Hold Your Fire

This well-paced documentary brings the story of "the birthplace of hostage negotiation" to life in a way that is compelling, nerve-wracking and thought-provoking. Told strictly in the words of those involved, it colorfully depicts an intense two-day standoff in 1973 between NYC police and four young African American men who hold up a sporting good store in an attempt to obtain guns, ironically for self-protection. Things go wrong and a hostage crisis ensues. By interviewing participants from all sides, the film drives deeply into mindsets and attitudes, gradually opens into broader ideas behind conflict resolution, and ultimately builds a strong argument for understanding and empathy in a world fraught with enmity.

Greetings again from the darkness. Common sense tells us that attempting to resolve conflict by talking through the issue is far superior to jumping right into violence or other extreme measures. Of course we all know that common sense doesn't always win, and it certainly didn't in 1973 when four young Black Muslims attempted to steal guns from a Brooklyn store called John & Al Sports. It's been 50 years since the incident, but director Stefan Forbes allows some of the key players to give their perspective and recount the unfolding of events.

It was not a good plan. In fact, it was barely a plan at all. Shu'aib Raheem was 23 years old and living in fear in his own community. Cops were slow to respond to calls in his neighborhood, so he wanted protection for himself, his family, and his friends. He was joined by fellow twenty-somethings Dawud Rahman, Salih Abdullah, and Mussidia in waltzing into the store and loading a bag with guns. We know this because Raheem is one of the many interesting interviews conducted. We hear from others including police officers that were on the scene that night, the owner of the store, Raheem's cohort Dawud Rahman, and hostages that were detained. This event became the longest hostage situation in New York City history.

It's the hostage element that brings us to one of the most important developments of the event. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, and looking back, the hero was a Jewish intellectual named Harvey Schlossberg. Harvey passed away after giving his interview for the film, and he is the man credited with starting hostage negotiations, and was later instrumental in the capture of Son of Sam. It's inconceivable to think one of the first responses from the cops was to fire into the front of the store despite knowing full well hostages were present. Raheem recalls never even being offered a chance to safely surrender.

Surely one of the things that will stand out to anyone watching this is the blatant racism expressed by the cops all these years later. They admit to assuming the four burglars were part of the Black Liberation Army, and proceeded accordingly. However, these four were really average locals with jobs and families, looking for a way to feel safe. This division between the cops and the neighborhood locals was clearly an issue, and seems all too familiar even today. This is not to defend the criminal act of these four men, but it does highlight how law enforcement can escalate, rather than de-escalate a situation. These four deserved to go to jail, but the actions of the police force dragged the situation out, further endangering the hostages.

Thanks to Schlossberg's approach, this standoff became known as 'the birthplace of hostage negotiation.' He spearheaded the advancement of training for conflict resolution and de-escalation. This was a significant cultural shift within the New York Police Department, and the cops we hear from (some with disturbing views on race) make that very clear. One of the interviewed (former) officers says, "we over-define racism as something bad." I re-played this part to make sure I heard it correctly, and then paused it to try and understand.

This was a chaotic scene and when it was over, one cop had been killed. Director Forbes has accumulated an impressive array of archival footage and photos to go with the insightful interviews. It's fascinating to hear the conflicting recollections, but it seems clear that aggressive action was not the best strategy in this case. At times this feels similar to DOG DAY AFTERNOON, but the images are real, not dramatized. We can only hope training continues and law enforcement consistently reacts in a way to de-escalate criminal situations. The stress is indescribable, but the reward for talking before shooting can be saved lives.

In a world where the phrase "Hold your fire!" is more commonly associated with video games than real-life crisis negotiation, "Hold Your Fire" (2021) emerges as a thrilling, if not slightly anxiety-inducing, documentary that demands your attention. The film delves into the heart of a 1973 Brooklyn standoff, turning what could have been a dry historical recount into a nail-biting cinematic experience. Through a series of interviews, archival footage, and a suspenseful soundtrack that could make even a trip to the grocery store feel like a covert operation, this documentary manages to be both enlightening and entertaining.

What sets "Hold Your Fire" apart is its uncanny ability to humanize the perpetrators. The filmmakers somehow transform a tense hostage situation into the backdrop for moments of unexpected humor and profound insight. It's like watching a high-stakes chess match where the pieces occasionally crack jokes. The blend of tension and levity is so well-executed, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat, popcorn forgotten, as you oscillate between laughter and gasps. The documentary doesn't just explore the negotiation; it dives into the psychology of its subjects with the precision of a cat burglar navigating a laser maze.

The only reason I'm withholding that last half-star is because, let's be honest, no film is perfect. There were moments when the pacing felt like it was on a caffeine break, slowing down just when you wanted more action. However, these moments are few and far between, and they give you a much-needed chance to catch your breath. "Hold Your Fire" is a masterclass in documentary filmmaking, blending historical significance with human emotion and a sprinkle of humor. It's the kind of film that not only educates but entertains, leaving you slightly more informed and a whole lot more paranoid about ever being in a standoff situation. Highly recommended for history buffs, documentary enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the art of negotiation - or just needs a good laugh and a dose of adrenaline.

Both sides of the story are told here. But; there is way more sympathy given to the hostage takers than there should be, and alot of "poor me" and bemoaning that mostly goes unchecked by the filmmakers. The store owner is the most compelling voice of this narrative (no, not Dr Harvey), and for me, he was the moral compass of this story. The footage is interesting for sure, but you can tell the filmmakers feel more sympathy for the hostage takers, and lean heavily on ill supported racism claims. It's not about race; it's about pointing guns in peoples faces, committing crimes, and owning up to those crimes-bad guys are bad guys. Don't pander.

It's 1973 Brooklyn. The Police is seen as an occupation force in the minority communities. There is much tension and the police don't negotiate. Four Muslim youths try to steal guns in a sporting goods store. It becomes a hostage standoff. NYPD psychologist Harvey Schlossberg begins the new path of negotiation.

The most shocking moment is the White Power command during the '71 Attica Prison riot. It always funny when people insists that they're not racists. It's not quite like the movies. It's a lot darker. This is an interesting moment in time. I wouldn't mind a movie made about this incident. This documentary does need a tick tock countdown to show the duration of the incident. It needs a recreation to show the initial shootout and the important death of the policeman. It's another time and it's fascinating to see it on the street level.