Born in Flames

Watch Born in Flames

  • NR
  • 1983
  • 1 hr 20 min
  • 6.5  (1,977)

Born in Flames is a 1983 film written and directed by Lizzie Borden. Set in a dystopian America in the near future, it is a feminist sci-fi film that explores many themes of social and political oppression, gender inequality, and class struggle. The film stars Honey as Isabel, Adele Bertei as Adelaide, and Jean Satterfield as Zella.

The film takes place ten years after the social democratic revolution in the United States, which supposedly brought about equality and liberation for all. However, we soon learn that the revolution failed to address many of the underlying issues, such as racism, sexism, and economic inequality. The film shows how different groups of women, from different social and ethnic backgrounds, come together to fight for their rights, their freedom, and their voice.

The story follows a network of women's collectives, who broadcast their message over pirate radio stations and use guerrilla tactics to draw attention to their cause. These women are diverse in their beliefs and strategies -- some advocate for peaceful protests and civil disobedience, while others resort to more drastic measures, including sabotage and terrorism, to challenge the status quo.

At the heart of the film is the character of Isabel, an African American woman who becomes a leader in the feminist movement after the mysterious death of her friend and fellow activist, Adelaide. Isabel is determined to bring about change and justice, despite facing numerous obstacles and setbacks along the way.

Other key characters include Zella, a radical lesbian who leads a militant faction of the movement; Honey, a punk musician who promotes a message of rebellion through her songs; and several government officials and conservative figures who try to suppress the women's movement and maintain the status quo.

The film features an innovative and experimental style, combining documentary footage with staged scenes, interviews, and propaganda pieces. It also includes music by a variety of punk and art-rock bands, giving it a distinct and vibrant energy. The filmmakers use a mixture of aesthetic styles and approaches, blending realism with futuristic visuals, and emphasizing the collective experience and solidarity of the feminist movement.

Born in Flames is a powerful and thought-provoking film that remains highly relevant today. It raises important questions about social justice, equality, and the intersectionality of oppression, and provides a compelling vision of how women can organize and fight back against oppression. It is a landmark work in the history of feminist filmmaking and a testament to the resilience and determination of women in the face of adversity.

Born in Flames is a 1983 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.

Born in Flames
Description
Where to Watch Born in Flames
Born in Flames is available to watch free on Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime and Apple TV. Some platforms allow you to rent Born in Flames for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1983
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 20 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.5  (1,977)