushfires which occurred from 2019 through 2020. Here, as an audience member, you will get an inside view and a first-hand experience through the perspective of many right from the frontlines. These men and women risked their lives to save and protect those affected by the wild and harmful blazes.
Before viewing, the documentary makes a very clear statement advising viewers that this film does contain confronting scenes of the real-life event. If you have been affected by fire personally, you are recommended to watch with caution.
Right from the opening, viewers are in the middle of it. Having lived in Australia my whole life, some may say we’ve always witnessed bush fires around us; however, from 2019 to 2020, Australia witnessed something entirely different and something we’ve never encountered before. Even though I have never encountered a dangerous fire with my own eyes, thanks to the various footage from dash cams, chest cameras, and aerial footage from above, this documentary successfully delivers an extremely daunting and frightening informative experience. For the majority of the duration, I felt like I was on the ground with the crew and survivours, and my devastation and heartbreak only grew more and more.
The film is honourable and respectful with the retelling of the horrific event, which resulted in twenty-four million hectares being burned and three thousand homes being destroyed. Battling the fire also cost the lives of thirty-three people, and viewers will even see various footage of these incidences, revealing the final moments from those who were truly brave and risked their lives for others.
Fires and heroes are not the only topics found throughout; the film also touches on political matters, including the events in which Premier Scott Morrison was away on leave with his family in Hawaii. Depending on your political views in the present day, you may find the topics surrounding politics somewhat subjective.
Overall, revisiting and witnessing first-hand the dreadful disaster of the 2019 and 2020 bushfires is heartbreaking and challenging. Granted, the film delivers a raw and touching look back, putting viewers in the middle of the major disaster. It is confronting, gripping and yet honourable to experience. It’s a well-made documentary consisting of imagery and footage that reveals everything and hides nothing. The representation of political themes will be subjective for some viewers, but either way, it’s tremendous work yet again from documentarian Eddie Martin.
9.1/10
23rd August 2022
Written by Peter Walkden
WALKDEN ENTERTAINMENT
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