Watch Brimstone & Glory

Brimstone & Glory, released in 2017, is a visually stunning and immersive documentary that provides viewers with a front-row seat to one of the world's most spectacular and dangerous fireworks shows: the National Pyrotechnic Festival in Tultepec, Mexico. Directed by Viktor Jakovleski and produced by Dan Janvey and Elizabeth Lodge Stepp, the film takes audiences on a breathtaking and visceral journey into the heart of Tultepec, a small town that has earned a reputation as the "fireworks capital of the world". Every year, during the week-long festival, thousands of people from all over Mexico flock to Tultepec to watch as teams of pyrotechnicians compete to create the most spectacular and awe-inspiring displays of fireworks, rockets, and explosives.

The documentary opens with a stunning aerial shot of Tultepec as fireworks explode in the distance, signaling the start of the festival. We are then introduced to various characters, including the organizers of the festival, the pyrotechnicians themselves, and the residents of Tultepec. Through interviews and observational footage, we learn about the history of the festival, the culture of Tultepec, and the risks and challenges that come with working with fire on such a large scale.

One of the most striking elements of Brimstone & Glory is its use of stunning cinematography and sound design to create an immersive and sensory experience for viewers. The camera follows the pyrotechnicians as they prepare for their shows, capturing every detail of their intricate and dangerous work. We see them constructing towers of rockets and explosives by hand, testing their creations, and preparing for the moment when they will light the fuse and set their displays ablaze.

The film also captures the raw power and beauty of fireworks on a massive scale, with footage of explosions lighting up the night sky in a riot of colors and shapes. The sound design is equally impressive, capturing the ear-splitting roar of rockets and the crackling of flames with impressive clarity.

As the festival progresses, tensions mount and the risks of working with fire become all too evident. We see accidents happen, some of them serious, including one instance where a pyrotechnician's hand is severely burned. Through it all, the residents of Tultepec, including children, continue to participate in the festivities, demonstrating their deep connection to the culture of fireworks and the pride they take in their town's reputation as the fireworks capital of the world.

At its core, Brimstone & Glory is a celebration of the art and culture of fireworks, but it also takes a critical look at the risks and costs associated with this dangerous work. Despite the many hazards and accidents that occur during the festival, the pyrotechnicians and residents of Tultepec continue to carry on this tradition year after year, demonstrating their deep sense of pride and reverence for the power of fire and the spectacle it can create.

Overall, Brimstone & Glory is a must-see documentary for anyone who loves fireworks or is interested in the culture and traditions of Mexico. With stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and fascinating characters, it offers a unique and unforgettable look at one of the world's most spectacular and dangerous celebrations.

Brimstone & Glory is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 7 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 70.