Backdraft

1991 Drama

The sons of a Chicago fireman who gave his life in the performance of his duties, firefighting brothers Kurt Russell and William Baldwin carry their lifelong sibling rivalry into their work. Russell is convinced that Baldwin hasn't got what it takes to remain in the fire department. Baldwin is transferred to a "safe" assignment, assisting arson investigator Robert DeNiro, who is trying to make sense of a series of fires involving an oxygen-induced ball of fire called a backdraft. The investigation reveals a link between corrupt alderman J. T. Walsh and imprisoned pyromaniac Donald Sutherland. The trail of evidence leads Baldwin to suspect that his brother Russell, a much-decorated hero, may be the "inside" man setting up the arsons.

Director: Ron Howard

Starring: Kurt Russell, William Baldwin,Robert De Niro, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Donald Sutherland

Reviews

  • What I regret is that all of the expertise lavished on this movie couldn't have been put at the service of a more intelligent story about real firemen, real working conditions, real heroism, and the real craft and art of fire-fighting.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    29 November 2012

  • Fire, as this movie makes clear, is nothing if not photogenic, and Howard has done a beautiful job of conjuring both its danger and its deceptive, primal beauty.

    Owen Gleiberman - Entertainment Weekly

    29 November 2012

  • Visually, often is exhilarating, but it's shapeless and dragged down by corny, melodramatic characters and situations.

    - Variety

    29 November 2012

  • Not only do the firefighting scenes evoke a feeling of gritty authenticity, but the fire itself really does seem to be alive.

    - TV Guide

    29 November 2012

  • While Mr. Howard ably maintains a strong forward momentum, Backdraft often feels directionless beneath its overlay of frantic activity. One clear story line would have been worth more than a series of subplots and tangents.

    Elvis Mitchell - The New York Times

    29 November 2012

Awards

  • Best Effects, Sound Effects Editing

    Academy Awards (1992)

     
  • Best Special Visual Effects

    BAFTA Awards (1992)

     
  • Hans Zimmer

    BMI Film & TV Awards (1992)

  • Best Action Sequence

    MTV Movie Awards (1992)