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Backdraft (1991)

 -  Action | Crime | Drama  -  24 May 1991 (USA)
6.6
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Ratings: 6.6/10 from 42,340 users   Metascore: 38/100
Reviews: 122 user | 55 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 6.6/10

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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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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

Plot Keywords:

firefighter | fireman | fire | arson | office | See more »

Taglines:

In that instant it can create a hero... or cover a secret. 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:

Backdraft - Männer, die durchs Feuer gehen  »

Box Office

Gross:

$77,868,585 (USA)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(35 mm prints)| (QSound) (70 mm prints)

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The iconic promotional image of the fireman's silhouette emerging from a fiery doorway appears on Firefighter License Plates issued in the state of California. See more »

Goofs

Reflected in the screen door after the "stinking spinach" line. See more »

Quotes

Lt. Steven McCaffrey: [after changing Brian's assignment] How do you do it, man? How do you come up with new and amazing ways to fuck up? Only one case of scotch? You're getting cheap in your old age, Bri.
See more »

Connections

Spoofed in Flashpoint X (1998) See more »

Soundtracks

"A Girl Like You"
Written by Pat DiNizio
Performed by The Smithereens
Courtesy of Capitol Records INC.
By Arrangement with Cema Special Markets
See more »

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User Reviews

 
Blockbuster Movie
27 October 2002 | by (Hawaii) – See all my reviews

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


27 of 31 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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