Ron Howard's action/thriller about two brothers (Baldwin and Russell), who have some differences but need to work together to find out whose causing recent arson fires in their district. THe film is done well, good acting for the most part, brilliant direction, and a decent screenplay. I thought William Baldwin started out the first couple scenes with a bit of a constant smirk on his face, but his acting seemed to improve (or maybe grow on me), he gave a satisfying performance. Meanwhile Russell was solid as well as his older brother who is an old-fashioned bitter fireman who takes too many risks. The female performances were rather average, Jennifer Jason Leigh was decent as Jennifer a girl who helps Brian (Baldwin). Rebecca DeMornay is not so great as Steven (Russel)'s ex-wife. Robert DeNiro was great in his role as a fire department detective trying to solve the case. J.T. Walsh was also decent in his role, which was similar but expanded in F. Gary Gray's THe Negotiator. The best performance of the film came from Scott Glenn who was great as a firefighter known as "Axe". I haven't seen Ladder49, so this is my favorite firefighter movie as of now. The script had some problems, as it didn't flow well, but the actors managed to save it although i was particularly upset with one dialogue between jennifer jason leigh and william baldwin which seemed like a complete rip-off of the scene where Michael Corleone and Kay see each other again after Michael is back from Sicily in Godfather part 1. But for the most part the script was average, not bad, but saved by brilliant direction, solid acting and great action. The music was done very well and suited the film, props to Hans Zimmer for yet another great score. The cinematography was also very good, especially in the fire scenes, good job by Mikael Salomon. 8/10
196 Reviews
Firefighting Legacy
bkoganbing5 February 2012
Although Backdraft got Oscar nominations for Best Sound and best visual and audio effects what drives this Ron Howard film is the performances he got from Kurt Russell and Billy Baldwin as the firefighting McCaffrey brothers.
The brothers have a lot of distance in their ages as Russell practically raised McCaffrey after their firefighter father was killed on the job. Baldwin realizes he has a big legacy with the Chicago Fire Department and he's hesitant about it. After some issues with Russell, Baldwin gets assigned to arson investigator Robert DeNiro.
Which gets Baldwin involved in DeNiro's investigation of some strange arson fires that were set to Backdraft and cause homicides and there is a connection between three seemingly unrelated deaths.
The fire effects were great and the location shooting in Chicago a definite plus. Backdraft is the kind of a film you just cannot make on a studio back-lot which 50 years ago it would have been.
I'm surprised some Oscar nominations didn't come for either Russell or Baldwin. Their performances are so good you forget they're actors and you think you are watching firefighting drama.
And Donald Sutherland's bit role as the Hannibal the Cannibal of arsonists is one you'll remember. He has two scenes, one with DeNiro at a parole hearing and later one with Baldwin as Baldwin seeks expert opinion on the arsonist's technique. In that scene Sutherland evokes Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter when FBI agent Jodie Foster seeks his expertise.
And this review is dedicated to all the firefighters all over the world who take on that terribly important job to protect citizens from flame. After watching Backdraft you might get an insight into why the ancient cave people worshiped this phenomenon.
The brothers have a lot of distance in their ages as Russell practically raised McCaffrey after their firefighter father was killed on the job. Baldwin realizes he has a big legacy with the Chicago Fire Department and he's hesitant about it. After some issues with Russell, Baldwin gets assigned to arson investigator Robert DeNiro.
Which gets Baldwin involved in DeNiro's investigation of some strange arson fires that were set to Backdraft and cause homicides and there is a connection between three seemingly unrelated deaths.
The fire effects were great and the location shooting in Chicago a definite plus. Backdraft is the kind of a film you just cannot make on a studio back-lot which 50 years ago it would have been.
I'm surprised some Oscar nominations didn't come for either Russell or Baldwin. Their performances are so good you forget they're actors and you think you are watching firefighting drama.
And Donald Sutherland's bit role as the Hannibal the Cannibal of arsonists is one you'll remember. He has two scenes, one with DeNiro at a parole hearing and later one with Baldwin as Baldwin seeks expert opinion on the arsonist's technique. In that scene Sutherland evokes Anthony Hopkins as Hannibal Lecter when FBI agent Jodie Foster seeks his expertise.
And this review is dedicated to all the firefighters all over the world who take on that terribly important job to protect citizens from flame. After watching Backdraft you might get an insight into why the ancient cave people worshiped this phenomenon.
burn baby, burn
lee_eisenberg8 May 2006
It's weird to think that when I went to see "Home Alone" in the theaters, "Backdraft" was advertised right before the movie came on. The whole thing is a little grimmer than we usually expect from Ron Howard. It focuses on mutually hostile brothers Stephen (Kurt Russell) and Brian McCaffrey (William Baldwin), both firefighters in Chicago having to put aside their differences to fight an arson outbreak.
True, it doesn't really sound like much of a plot, but Howard knows how to keep everything going. Stephen is the sort of guy with a bad attitude whom you can't help but respect. Brian mainly shows that there was once a time when Alec Baldwin's brothers could act. As for the climax, that is really something that is likely to shock you royally. But don't get me wrong. This is a good movie. Maybe not any kind of masterpiece, but worth seeing nevertheless. Above all, it's not a disaster movie (the less said about "The Towering Inferno" the better). Also starring Robert DeNiro, Donald Sutherland, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Scott Glenn, Rebecca DeMornay and J.T. Walsh.
