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Kurt Russell, Billy Baldwin, Robert De Niro, Donald Sutherland, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Scott Glenn, J.T. Walsh, the kid from Iron Eagle

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Cristy

I'm SO excited for this one. Thanks, Kate! The cast is so, so good and a spectacular performance by Donald Sutherland too.

Daniel Lydford

A summer block buster - perfect timing for such an explosive hit.

Pam Nail

This came out the same year as Silence of the Lambs but a few months later. So I don't think it could have been a direct influence (at least not Hopkins's performance -- the script, possibly). But the novel had been out for a few years as well, so it's possible that could have been an inspiration for that scene with Ronald and Brian. I've always liked this movie, and I saw it many many times in college. It must have coincided with my brief crush on William Baldwin. I'm also reminded how HARD 90s movies of every genre went. Dramas, action, even rom-coms were balls-to-the-wall, and this movie was no exception.

Pam Nail

Also, re your comment about Tom Cruise -- he WAS considered for the role of Brian (as well as RDJ, Brad Pitt and Keanu Reeves) but turned it down. He ended up starring in Ron Howard's next movie, Far and Away.

Jonathan

RDJ wanted the role but he was told he wasn't believable in an action heavy role lol.

Jonathan

My dad used to tell me bedtime stories that were synopses of whatever he watched the night before and I heard this movie through that before I ever saw it. Those bedtime stories are why I have such a love of the 80s primetime soaps too.

Jonathan

This film may have been one that was caught in this scheme from early HBO where a third party bought broadcast rights to a bunch of films and "rented" them to HBO as a package but now want big payouts to release them for streaming.

Jonathan

The plot of this movie and Ladder 49 the big budget Baltimore Fire Department movie made between Wire seasons will be forever mixed up in my head.

Andy_Payne

“Tim isn’t making it through this movie”…..LOL

ScarlettMi

Firefighters do sometimes take the elevator in high rises. They have elevator keys that allow them to access them and control movement even after the elevator has been recalled to main and turned off for the emergency. They’re not supposed to take it to the floor with the fire, but usually a couple floors below.

ScarlettMi

That man has had so many eras to his career and honestly, 1991 RDJ wasn’t an action guy.

TalynOne

When William Baldwin took the role he had to be released from his contract to play the small part of J.D. in Thelma & Louise (1991) that was re-cast with Brad Pitt.

TalynOne

Screenwriter Gregory Widen was a firefighter for three years. The film is based on the death of a friend in an actual backdraft. Kurt Russell was originally considered for the lead role of Connor Macleod in Highlander (1986), which was written by Widen.

Matt CN

Hope you feel better, Joe!

fire12wife

You're very welcome! I couldn't wait for this to come up in the movie list! The cast did a phenomenal job! I saw this in the theater when it first came out!

TalynOne

I looked this up: ”It’s one of those unfortunate coincidences,” says Backdraft screenwriter Gregory Widen. ”Backdraft had been in development since 1987. After we saw Silence of the Lambs we said, ‘Oh, shit, we should take the scene out,’ but we both came up with it independently, so we decided to leave it in.” Source: Entertainment Weekly June 7th, 1991.

Cristy

I thought Donald Sutherland killed it anyway.

Cristy

That song is from The Bear, Joe. Great catch. I think for me there was so much more to Stephen and even though he had huge character flaws, he loved his brother and was trying to protect him in his own way. The only thing that I felt was superfluous was Brian's love interest storyline with Jennifer Jason Leigh.

Alex

I loved the line in the firehouse when he said "or we feed you to The Thing!" a nod to Kurt Russell perhaps?

Youtalkingtome

For sure, the scene works (largely because of the quietly deranged performance of Sutherland), so leaving it in was the right decision.

Youtalkingtome

He just had "Dylan McDermott from In the Line of Fire" written all over him.

Youtalkingtome

That makes sense, thanks! I just remember the elevator scene in Towering Inferno.

