Review of Backdraft (1991) by Matthew D — 07 Jul 2018

A frightening firefighter thriller.

Ron Howard pays tribute to how dangerous firefighters' work is constantly, while also creating a unique arsonist investigation thriller. The fire is real for most of the movie and the special effects still look realistic. Non-stop action and intense situations leads Backdraft to memorable greatness. Howard directs Backdraft with a sincere respect and reverence for firefighters and it shows with every scene. You understand the sacrifice firefighters and their families make in the service of their community's safety.

Backdraft has one of cinema's greatest casts. Kurt Russell, William Baldwin, Scott Glenn, Robert De Niro, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rebecca De Mornay, and Donald Sutherland round out Backdraft's stellar ensemble. Everyone is believable and plays a key role for either the narrative or character development.

Hans Zimmer's score is quite unnerving and intense. He sets the tone and atmosphere for each scene with a suspenseful soundtrack or an inspiring theme to jump into the fire with these characters.

All in all, Backdraft is as emotionally harrowing and scary as when it first released. Check out Backdraft.