True, it doesn't really sound like much of a plot, but Howard knows how to keep everything going. Stephen is the sort of guy with a bad attitude whom you can't help but respect. Brian mainly shows that there was once a time when Alec Baldwin's brothers could act. As for the climax, that is really something that is likely to shock you royally. But don't get me wrong. This is a good movie. Maybe not any kind of masterpiece, but worth seeing nevertheless. Above all, it's not a disaster movie (the less said about "The Towering Inferno" the better). Also starring Robert DeNiro, Donald Sutherland, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Scott Glenn, Rebecca DeMornay and J.T. Walsh.
Excellent portrayal of actual events
Seattle91110 January 2004
Ron Howard did a wonderful job of bringing some of the real-life problems that firefighters face everyday in Backdraft. I'm kind of tired of hearing the Monday morning quarterbacks on this site trying to talk about how bad it was and that it wasn't realistic, etc. Take it from a REAL firefighter who has lost brothers in REAL fires and has lived through a REAL backdraft, it's NOT all fun and games, and it's far from glamourous. This movie did an excellent job capturing some of the emotions that flow through every firehouse in America today, particularly after 9/11, we are a brotherhood in which the "I go---we go" mentality is a very REAL concept that most of us live by everyday. And the corruption part of the story, well that's Hollywood for ya, if it doesn't have death, destruction, and corruption...then it doesn't sell very well. Yes there are corrupt politicians and it wouldn't surprise me if things like that did happen, but it's far from commonplace and was just to enhance the film and give you a person to "hate" in the film (JT Walsh, God rest his soul).
So I give it 4 out of 4 stars, very realistic, well directed, EXCELLENT acting on Kurt Russell and Robert DiNiro's parts, and can't wait til I find it on DVD to buy it.
So I give it 4 out of 4 stars, very realistic, well directed, EXCELLENT acting on Kurt Russell and Robert DiNiro's parts, and can't wait til I find it on DVD to buy it.
A decent blockbuster from Ron Howard
sme_no_densetsu24 June 2019
Ron Howard's "Backdraft" is a true blockbuster in the 90's mold. Star-studded and full of spectacle, it did good business in 1991 while garnering mildly positive reviews. It was apparently remembered fondly enough to warrant a straight-to-video sequel earlier this year which, to it's credit, at least brought back William Baldwin & Donald Sutherland.
As for the original movie, the story is set in Chicago and it focuses on a pair of firefighting brothers (Kurt Russell & William Baldwin). The older brother is a seasoned vet while the younger brother is a rookie who has previously tried and failed at other professions. The two butt heads repeatedly as they work towards bringing an arsonist to justice.
There's plenty of action here but also a strong mystery angle as well. This provides a welcome change of pace when it kicks in about an hour into the movie. Generally, the script is pretty overwrought most of the time with the story often veering into melodrama and action movie clichés. However, the plot is fairly satisfying in the end, with a twist that's better executed than most.
Arguably the movie's biggest asset is its nicely assembled cast. Aside from Russell & Baldwin as the aforementioned brothers, a critical role belongs to Robert De Niro as an arson investigator. He unsurprisingly delivered the movie's best performance, despite the role being fairly limited. Donald Sutherland also makes a memorable appearance as an incarcerated pyromaniac. Other notable supporting players include Scott Glenn, Rebecca De Mornay, Jennifer Jason Leigh & the always dependable character actor J.T. Walsh. As for Russell & Baldwin, I wouldn't call this one of my favourite Kurt Russell roles but William Baldwin was surprisingly capable, considering that his career never really developed like his older brother Alec's.
The other strong point of the movie is the visual effects and stunt work. It must have been an insurance nightmare to achieve these kinds of visuals in the days before widespread CGI. There's no substitute for the real thing when dealing with fire, so the results speak for themselves. The movie justifiably landed a few Oscar nominations for both its visual effects and sound, which demonstrates the expertise that went into the technical aspects of the production. Overall, Ron Howard's direction is quite capable with a mix of dramatic scenes and multiple action setpieces. I will say, though, that the bookending songs by Bruce Hornsby & the Range haven't aged too well in my opinion. They're no "The Way It Is", that's for sure.
In the end, "Backdraft" is a bit overblown at 2 hours and 17 minutes. The producers were probably aiming for something a bit more intimate than "The Towering Inferno" but they ended up falling into some of the same traps anyway. So, I wouldn't count this among Howard's best but it's still worth watching, particularly given relatively small number of worthwhile firefighter movies.
As for the original movie, the story is set in Chicago and it focuses on a pair of firefighting brothers (Kurt Russell & William Baldwin). The older brother is a seasoned vet while the younger brother is a rookie who has previously tried and failed at other professions. The two butt heads repeatedly as they work towards bringing an arsonist to justice.
There's plenty of action here but also a strong mystery angle as well. This provides a welcome change of pace when it kicks in about an hour into the movie. Generally, the script is pretty overwrought most of the time with the story often veering into melodrama and action movie clichés. However, the plot is fairly satisfying in the end, with a twist that's better executed than most.
Arguably the movie's biggest asset is its nicely assembled cast. Aside from Russell & Baldwin as the aforementioned brothers, a critical role belongs to Robert De Niro as an arson investigator. He unsurprisingly delivered the movie's best performance, despite the role being fairly limited. Donald Sutherland also makes a memorable appearance as an incarcerated pyromaniac. Other notable supporting players include Scott Glenn, Rebecca De Mornay, Jennifer Jason Leigh & the always dependable character actor J.T. Walsh. As for Russell & Baldwin, I wouldn't call this one of my favourite Kurt Russell roles but William Baldwin was surprisingly capable, considering that his career never really developed like his older brother Alec's.
