As a child Brian McCafferty (William Baldwin) watched his firefighter father die. Years later he joins his brother, Steven (Kurt Russell) on the force by becoming a rookie firefighter. There is a history of conflict between the two brothers that is heated up by working together. Meanwhile, a series of suspicious fires are set throughout the city, each made to kill a specific person.
Due to Steven's constant intimidation, Brian continues to doubt that he has what it takes to be a fireman.
After becoming frightened at a building fire, Brian pulls strings to get into an investigative office working along side the Fire Inspector (played superbly by Robert DeNiro) and finds that he is now not putting out the arsonist's fires, but trying to track him down.
I think what I most liked about Ron Howard's Backdraft was the pursuit of reality throughout the film. Russell and Baldwin both relate well to the audience and the acting is remarkable (especially Russell). While these two find it so hard to get along, it is still very apparent how much they care for each other. Howard does a great job at exploring the brothers' relationship with others as well.
Supported by actors Scott Glenn, Rebecca DeMornay, and Donald Sutherland (who plays an aging arson convict), Backdraft really shines with its attention to character development.
The special effects and pyrotechnics are amazing. Through much of the
film, the audience watches in awe. This is the first film I can recall
that explores people's fascination with fire. Howard's obvious tribute
to the profession is well recognized and appreciated. I won't give away
the ending. An excellent film. I give Backdraft a 9.5 out of 10.
