Hold Your Fire

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.

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.

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.

Dog Day Afternoon and The French Connection and many other movies of the late sixties and early seventies painted a picture of rogue New York City cops, who were eager to kill.

This documentary portrays the TWO sides of a hostage situation, wherein a group of African-American youngsters got stuck between a rock and a hard place, when they tried to rob a gun store, but found themselves surrounded by hundreds of cops and didnt dare to come out afraid of being killed on the spot.

In the mayhem of the hostage situation that ensued, in which a cop got killed, the cops wanted to storm the store with a tank.

A psychologist police officer persuaded the head of police to TALK to the criminals inside, because TALKING CAN BE MORE POWERFUL IN PERSUASION THAN A GUN (or a tank). Yes sir, indeed...

A brilliant detailed and intimate portrait of all the people involved (criminals, police, hostages) in that 2 day long standoff between police and hostage takers.

I am impressed. Fascinating portrait of another era. Chilling lesson.

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.