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Ladder 49 (2004)
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Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
1 October 2004 (USA) moreTagline:
A bond forged by fire is never broken. morePlot:
Under the watchful eye of his mentor Captain Mike Kennedy, probationary firefighter Jack Morrison matures... more | full synopsisAwards:
1 win & 6 nominations moreNewsDesk:
(28 articles)
Amy Adams Squares Up to ‘The Fighter’ (From FilmSchoolRejects. 30 June 2009, 9:09 PM, PDT)
Audrey O'Reilly to Adapt 'The New Policeman'
(From IFTN. 26 May 2009, 7:28 AM, PDT)
User Comments:
The life of a fireman - the sheer bravery is in the simple straightforward delivery of the movie, almost a documentary without talking heads - a family movie alright moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Joaquin Phoenix | ... | Jack Morrison | |
| John Travolta | ... | Captain Mike Kennedy | |
| Jacinda Barrett | ... | Linda Morrison | |
| Robert Patrick | ... | Lenny Richter | |
| Morris Chestnut | ... | Tommy Drake | |
| Billy Burke | ... | Dennis Gauquin | |
| Balthazar Getty | ... | Ray Gauquin | |
| Tim Guinee | ... | Tony Corrigan | |
| Kevin Chapman | ... | Frank Mckinny | |
| Jay Hernandez | ... | Keith Perez | |
| Kevin Daniels | ... | Don Miller | |
| Steve Maye | ... | Pete Lamb | |
| Robert Lewis | ... | Ed Reilly (as Robert Logan Lewis) | |
| Brooke Hamlin | ... | Katie Morrison | |
| Spencer Berglund | ... | Nicky Morrison |
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for intense fire and rescue situations, and for language.Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parentsRuntime:
115 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 moreCertification:
India:UA | Iceland:10 | Iceland:12 (video rating) | Malaysia:U | USA:PG-13 (certificate #40479) | South Korea:12 | Sweden:7 | Argentina:13 | Australia:M | Brazil:12 | Canada:PG | Chile:14 | Finland:K-11 | Germany:12 | Hong Kong:IIA | Ireland:12 | Netherlands:12 | Norway:11 | Peru:14 | Philippines:PG-13 | Singapore:PG | Switzerland:12 (canton of Zurich) | UK:12AFun Stuff
Trivia:
Looney's Pub is an actual Baltimore watering hole, located in the Canton neighborhood. It has become a favorite of local film crews since the film was made. moreGoofs:
Continuity: When the engine and ladder truck leave the firehouse on Jack's first working fire, Tommy Drake is driving the ladder truck. However, upon arrival on the scene of the fire, Ray Gauquin is driving the ladder truck. moreQuotes:
Jack Morrison: There's something I wanted to talk to you about, Cap. I was thinking of transferring to the truck.Chief Kennedy: Oh, geez. What the hell do you want to do that for? You're an engine man. Truck's a whole different thing. No water between you and the fire, no hose to lead you out if you get lost in the smoke. Not a good idea.
Jack Morrison: I know that, Cap. And I love being on the pipe, but... I want this, Mike.
Chief Kennedy: Ok. We'll give it a try. But you gotta tell me something. If this isn't for you, you tell me right away. Promise?
Jack Morrison: Yes, sir.
more
Soundtrack:
Fire moreFAQ
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For analogy, this is your basic regular American hamburger - not a whopper with added cheese. No spice. Not peppered up. The movie "Ladder 49" is brave in itself that the straightforward script included no foul language, no cliff-hanger action sequence, sappy melodrama or moral preaching. It's telling the life of a fireman as it is through simple everyday vignettes, the rookie fireman, the camaraderie at the firehouse, the family anguish - the profession of a fireman that many of us might have taken for granted. This can very well be a simple telling of the life of a policeman or a soldier in active duty overseas. Unless something disastrous really happens and drastically affects us close to home, we can be unaware of how lucky we are, being able to go about our everyday life, 'safely and peacefully' living in America, with local law enforcement, firefighting emergency services and homeland security efforts available to us.
There are visual effects of fires a-blazing and fire fighting scenes inside and outside of buildings, but there's no dramatic build up to 'glamour' dazzle you like other Hollywood (blockbuster) movies. The initial sequence of the movie suggests a 'hanging' question: will Joaquin Phoenix's character (Jack) survive? But the diverted flashbacks keep our interest: how this rookie fireman came to be a firefighter in action, building a family, the family strife around his dream of a 'riskier' role on Engine 33 team, the loss of lives, the saving of lives. The pace may be leisurely at times and the plot may seem mild to some. We get to see Joaquin Phoenix in a 'lighter' less demanding role (vs. "Gladiator" 2000, "Buffalo Soldiers" 2001 or "Clay Pigeons" 1998). John Travolta is in a supporting role (Captain Mike), giving lightness (smiles) and dignity to the fire chief he portrays.
This is not like "Backdraft" 1991. The apparent danger and risks of the life of a fireman and family is the crux of the storyline. This is a family fare for all - a tribute to the firefighters whose bravery we are grateful of. I appreciate the fact that death is treated as part of life and that we do not go about laying blame on others or beat ourselves up (we learn, stick together and go on). Ah, the firm gentleness in his direction, Jay Russell (who directed "Tuck Everlasting" 2002, "My Dog Skip" 2000) doesn't thrust anything in our face, yet subtly provides short gem moments, and the noteworthy words coming from Travolta, we would remember, won't we?