The other strong point of the movie is the visual effects and stunt work. It must have been an insurance nightmare to achieve these kinds of visuals in the days before widespread CGI. There's no substitute for the real thing when dealing with fire, so the results speak for themselves. The movie justifiably landed a few Oscar nominations for both its visual effects and sound, which demonstrates the expertise that went into the technical aspects of the production. Overall, Ron Howard's direction is quite capable with a mix of dramatic scenes and multiple action setpieces. I will say, though, that the bookending songs by Bruce Hornsby & the Range haven't aged too well in my opinion. They're no "The Way It Is", that's for sure.
In the end, "Backdraft" is a bit overblown at 2 hours and 17 minutes. The producers were probably aiming for something a bit more intimate than "The Towering Inferno" but they ended up falling into some of the same traps anyway. So, I wouldn't count this among Howard's best but it's still worth watching, particularly given relatively small number of worthwhile firefighter movies.
Good action but story overloaded
SnoopyStyle7 May 2014
The movie starts in Chicago 1971 when Brian McCaffrey witnesses his fire fighter father's death on the job. 20 years later, Brian (William Baldwin) returns home to be a probie working under his brother Stephen (Kurt Russell). The brothers don't get along. Stephen has moved out on his wife Helen (Rebecca De Mornay). Jennifer Vaitkus (Jennifer Jason Leigh) knows Brian from the past and is now working for ambitious alderman Swayzak (J.T. Walsh). There's an arsonist loose in the city and arson investigator Rimgale (Robert De Niro) is on the case. On his first fire, Brian rescues a mannequin but is mistaken with a heroic rescue. Stephen is knocking heads with Swayzak over cutbacks. Swayzak offers Brian a job to work with Rimgale.
Director Ron Howard is showing that he has technical skills. The fires actually look beautiful. The action looks great. There are good stunts. There are great actors around. The action scenes are incredible. However there is a little too much unnecessary family melodrama. Then there is the criminal arson case and political intrigue. This is a case of less is more. It doesn't need all the complications. Kurt Russell is great but William Baldwin slinks around without much charisma. De Niro is doing his thing. Generally this is an over-written movie with some great fire action. The crime investigation is fine but it feels like an extension of the firefighting movie. This movie is just overloaded.
Director Ron Howard is showing that he has technical skills. The fires actually look beautiful. The action looks great. There are good stunts. There are great actors around. The action scenes are incredible. However there is a little too much unnecessary family melodrama. Then there is the criminal arson case and political intrigue. This is a case of less is more. It doesn't need all the complications. Kurt Russell is great but William Baldwin slinks around without much charisma. De Niro is doing his thing. Generally this is an over-written movie with some great fire action. The crime investigation is fine but it feels like an extension of the firefighting movie. This movie is just overloaded.
Astonishing SPFX but.....
baumer2 July 1999
The problem with this movie is that there is too much going on here for its own good and if some of the stupid sub-plots were eliminted, it would have been better. It's not that I don't like the film, because I do, but the romance between Baldwin and Leigh is so forced and unbelievable that I actually cringed when I watched it for the first time in about three years. Also Russell's relationship with his ex-wife is just not needed. I know in some people's minds it shows the dangers of being a fireman not just on the job but in life as well, but it just wasn't necessary. And if your'e going to have it in here, at least don't have stupid contrived scenes like the one where Russell shows up on her doorstep late at night drunk and utters lines like " It's the only thing I was ever good at " crap. Which brings me to my next and final negative point. Some of the characters are terribly developed and they are either written poorly or they just deliver their lines like they were in a play in elementary school. Honestly they are that bad sometimes. Even veteran actors can't do much with what they have to work with in some scenes.
Having said all that, I do like this movie for the most part. The special effects are truly astonishing and they add to the realism and intensity of the film. And what I really liked about the film is that the end was so damned touching that I think it actually wanted guys to cry in the theater. When Russell says lines like " That's my brother ***dammit. Look at him go, " is enough to make you swell with pride. And of course when the parade graces the screen you are then given permission to lose it. Now that is powerful stuff. And for those reasons alone I recommend this film. It's just too bad that there were some amateurish elements to the film because it really could have been a classic.
Having said all that, I do like this movie for the most part. The special effects are truly astonishing and they add to the realism and intensity of the film. And what I really liked about the film is that the end was so damned touching that I think it actually wanted guys to cry in the theater. When Russell says lines like " That's my brother ***dammit. Look at him go, " is enough to make you swell with pride. And of course when the parade graces the screen you are then given permission to lose it. Now that is powerful stuff. And for those reasons alone I recommend this film. It's just too bad that there were some amateurish elements to the film because it really could have been a classic.
Overlong and thrilling movie featuring widespread pyrothecniques and spectacular explosion
ma-cortes7 December 2022
Stupendous and interesting flick , it is a pretty good, entertaing action thriller. Two Chicago firefighter brothers (Kurt Russell , William Baldwin) , who don't get along , have to work together while a dangerous arsonist is on the lam. Strange attacks are reported and they are forced to set aside their differences to solve the mystery surrounding these explosive crimes. One breath of oxygen and it explodes in a deadly rage !. Silently behind a door, it waits !. In that instant it can create a hero... or cover a secret !.
