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 ...more

Quite possibly one of the best films ever made about arson and firefighting, Backdraft has a throwback feel and pays homage to the disaster-thriller tradition. The well-spun script keeps the viewer glued as intriguing fire detective work unfolds, and benefits additionally from the blend of Ron Howard's use of pyrotechnic special effects with some superb acting, a combination which lends glamour to the already-romanticized world of firefighting. Although the anthropomorphisizing of fire is a bit ...more