This is a 22-minute, black-and-white film written and directed by Haron Farocki from over 45 years ago. Farocki was only in his early 20s when this was made and enjoyed a prolific career afterward that turned him into one Germany's most influential (documentary) filmmakers of the last 50 years. He died roughly a year ago. "The Inextinguishable Fire" tells us about the production use and political context of napalm, a very important and divisive issue back in the days of the Vietnam War. As Farocki lists actors in the credits at the end, this is not a documentary. Sadly, this is also the great weakness of this film. The actors' line delivery is so horrible that it could not be more obvious that they are quoting something that somebody else came up with and that it is not their own thoughts. This aspect pretty much buries the entire thing, which is quite a pity as it's a truly important issue, even in the year 2015. I wonder why Farocki did not see this, maybe it was his lack of experience still at that point. Not recommended.
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