There's a detailed look into the duties and private lives of firemen , as a single : William Balwin who falls in love again for a former flame : Jennifer Jason Leigh and his newly separated brother Kurt Russell who still loves his ex-wife : Rebecca De Mornay , it is naturally enhanced by pyrotechniques and overwhelming special effects. High action story of Chicago firemen has some of the most splendid incendiary special effects ever shot . But then there's that plot similar to B-movie hokum about mysterious arsonist torching strategic parts of the community with the finesse of an expert and a brother-against-brother conflict . The fire sequences are compelling and the build-up to them, complete with blaring sirens and bellowed conversations have an agressive immediacy . Along with two main stars : Baldwin and Russell appearing a lot of notorious actors providing enjoyable acting , such as : Robert De Niro , Donald Sutherland, Jennifer Jason Leigh , Scott Glenn , Rebecca De Mornay , Jason Gedrick, J. T. Walsh , among others . Straight-forward interpretations from most of the cast in spite of the weak storyline . It's not some huge cinematic masterpiece , but it has great effects with fire . Writer Gregory Widen wrote from experience , he used to be a fireman ; and real-life Chicago firefighters were reportedly very happy with the realistic and intense fire scenes . Gregory Widen lumbers the plot with unnecessary complications and observations , such as an investigator finely played by Robert De Niro is on the trail of a skilful arsonist and the squabbling brothers have troubled romances , among others . The plot holes are bigger and a lot more over-the-top conspiratorial incident . Forget the plot and just see the fires . This 1991 hit was followed by sequel with plenty of references to the original , titled Backdraft 2 (2019) by Gonzalo López-Gallego with Joe Anderson , William Baldwin , Donald Sutherland , Alisha Bailey , it follows an investigator with the Chicago F. D., who has to track down an arms dealer who use deadly fires as a distraction.
It contains a colorful and brilliant cinematography by cameraman Mikael Salomon . Long-standing and emotive musical score by Hans Zimmer , though composed by means of synthesizer . The motion picture was competently directed by famous actor/filmmaker Ron Howard . He does a superb job with the ultra-realist effects , though he creates some promo-style and advert-trendy scenes . From his starts as an actor, as he played George Lucas' American Graffiti , he's developed a long career, as he went on as a filmmaker, shooting successfully, his film debut was ¨Grand thef auto¨, following other successes , such as : ¨Night shift¨, ¨Splash¨, ¨Cocoon¨, ¨Gung Ho¨, ¨Parenthood¨, ¨Backdraft¨, ¨Far and away¨, ¨The Paper¨ , ¨Apollo13¨, ¨Ransom¨ , ¨EdTv¨, ¨The Grinch¨, ¨A beautiful mind¨, ¨Cinderella man¨, ¨The Da Vince Code¨ , Frost/Nixon¨ , and several others. Rating 6/10. The yarn will appeal to thriller fans.
There's a detailed look into the duties and private lives of firemen , as a single : William Balwin who falls in love again for a former flame : Jennifer Jason Leigh and his newly separated brother Kurt Russell who still loves his ex-wife : Rebecca De Mornay , it is naturally enhanced by pyrotechniques and overwhelming special effects. High action story of Chicago firemen has some of the most splendid incendiary special effects ever shot . But then there's that plot similar to B-movie hokum about mysterious arsonist torching strategic parts of the community with the finesse of an expert and a brother-against-brother conflict . The fire sequences are compelling and the build-up to them, complete with blaring sirens and bellowed conversations have an agressive immediacy . Along with two main stars : Baldwin and Russell appearing a lot of notorious actors providing enjoyable acting , such as : Robert De Niro , Donald Sutherland, Jennifer Jason Leigh , Scott Glenn , Rebecca De Mornay , Jason Gedrick, J. T. Walsh , among others . Straight-forward interpretations from most of the cast in spite of the weak storyline . It's not some huge cinematic masterpiece , but it has great effects with fire . Writer Gregory Widen wrote from experience , he used to be a fireman ; and real-life Chicago firefighters were reportedly very happy with the realistic and intense fire scenes . Gregory Widen lumbers the plot with unnecessary complications and observations , such as an investigator finely played by Robert De Niro is on the trail of a skilful arsonist and the squabbling brothers have troubled romances , among others . The plot holes are bigger and a lot more over-the-top conspiratorial incident . Forget the plot and just see the fires . This 1991 hit was followed by sequel with plenty of references to the original , titled Backdraft 2 (2019) by Gonzalo López-Gallego with Joe Anderson , William Baldwin , Donald Sutherland , Alisha Bailey , it follows an investigator with the Chicago F. D., who has to track down an arms dealer who use deadly fires as a distraction.
It contains a colorful and brilliant cinematography by cameraman Mikael Salomon . Long-standing and emotive musical score by Hans Zimmer , though composed by means of synthesizer . The motion picture was competently directed by famous actor/filmmaker Ron Howard . He does a superb job with the ultra-realist effects , though he creates some promo-style and advert-trendy scenes . From his starts as an actor, as he played George Lucas' American Graffiti , he's developed a long career, as he went on as a filmmaker, shooting successfully, his film debut was ¨Grand thef auto¨, following other successes , such as : ¨Night shift¨, ¨Splash¨, ¨Cocoon¨, ¨Gung Ho¨, ¨Parenthood¨, ¨Backdraft¨, ¨Far and away¨, ¨The Paper¨ , ¨Apollo13¨, ¨Ransom¨ , ¨EdTv¨, ¨The Grinch¨, ¨A beautiful mind¨, ¨Cinderella man¨, ¨The Da Vince Code¨ , Frost/Nixon¨ , and several others. Rating 6/10. The yarn will appeal to thriller fans.
