User reviews

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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..

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

Yeah, if you want a firefighting movie, it's this or "Ladder 49". I'd rather watch this than some sentimental John Travolta movie capitalizing off the the post-9/11 glorification of our nation's heroes. Not that I'm really into firefighting movies, mind you... but it could be worse.

What this film is, is a series of conflicts. Brother against brother. Fire department against the city alderman. Fire department against a serial arsonist. A man against his own shortcomings. And of course, man against fire. It could actually be rather intricate and beautiful if I wanted to romanticize it (which I don't). And all this with William Baldwin, Kurt Russell and Robert DeNiro.

By far the best role in this movie was the old arsonist who knows "the animal" of fire inside and out. The way he acts like a pedophile with fire (rather than children) is a very convincing act. I regret I don't recall the actor's name off hand. (Note: the old arsonist and the serial arsonist are two different characters -- I'm referring to the old man with the mustache.) Jennifer Jason Leigh reportedly said the best role went to the fire. She's right in two ways. The obviously way, of course, was that the scenes with the fire were by far the most engaging and visually stimulating. But she also, probably unbeknownst to her, was the weak part of the film. Coming out in 1991, this is the cusp of the 1980s and the 1990s. All the other actors seem to know this is the 1990s but she has not converted yet. I love Leigh in the 80s ("Fast Times"), and in the 90s and 00s. But acting like its the 1980s in the 1990s is poor form (her childish demeanor and mismatch hair are so distracting). Sorry, Jen, you are the weakest link.

But overall, it's a respectable film. Definitely better than some of the stuff Kurt Russell has pumped out over the years.

The basic plot is good and can be engaging. The music is so great that it became the theme music for the TV show IRON CHEF (though it is WAY overused and too intrusive in the movie). So, how did this movie end up so poor?!?! Well, the plot was about 95% predictable and the characters were about as 1-dimensional as possible. And the dialog?! What person would actually allow themselves to receive credit for coming up with the STUPID macho bull-crap that purports to be dialog? You get much greater realism from most cartoons! The bottom line is that this movie has some good points but is so marred by hackneyed clichés and rotten dialog that it quickly becomes tiresome. And, this is a shame, because firemen deserve a better tribute than this mess! If you don't believe me, look at the number of goofs listed on IMDb for this movie--WAY in excess of what you'd expect to find. They just didn't care enough to work out all the kinks and problems. So, as a result the movie seems rushed and in need of a re-write and re-editing.