Backdraft
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
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.
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.
Visually, often is exhilarating, but it's shapeless and dragged down by corny, melodramatic characters and situations.
Not only do the firefighting scenes evoke a feeling of gritty authenticity, but the fire itself really does seem to be alive.
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.
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)
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