Blockbuster Movie
wlmlbl27 October 2002
This is one of Ron Howard's better films. Much of the filming was done on location in Chicago. Acting was excellent. Especially by Kurt Russell and William Baldwin. I have heard a lot of negatives about this movie, but I still feel it is worth a 9 at least. Steven and Brian McCaffery's dad (also a fireman) was killed in a fire in 1971. Brian was just a youngster, and along for the ride with his dad when he was killed. Twenty years later, Brian has become a fireman after failing at other pursuits. Steven is a lieutenant with the Chicago Fire Department. Steven does not think Brian can cut the mustard as a fireman, and Brian is out to prove himself. It makes for a great sibling rivalry. On top of this, an arsonist is setting fires, and the arson investigator, Donald Rimgale (Robert DeNero) does not have a clue as to who it is. Rimgale is pressured by an egotistical alderman (J.T. Walsh) who wants to be mayor. Brian has his problems working with Steven, and finally gives up, and accepts a job working with Rimgale. They find the links between all the fires, but Brian finds out more. (who the arsonist is). The climactic scene in chemical warehouse is great! I was told by someone that the funeral scene was overdone. I don't think so...I have seen funerals for firemen and they look exactly like what you see in the movie...Universal Studios in Hollywood had a Backdraft set on their lot some years back (which I visited), and it gives you a chance to see what these actors really faced...This is without a doubt one of my favorite movies, and Ron Howard deserves his share of kudos for an excellent directing job
Very entertaining all star casted movie
jeroenberndsen118 May 2003
off course, the story isn't too great. but the characters are strong enough and the effects are great. with a very dramatic score by hans zimmer i still get absorbed in the scenes with fire and drama.
stunning supporting roles for donald sutherland and robert de niro. I think this i a movie almost anyone could enjoy, even if it is not one of the socalled 'great movies'.
My recommendations!
stunning supporting roles for donald sutherland and robert de niro. I think this i a movie almost anyone could enjoy, even if it is not one of the socalled 'great movies'.
My recommendations!
Great cast, great effects, poor story, little excitement
Groverdox25 November 2016
Warning: Spoilers
"Backdraft" is a tedious and formulaic story from which to hang its top notch cast and still amazing special effects.
Brothers, the children of a famous firefighter, feuding with each other over who the true heir to the man's name is. A corrupt bureaucrat running for mayor on a platform of cutting funding to the fire department. One of our characters a closet firebug. But who?
The older of the brothers is separated from his wife - Rebecca De Mornay - because she loves him too much to see him put himself in danger all the time. The younger of the brothers has a girl - Jennifer Jason Leigh - who doesn't seem to mind being put on hold and messed around while he works out his personal garbage: changing careers constantly because he isn't ready to face up to the true calling the movie has mapped out for him. Can you guess what it is?
I guess it is to the movie's credit that it doesn't dwell on this silly, prefabricated character arc any more than it needs to, but not so much to its credit that two great actresses like De Mornay and Leigh are given basically nothing to do but be there for the men. Did the producers cave in to the homophobia of the audience and assume that, if not for the presence of token females, people might assume that their leads are gay?
The movie has not one, but two scenes where one person is dangling off the edge of a large drop and another is holding them by the hand, but the grip is slipping. It's nothing we haven't seen before, and the movie largely fails to raise any tension, but it does look pretty good.
Brothers, the children of a famous firefighter, feuding with each other over who the true heir to the man's name is. A corrupt bureaucrat running for mayor on a platform of cutting funding to the fire department. One of our characters a closet firebug. But who?
The older of the brothers is separated from his wife - Rebecca De Mornay - because she loves him too much to see him put himself in danger all the time. The younger of the brothers has a girl - Jennifer Jason Leigh - who doesn't seem to mind being put on hold and messed around while he works out his personal garbage: changing careers constantly because he isn't ready to face up to the true calling the movie has mapped out for him. Can you guess what it is?
I guess it is to the movie's credit that it doesn't dwell on this silly, prefabricated character arc any more than it needs to, but not so much to its credit that two great actresses like De Mornay and Leigh are given basically nothing to do but be there for the men. Did the producers cave in to the homophobia of the audience and assume that, if not for the presence of token females, people might assume that their leads are gay?
The movie has not one, but two scenes where one person is dangling off the edge of a large drop and another is holding them by the hand, but the grip is slipping. It's nothing we haven't seen before, and the movie largely fails to raise any tension, but it does look pretty good.
Backdraft A Movie Definitely Worth Watching
tburke855 June 2009
Backdraft is a movie definitely worth watching from famous director Ron Howard who continues to show his skill as a filmmaker with this one. Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Scott Glenn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rebecca De Mornay, and Robert De Niro are great in the movie bringing to life these believable characters we see on the screen. The rest of the cast are admirable in their small roles including J.T. Walsh, Jason Gedrick, and Donald Sutherland. Its better to watch this movie without knowing too much about it because if you do than you're going to be in for a heck of a movie experience. The film tells story of two brothers (Russell and Baldwin) in the fire department whose bond is tested as mysterious murders begin to occur by a dangerous arsonist on the loose. Backdraft is an excellent story about fire fighters with realistic action for the most part, suspense, some humor, and a little romance that make for an enjoyable movie to watch. The film did seem to drag a little near the end but its one flaw so the good more than outweighs the bad. If you're looking for an entertaining movie to watch that's worth your time and money then see Backdraft. You can't go wrong with this film. It's definitely one of Ron Howards best movies on par with Apollo 13 and A Beautitful Mind. It's really that good.
