Watch The Seventh Fire

The Seventh Fire, a 2015 documentary film directed by Jack Pettibone Riccobono, offers a powerful and empathetic portrait of Native American gang culture, addiction, and their devastating effects on communities. The movie explores the life of Rob Brown, a charismatic gang leader and former drug dealer, who is now facing years in prison at the age of 36. The film opens with Brown being released from jail and offers an intimate glimpse into his life during the last few years of freedom.

The Seventh Fire takes place on the White Earth Indian Reservation, located in Northern Minnesota, a place where poverty, addiction, and despair are prevalent, and the unemployment rate is over 50 percent. Through the voice of Brown, the documentary offers an unflinching look at the harsh reality that many Native American youths face, dealing with the legacy of America's violent past and the ongoing trauma of colonialism.

The film follows Brown as he tries to mentor and guide a 17-year-old gang member named Kevin Fineday Jr., who is struggling to escape the gang lifestyle and the cycle of addiction that has consumed his family. Brown shows Kevin, a talented photographer, how to use his art as a form of expression and encourages him to pursue his dreams, something that Rob, himself, was never able to do. The two men share a bond that goes beyond their shared experiences, and their relationship provides a rare glimpse into the complex and often misunderstood world of gang culture.

Through the eyes of Albino Garcia, Brown's former protégé and a respected elder in the community, the film also takes a historical and cultural perspective. Garcia, who once ran with Brown's gang, speaks about the traditional ways of the Ojibwe people, his displeasure with how the gang culture is taking hold, and the irrevocable damage it is causing. Garcia's words offer a more profound understanding of what is at stake and how this destructive cycle can be broken.

The Seventh Fire captions the complexities of the American Indian gang life's sharp realities, which is not so different from other cities and populations experiencing problems with gangs. Riccobono's cinematography captures the harsh, bleak landscapes of rural Minnesota, offering a stark contrast to the vibrant traditions and culture of Ojibwe people. The Seventh Fire lays bare a bleak reality with undeniable power, and the result is haunting and thought-provoking.

One of the most remarkable features of The Seventh Fire is its ability to avoid sentimentalism or a judgmental tone. The directors' take on Rob Brown's life is complicated and full of gray areas, yet the film does not resort to stereotyping. Instead, it presents a three-dimensional portrait of a man who is flawed, but ultimately, capable of change. Above all, the film is a visceral viewing experience that leaves a deep impression, making the harrowing subject matter both honest and poignant.

In conclusion, The Seventh Fire is a must-watch film that examines complex themes with great care and nuance. It is a film that sheds light on a subject that is often stigmatized and neglected. It is a movie that challenges us to reexamine pre-conceived notions about gang culture and to understand it as a result of profound societal crises that must be confronted head-on if they are to be resolved. The Seventh Fire is a powerful and deeply moving work.

The Seventh Fire is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 66.