Backdraft (1991)

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

Director:

Ron Howard

Writer:

Gregory Widen

Stars:

Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Robert De Niro

Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 1 win & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kurt Russell	...	Stephen McCaffrey / Dennis McCaffrey
William Baldwin	...	Brian McCaffrey
Robert De Niro	...	Donald Rimgale
Donald Sutherland	...	Ronald Bartel
Jennifer Jason Leigh	...	Jennifer Vaitkus
Scott Glenn	...	John Adcox
Rebecca De Mornay	...	Helen McCaffrey
Jason Gedrick	...	Tim Krizminski
J.T. Walsh	...	Marty Swayzak
Anthony Mockus Sr.	...	Chief John Fitzgerald (as Tony Mockus Sr.)
Cedric Young	...	Grindle
Juan Ramírez	...	Ray Santos
Kevin Casey	...	Nightingale
Jack McGee	...	Schmidt
Mark Wheeler	...	Pengelly

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.

---

Plot Keywords:

firefighter | fireman | fire | arson | camera shot of feet | 

---

Taglines:

One breath of oxygen and it explodes in a deadly rage.

---

Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and a scene of sensuality

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 May 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

Backdraft

Filming Locations:

495 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$40,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$15,723,480, 26 May 1991

Gross USA:

$77,868,585

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$152,368,585

Company Credits

Production Co:

Imagine Films Entertainment,Trilogy Entertainment Group

Technical Specs

Runtime:

137 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby (35 mm prints) 70 mm 6-Track (QSound) (70 mm prints) DTS (DTS HD Master Audio)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Dennis Quaid turned down the role of "Bull" McCaffrey. He played a firefighter in Frequency (2000). Both films feature the song "Heatwave" by Martha and the Vandellas.

---

Goofs

In the last scene the trees have green summer leaves as the trucks exit the house. During the ride, they are passing trees that do not have leaves because it is winter.

---

Quotes

[first lines]
Brian, Age 7: Leave me alone! Will you? You think you're so smart!
Stephen, Age 12: What a geek!
Brian, Age 7: I'm not a geek!
Stephen, Age 12: You're doing it wrong.
Brian, Age 7: Shut up!
Stephen, Age 12: You're doing it wrong. it doesn't go like that.
Brian, Age 7: Who asked you?
Stephen, Age 12: Who's your brother?
Brian, Age 7: You are, Stevie.
[...]

---

Alternate Versions

In the edited for TV version, "Jesus Christ!" is mostly replaced with "Holy cow!" and in one scene "Judas Priest!" is uttered.

---

Connections

Referenced in Arrested Development: The B. Team (2013)

---

Soundtracks

I Walk Alone
Written by David Hidalgo and Louie Perez (as Louis Perez)
Performed by Los Lobos
Courtesy of Slash Records/Warner Bros. Records INC.
By Arrangement with Warner Special Products

User Reviews

Backdraft A Movie Definitely Worth Watching

Backdraft is a movie definitely worth watching from famous director Ron Howard who continues to show his skill as a filmmaker with this one. Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Scott Glenn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rebecca De Mornay, and Robert De Niro are great in the movie bringing to life these believable characters we see on the screen. The rest of the cast are admirable in their small roles including J.T. Walsh, Jason Gedrick, and Donald Sutherland. Its better to watch this movie without knowing too much about it because if you do than you're going to be in for a heck of a movie experience. The film tells story of two brothers (Russell and Baldwin) in the fire department whose bond is tested as mysterious murders begin to occur by a dangerous arsonist on the loose. Backdraft is an excellent story about fire fighters with realistic action for the most part, suspense, some humor, and a little romance that make for an enjoyable movie to watch. The film did seem to drag a little near the end but its one flaw so the good more than outweighs the bad. If you're looking for an entertaining movie to watch that's worth your time and money then see Backdraft. You can't go wrong with this film. It's definitely one of Ron Howards best movies on par with Apollo 13 and A Beautitful Mind. It's really that good.