This movie is poor representation of modern firefighting!
ironhorse_iv6 May 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I was going in, thinking it would be a awesome film, but I got burn. It's no way realistic. I know it's Hollywood so there going to take some liberties, but this movie has a ridiculous portrayal of firefighters. These firefighters are so terribly trained that they don't even know how to don their gear correctly. When Stephen "Bull" McCaffrey (Kurt Russell) goes into the 2 story building, to rescue the child from a fire, he has his coat wide open and no SCBA equipment. The smoke would have killed him in a matter of seconds as his lungs would be seared by the heat. If anybody was to run into a fire filled room with their coat undone they'd be cooked like a goose! Most of the characters would have died within the first 30 seconds of the film from having seared lungs, smoke inhalation, or extreme burns. I like how the fire can explode right in their face, and they don't end up getting first or second degree burns. The amount of smoke that was in the fires if real life would have been blinding, not clear. By the way, what type of firefighters smoke cigarettes while cleaning up a burned out building after breathing in tons of smoke? I would be afraid to light up in a building that might have gases in it because it might start a fire, again.As for the title of the film, 'Backdraft'. It's very incredibly rare behavior of fire. Even if you were the evil genius arsonist setting these backdraft, you would need to spend days creating just the right environment where a back-draft can occur. It's a easy task. Honestly the idea that an arsonist is creating backdrafts to kill certain individuals is preposterous to begin with. I'm not a firefighter and I know that it would be nearly impossible to do that, and it would certainly be impossible to do it to the extent that the arsonist does here. The movie plot is suppose to just that. Firefighters trying to catch the arsonist, but screenwriter Gregory Widen shovels one subplot on top of another, and it becomes too much. There is the sub-plot about two brothers, Stephen McCaffrey and Brian McCaffrey (William Baldwin) having a love and hate relationship, with Brian living under the shadow of his heroic brother, and father. The movie is very clichés with the firefighter heroics such in the case it becomes unrealistic. The first shot of Kurt Russell's Stephen is him walking out a burning building in a manly pose. This is follow up with a heroic slow moment of him rescuing a kid. It's so cheesy. Even the opening scene is over the top, with the firefighters taking a child with them to fight fires. Who is going to babysit the kid while you are fighting fires? Is taking a child to a fire zone kinda dangerous? Director Ron Howard seeks to wring tears from the audience by having a fireman's helmet incredibly bounce out of a second story window in front of the kid and everybody slow motion moves around is just poetic stupid. The worst is the silly montage of Brian training under his brother with dripping his head in water as if a male model. Another subplot of the film is Stephen trying to get back with his estranged wife, Helen McCaffrey (Rebecca De Mornay) which doesn't play no factor into the main plot. No, honestly, it's doesn't play into anything. It's just waste screen time, that could have better been focus on finding the arsonists. The best scenes in the film are that of Brian teaming up with Donald "Shadow" Rimgale (Robert de Niro) a dedicated arson investigator looking for the backdraft killer. They even get help from Arsonist 'Silent of the Lambs' what a be Hannibal Lector, Ronald Bartel (Donald Sutherland). Donald Sutherland is pretty creepy in his role. "A fire eats and breathes and hates." He quotes. Sorry, but fires don't hate; only people hate, Ronald. Firs is not a living entity, film. Robert de Niro is great in his role, and get closer to closer to finding the murderer. Too bad, Brian is rarely any help. Brian barely does anything in the film for the main character, but gets in the way of better supporting characters. Rather than finding the killer, he is having sex with Jennifer Vaitkus (Jennifer Jason Leigh) Brian's ex-girlfriend and works for the city alderman who trying to cut back the fireman department budget. Her loyalties are torn between her job and Brian. I think making love on top of a speeding fire truck will get you fired in real life.William Baldwin is no Alec. His performance was horrible. The way he played puppy dog in an attempt to convey depression and self-pity, it was eye-rolling bad. Baldwin's role was originally written for Tom Cruise, who would have given the movie some much-needed star power. He is disappointing. The film tries way too hard to be cool instead of realistic, which is a shame considering that a film about firefighters and arson could have been wholly intriguing while remaining believable, had it been attempted properly. Instead, this film feels so fake with the over the top action sequences. The factory argument in particular is awful. Rather than putting out the fire, they waste their time arguing while the building is burning around him. Don't get me wrong, the action scenes are impressive, and the special effects are still rather extraordinary, but it's scenes like that, that makes me cringe. Han Zimmer's score is amazing in my opinion. The best thing to come out of this movie is Backdraft fire special effects show at Unversial Studios Hollywood, and that's not saying much. It closed down in 2010 after 19 years worth of shows. Overall: watch it if bored, but don't think too much into it. It's just a pointless popcorn flick
you have got to be kidding
nick rostov21 August 2002
The man who gave us Splash, Cocoon and Parenthood gave us this incoherent muddle of cliched characters, poor plotting, you've-got-to-be-kidding dialogue and melodramatic acting? I guess everybody has a bad day at the office now and then. He's allowed.
Dedicated to the firemen of world.
pk-212 August 2010
Truly a great epic about the life of 2 brothers built around there lives as firemen. From great acting to terrific special affects showing how harrowing it is for these firemen who go in knowing that there lives are really at risk. The acting across the board is great. Russell was solid as ever. Baldwin gives a great performance as the younger brother. Glenn is fantastic as a firemen who goes to evil ways to prove the system of politics is corrupt. Have no idea why anyone would give this below an 8 for at rating. But I guess people are into lousy, stupid movies like Spiderman and the new Clash of the Titans. For people into serious movies about serious topics like firefighting will enjoy this classic from Ron Howard..
