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 & 5 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.

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Plot Keywords:

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

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

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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:

$75,000,000 (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

As of 2012, it's the most successful movie about firefighters ever, grossing 152.3 million dollars worldwide.

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Goofs

In the final factory fire scene when Kurt Russell is wounded on the catwalk, the two firefighters who trying to get to Kurt are covered by William Baldwin spraying and soaking them with the water hose. One guy is wearing a hat and as the two reach Kurt, he takes off his hat and his hair is completely dry (as if he just got out of his dressing room). Though the hat would cover his hair from the water, he would still be sweating profusely due to the intense heat and wearing a heavy firefighters jacket.

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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.
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in X-Rated: The Greatest Adult Movies of All Time (2015)

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Soundtracks

Nothing For You
Written by Michael Stuart Kirkpatrick (as Michael S. Kirkpatrick) & Kathleen Keane
Performed by The Drovers

User Reviews

A teary eyed romantic picture...for the guys.

Backdraft, proves once again, that Ron Howard is one of Hollywood's major contenders. This time around he explores fire through technical wizardry.

The movie itself is a tad bit overdone, story wise, but the effects are absolutely astonishing. And the acting, by mostly everyone is fabulous. It takes a lot to outdo Robert De Niro, but Kurt Russell manages to do so, especially in the end sequence. And even better, William Baldwin shows he can act.

Rating = 8 of 10