Kristi Govertsen

Hahahaha! “…Scott Glenn, J.T. Walsh, the kid from Iron Eagle.” To whomever typed that in the description: *chef’s kiss*

trenton gragg

“You go, we go.” There was a sequel made in 2019, direct to dvd. The plot followed Sean as a fire investigator role. William Baldwin and Donald Sutherland did reprised their roles from the original. I know Baldwin was not the strongest actor, but he has been an ambassador for USA wrestling. He was a college wrestler at Binghamton University. The Olympic committee was considering dropping the sport before the 2016 games, he was one of the people to help keep it as an Olympic sport. This same year, 1991, Sutherland had this role and his role in JFK as Mr. X. Universal Studios Orlando had the backdraft effects show from 1992-2010.

fire12wife

Thanks Joe and Kevin for watching my movie! This movie is special to my husband and I, because we went to go see it in the theater when it first came out, on our first date! I was 16 and in high school. He was 19 and getting ready to start at the fire academy. He had been a volunteer firefighter for 4 years at that point. I knew there was something so special about him... not to mention how hot he looked in his uniform! LOL! Ron Howard did an incredible job with this movie! He wanted the fire to be real or he wasn't going to make this movie! He definitely couldn't have made that movie, now...with all of the real fire. it was too big of a liability! He hired actors that were also firefighters, and firefighters and officers to try and keep it as accurate as possible for the time. As the wife of a firefighter/ EMT, and an EMT myself, there are definitely inaccuracies in the movie. The daring things that Kurt Russell did in the movie would never fly in real life, even back then. You'd get into big trouble for some of it and would certainly end your career as a firefighter! Now, as far as Steve's wife not wanting him to take chances like he does, or have a career that is so dangerous really isn't realistic, because it's not a job to most firefighters... it's not what they are, it's who they are! The day my husband can no longer be a firefighter will be like ripping the soul out of his body! I don't look forward to it! He wouldn't be satisfied working a desk job within the fire department either. He's been a captain for almost 20 years now. He's been offered Deputy Chief many times, but anything above captain takes you off the truck and out of the fire. He doesn't want to be standing outside of it, he wants to be inside working it! Obviously, there is great risk in that, but so does being a police officer, or being in the military. It wouldn't be fair or right of me to ask my husband to change careers. I love him for who he is, and I'll never ask him to change! Oh... and I can neither confirm or deny that anyone has "relations" in a firetruck! It wouldn't be on top of the hose bed though. The hoses are always filthy and gross, not like the new white ones that were used in that scene of the movie! LOL!

Joy M

Yes, he was too “gung-ho” about going into burning buildings.

Joy M

My great grandfather’s brother was a semi-pro basketball player before joining the NYFD. He died at age 41 as a result of damaged lungs in a chemical plant fire, before they had all of the protective gear and oxygen tanks of today. He suffered for a year before passing away. These men and women really do put their lives on the line for us.

Erin Mileur

Funny you mentioned Ransom because that movie is actually a remake. The original came out in 1956 and starred Glenn Ford and Donna Reed and is also the film debut of Leslie Nielsen.

Paul T Hewes

That "In The Line of Fire" call back is some hardcore 90s skill level. Very impressive...

Youtalkingtome

The definition of blockbuster right here. Such a great time

Youtalkingtome

I love that you're so passionate about this movie and that you have insight to it as well. This was a blast and I will definitely have this on in my house all the time now.

Youtalkingtome

They really made a sequel? Man, I wonder if it's any good lol

Youtalkingtome

They really do. He sounds like he was an absolute hero

fire12wife

My pleasure, glad you liked it! So excited for Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998), today! One of my favorite Drew Barrymore films!

vala p

Not that the competition is really stiff, but are Chyna and Billy the best Baldwins? I think maybe.

Zach Hershman

I loved this movie when it came out, but I still hate how it ended. The Alderman was arrested on creating a fake report? De Niro's entire character as a fire investigator ended up being mostly pointless (don't get me wrong, I loved his acting). Are we supposed to believe that he was okay with just dropping his investigation? Are we supposed to be okay with our "hero" firefighters being so willing to cover up these arsons just to protect the image of their fire department? Apparently the victims (one of which was Tim) don't matter.

Nick Stark

Twister is an unapologetic guilty pleasure of mine as well. This film has lotsa depth as well as the action. I appreciate that you don’t hold back with your emotions. I’ve seen this film multiple times and tear up every time I’ve watched.