Good firefighter movie
lndkramer11 March 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Backdraft was actually not a bad movie. The plot wasn't amazing mainly because it never really gets suspenseful and it just seems kind of stupid how trained firemen keep getting killed by the same type of fire. But I don't think the plot is what made the movie interesting. The relationship between the two brothers (Baldwin and Russell) keep the viewer watching. This is actually one movie where I said "gee, Kurt Russell can actually act". Possibly the only time I'll say that. This was a stretch for him and I really liked it. Baldwin's character is OK for me, nothing amazing, but decent. I really liked Donald Sutherland too. Even though he was thrown in as a rip-off of Hannibal Lectar (crazy criminal who tells them who the killer is if you talk to him about your past blah blah blah). Even though he led them toward the wrong people, possibly on purpose, and it was almost meaningless to have in the plot, I like Sutherland no matter what he's in. Robert De Nero as always is too cool. You have to like him, even though his part wasn't as big in this one. All in all, decent flick, worth watching, and possibly better than Ladder 49, as far as firefighter movies go.
Fully Embraces It's Corniness
emryse29 May 2021
Some films are corny but don't seem to run with it, this film takes it's corniness and just fully embraces it, with lines like "That's my brother god dammit," , "You Burned him Steven!" and a long and dramatic "Noooooooo", this film doesn't take itself to seriously which works so well in creating a light-hearted atmosphere from the first scene to the last. The score is pretty good and the performances by the all star cast are great. This film is a superb popcorn movie that anyone can watch and have a good laugh at, not a cinematic masterpiece but still worth a viewing.
6/10 -- Enjoyable, But Could Have Been Better.
Analog_Devotee28 April 2021
A pretty enjoyable 90's action-drama with occasional undertones of thriller. I found myself wanting to see De Niro on screen more than he was; Kurt Russell enveloped his role quite well even though he was clearly stuck with some cheesy dialogue at times; Billy Baldwin's performance unfortunately didn't do much for me; and lastly, Jennifer Jason Leigh, who I loved in Dolores Claiborne, just didn't seem right for the role she was in.
Cinematography here is really, really good. I very much enjoyed seeing early 90's Chicago.
All in all, you could do better and you could do worse. I recommend a watch.
Cinematography here is really, really good. I very much enjoyed seeing early 90's Chicago.
All in all, you could do better and you could do worse. I recommend a watch.
Blockbusting firefighter thriller
Leofwine_draca21 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
BACKDRAFT is a blockbusting firefighter thriller that involves a couple of warring siblings who are caught up in a plot involving a mysterious arsonist with a vendetta against a group of seemingly unconnected men. The film suffers a little from being a bit overlong and a bit too melodramatic, with too much time given over to the family dynamics when more thrills and spills would have worked. Still, it's well worth a look, not least for the fiery set-pieces which are nicely staged by a then-youthful Ron Howard. William Baldwin performs well in a rare leading role, although his thunder is stolen by a brash Kurt Russell and a strong supporting cast that includes J.T. Walsh, Robert De Niro, and Scott Glenn.
Drafted
questl-185926 June 2021
Holy 90s Batman! I've never seen this one before but good lord it feels so much like Top Gun for fire fighters. Backdraft comes fully loaded with machismo, overdramatic montages and a soundtrack with ridiculous music that tries to emotionally blackmail you into the feels. That said... I kinda dig it. Kurt Russel is quite possibly the most underrated action star of all time. In a world of Schwarzeneggers and Stallones running through jungles, both vegetative and concrete, with their massive, glistening physiques we also have Kurt Russel doing insane movies that really let his personality shine.
That seems endemic of Backdraft by the way. This movie is bonkers but it's a lot of fun. Also, when we are practically drowning in a sea of police movies and procedural dramas it's oddly refreshing to see fire fighters represented, problems and all. Again, it's far from a perfect movie but absolutely one I think is worth checking out and enjoying. Just be ready for some crazy.
Oh, also? The cast on this is insane. It feels like they got everyone in Hollywood to be part of this movie and they actually balanced it really well. For instance, De Niro is in this but he's actually a pretty small role and never takes over the movie, and we all know he could. But this is a who's who of 90s talent and that so often doesn't work but it does here.
That seems endemic of Backdraft by the way. This movie is bonkers but it's a lot of fun. Also, when we are practically drowning in a sea of police movies and procedural dramas it's oddly refreshing to see fire fighters represented, problems and all. Again, it's far from a perfect movie but absolutely one I think is worth checking out and enjoying. Just be ready for some crazy.
Oh, also? The cast on this is insane. It feels like they got everyone in Hollywood to be part of this movie and they actually balanced it really well. For instance, De Niro is in this but he's actually a pretty small role and never takes over the movie, and we all know he could. But this is a who's who of 90s talent and that so often doesn't work but it does here.
