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Backdraft (1991)

R  |   |  Action, Crime, Drama  |  24 May 1991 (USA)
6.7
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Ratings: 6.7/10 from 54,841 users   Metascore: 38/100
Reviews: 131 user | 60 critic | 12 from Metacritic.com

Two Chicago firefighter brothers who don't get along have to work together while a dangerous arsonist is on the loose.

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Title: Backdraft (1991)

Backdraft (1991) on IMDb 6.7/10

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Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 1 win & 3 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Helen McCaffrey
...
Tim Krizminski
...
Alderman Marty Swayzak
Anthony Mockus Sr. ...
Chief John Fitzgerald (as Tony Mockus Sr.)
Cedric Young ...
Grindle
Juan Ramírez ...
Kevin Casey ...
Nightingale
...
Schmidt
...
Pengelly
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Storyline

A rookie firefighter tries to earn the respect of his older brother and other firefighters while taking part in an investigation of a string of arson/murders. This detailed look into the duties and private lives of firemen naturally features widespread pyrotechnics and special effects. Written by Keith Loh <loh@sfu.ca>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

Silently behind a door, it waits. See more »


Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and a scene of sensuality | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

24 May 1991 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Marea de fuego  »

Box Office

Gross:

$77,868,585 (USA)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(35 mm prints)| (QSound) (70 mm prints)| (DTS HD Master Audio)

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

In an interesting twist of fate, Brad Pitt lost out on the role of Brian McCaffrey in Backdraft (1991) to William Baldwin, who then had to be released from his contract to play the small part of J. D. in Thelma & Louise (1991) that was re-cast with Brad Pitt. See more »

Goofs

When Steven and Axe are hanging from the platform, Steven's grip switches from overhand, to underhand (as he is trying to pull them both back up), and back again (just before they fall). See more »

Quotes

Alderman Marty Swayzak: When are you catch the prick who's doing this, Don?
Donald 'Shadow' Rimgale: Don?
Alderman Marty Swayzak: Don't you have any leads?
Donald 'Shadow' Rimgale: No, *Marty*, I don't.
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Home Time: Episode #1.4 (2009) See more »

Soundtracks

Sunshine Of Your Love
Written by Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce & Pete Brown
Performed by Cream
Courtesy of Polygram Special Products
A Division of Polygram Records INC.
See more »

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User Reviews

Excellent portrayal of actual events
10 January 2004 | by (Seattle, Washington) – See all my reviews

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.


50 of 59 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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