Good flick with mostly upside
drystyx17 March 2007
This is an exciting story of firefighting brothers who conduct their own search for a very proficient arsonist who is targeting a group of people. The reason they are targeted is obvious to any movie goer, but in real life would not be at all evident, so you sit back and watch people put clues together. The younger brother is the central and most likable character in the movie (by the process of elimination). It is very reminiscent of a Japanese kung fu movie in the story of the brothers. A lot of characters are very badly written in order to make points, but that's acceptable in film making if the point is important enough. Sutherland and De Niro play two of the badly written characters, and portray the stereotypes they play too often: Sutherland as a psycho, and DeNiro as a superman is on top of everything and probably never had to sneeze in his life. Both of these actors are much better than this, and it is disheartening to see them take on the same role every movie, especially when they have proved themselves to be excellent actors in their early movies (Sutherland in THE DIRTY DOZEN, De Niro in BRAZIL, THE MISSION, and ONCE UPON A TIME IN America). Here, they have the same one dimension they have in all their movies of that ten year or so span. If you can get past the fact that the writers are incapable of creating identifiable characters, this is a very exciting and fun film.
SFX great, wish the movie was
grahamsj36 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
The Special Effects in this film are really well done. I found the remainder of the story to be pretty poor. I wasn't enamored of any of the actors performances. The writing is mediocre at best. Ron Howard's direction isn't up to his usual standards, which are high. I'd heard so much hype about this film that I hit the Play button with the greatest of expectations. I was severely let down by the whole thing. I kept thinking "any minute now, this thing's going to take off", but it never did. There is a fair bit of tension and suspense, but none of the characters made you even want to drink a beer with them (and I'll drink a beer with dang near anybody). All in all, a disappointing, over-hyped yawner.
A teary eyed romantic picture...for the guys.
Pinky-1218 January 1999
Backdraft, proves once again, that Ron Howard is one of Hollywood's major contenders. This time around he explores fire through technical wizardry.
The movie itself is a tad bit overdone, story wise, but the effects are absolutely astonishing. And the acting, by mostly everyone is fabulous. It takes a lot to outdo Robert De Niro, but Kurt Russell manages to do so, especially in the end sequence. And even better, William Baldwin shows he can act.
Rating = 8 of 10
The movie itself is a tad bit overdone, story wise, but the effects are absolutely astonishing. And the acting, by mostly everyone is fabulous. It takes a lot to outdo Robert De Niro, but Kurt Russell manages to do so, especially in the end sequence. And even better, William Baldwin shows he can act.
Rating = 8 of 10
It's a slow burn
policy1341 March 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Wouldn't you just like to see stuff burning for two hours. Well, your wish is Ron Howard's command and the firefighting sequences in this movie are terrific and look uncannily realistic.
As for the story, it is only mildly interesting. Kurt Russell as one of the rival brothers McCaffrey does his most accomplished acting in nearly all of his career. It's weird to think that this is the same man who made such bombs as Graceland, Soldier and Executive Decision, although that one was still pretty entertaining.
Same goes for the other half, William Baldwin. Fair Game, anyone. It's weird to think that one little movie could pretty much ruin his whole career, except the bad press the Baldwin Bros. have always been subject to. Baldwin does come off as annoying, sometimes whiny and Jennifer Jason Leigh gives a surprisingly dull performance as his love interest.
The supporting cast is a director's dream. We got Robert De Niro, Donald Sutherland and the very underrated J. T. Walsh who plays smarm as easy as breathing. Sadly, they don't add much to the proceedings. Donald Sutherland does have one big moment where he enlightens us about the attraction of fire to both firefighter and arsonist. Oh, did I forget to mention that. There is an arson on the loose and Sutherland plays sort of a mad scientist (if you consider arson a science) and De Niro plays the interrogator who knows just how to push Sutherland's buttons. Fun, but ultimately seen many times before. De Niro even looks like he didn't bother to shower for his 5 minute cameo.
So, we come back to the attraction - the flames. They are pretty, pretty dangerous and give the actors a chance to do something they probably enjoy, smashing stuff - who wouldn't? Ron Howard would change gears dramatically a few years later and become the respected director with something on his mind. Maybe he did have something on his mind when he made Backdraft but maybe it burned out.
As for the story, it is only mildly interesting. Kurt Russell as one of the rival brothers McCaffrey does his most accomplished acting in nearly all of his career. It's weird to think that this is the same man who made such bombs as Graceland, Soldier and Executive Decision, although that one was still pretty entertaining.
Same goes for the other half, William Baldwin. Fair Game, anyone. It's weird to think that one little movie could pretty much ruin his whole career, except the bad press the Baldwin Bros. have always been subject to. Baldwin does come off as annoying, sometimes whiny and Jennifer Jason Leigh gives a surprisingly dull performance as his love interest.
The supporting cast is a director's dream. We got Robert De Niro, Donald Sutherland and the very underrated J. T. Walsh who plays smarm as easy as breathing. Sadly, they don't add much to the proceedings. Donald Sutherland does have one big moment where he enlightens us about the attraction of fire to both firefighter and arsonist. Oh, did I forget to mention that. There is an arson on the loose and Sutherland plays sort of a mad scientist (if you consider arson a science) and De Niro plays the interrogator who knows just how to push Sutherland's buttons. Fun, but ultimately seen many times before. De Niro even looks like he didn't bother to shower for his 5 minute cameo.
So, we come back to the attraction - the flames. They are pretty, pretty dangerous and give the actors a chance to do something they probably enjoy, smashing stuff - who wouldn't? Ron Howard would change gears dramatically a few years later and become the respected director with something on his mind. Maybe he did have something on his mind when he made Backdraft but maybe it burned out.
I can not watch this
michel1655518 June 2022
Movies do not have to be realistic. But some logic would be nice. Let me put it this way. For more than 20 years I am a professional firefighter. Not in a million years I would go into a burning building with any of the firefighters in this movie. Nor would they still have a job at the fire department if they preformed like this at a actual fire.
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