BACKDRAFT (1991) | FIRST TIME WATCHING | MOVIE REACTION

[@clevelandcbi]

Scott Glenn is such a great actor. He's been in some great movies, but I swear he's somehow flown under the radar for decades.

[@gutz1981]

He was great in "The Challenge" and the original "Man On Fire".

[@anonymes2884]

Yep, great actor but more a "working actor" type than a superstar, probably to his credit - he never "burned out" so has had an amazing career spanning nearly 60 years (so far). (and he'll always be Al Shepard to me :)

[@ruthsaunders9507]

I grew up with him as Alan Shepard. He's really good in Absolute Power too.

[@Biostalker420]

Daredevil Netflix

[@barbaralenihan7451]

He was in The Hunt For Red October as the Captain of the American Submarine.

[@brianscott5008]

I believe that for the funeral cortege the production team sent out a request for off-duty personnel to turn up as extras expecting a modest number to turn up. Instead rather than from just Chicago, off-duty and probably retired firefighters from far and wide made their way to pay the respects for all the fallen. A truely impressive and emotional scene.

[@melanieedwards3785]

Ou are correct

[@katherinewilson1853]

That's incredible.

[@izzonj]

We lost 3 firefighters in Pittsburgh maybe 15 years ago. The funeral procession had firefighters from not only all over the country but from around the world who came to represent their companies a In paying their respects

[@redcaddiedaddie]

2 FFs can be in the midst of a bitter argument, perhaps even to the point of almost becoming violent when a call comes in, & if one of them becomes imperiled by the fire, the other will risk his life will save him- the fire service is a BROTHERHOOD, & you NEVER leave a brother behind; it's a matter of pride & we trust each other with our lives!

[@correypeta]

Wow, that made me tear up. Firefighters have my heart since 9/11. They are the real heroes.

[@Casey-zp9kv]

Kurt Russell is such a charismatic dude, you dont want to see him dying in any film let alone twice in the same movie lol. Ron Howard is fantastic at making these simple but great popcorn dramas.

[@hughjorg4008]

KURT RUSSELL week proposal for Cassie: Executive Decision (1996), Soldier (1998), and Vanilla Sky (2001). 😃

[@osmanyousif7849]

@@hughjorg4008, don’t forget Miracle and Death Proof…..

[@AlexG1020]

@@hughjorg4008 Big Trouble in Little Chin 110 %

[@Abbadonhades]

I think this might be Kurt Russels best role. He inhabited the character like he was born for it. The look on his face when he talked to his wife or his brother conveyed his feelings even more than the words. The love, the despair, the utter conviction.

[@lkf8799]

Except for Deathproof 😜

[@rockerdowns6051]

My oldest brother was a former Chicago Firefighter and a technical advisor on this film. They were/are a special bred that do a lot more than just run into a burning building. Lost him in 2006. Love and miss you Russ. Thank you for reviewing this film.

[@tammygouletschrader8785]

I'm sorry for your loss. Glad he had a part of this great movie

[@Chrysop1812]

Thats rough about your brother, I'm sorry.

[@liteney]

Amen

[@LuckyRob007]

"Look at him... That's my brother god damnit." I cried when I saw this movie as a boy with my older brother. I'm crying watching your reactions as a father of 5 boys.

[@radwolf76]

One thing that I love about this is Donald Sutherland's portrayal of Ronald. He really comes across as the Hannibal Lecter of Arson, which is impressive, as Backdraft would have been in production roughly the same time as Silence of the Lambs, being released only 3 months apart. Ronald plays such a key part in the story, that it's not likely that the Hannibal-ness could have been added by last minute reshoots.

[@BulletTooth504]

I'm thinking that MAYBE (just maybe) a writer or producer, somebody involved with the filming of Backdraft, was aware that Lambs was being made at the same time and was familiar with the story. They could've added Sutherland's character as a fun little homage.

[@Rosedach]

When I think of crazy, I think of Donald Sutherland and Bruce Dern.

[@blueeyedcowboy8291]

Nice comparison.

[@randycliff4045]

Donald Sutherland is a favourite of mine, early days of "The Dirty Dozen" and "Kelly's Heroes" to 21st century "Space Cowboys" and "The Hunger Games", he excels with whatever he is given.

[@nrkgalt]

@@randycliff4045And MASH as well.

[@muddhammer7834]

“Only the brave” is another great tragic TRUE firefighter story about the Granite Mountain Hotshots. Underrated IMO. Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges.

[@hjr_official]

Agreed. Absolutely amazing movie

[@kupoflupo3346]

This

[@lewistasso8866]

That movie I know well. I remembered that day it happened. Other than that, I can't really take any emergency services movies seriously. It's hard to watch them when one belongs to that community.

[@usmcmech96]

It's a criminally underrated movie.

[@Danjon1235]

Dont spoil it ffs

[@JamminOnThe1]

The scene towards the end with Kurt Russel and Rebecca DeMornay is one of my favorite Kurt Russel acted scenes. When she tells him that they’re getting back together won’t work. The look on his face is gut wrenching. He’s a really good and underrated actor.

[@thombaswambas]

"Honey you're the best, you really are. It's just... the chances that you take it's ju-... you scare me now."

[@r.b.ratieta6111]

The Top Gun of Firefighter movies. The pyrotechnic work on this was phenomenal, and the character development is great.

[@seansmith4880]

Amazing comparison, so true

[@artemisbond9923]

“YOU Did That!!” 😂 Carly’s sincerity when she said that!

[@theaikidoka]

True sibling energy.

[@markjuarez1791]

Classic Carly-Cassie moment

[@leosarmiento4823]

Backdraft defined firefighter films. It was such a great hit, with impressive practical effects that complimented the all star cast, and an inspiring soundtrack, that Universal Studios made a special effects show after it. Ladder 49 (2004), starring Joaquin Phoenix and John Travolta, is another really good firefighter film that I hope you'll consider for a reaction.

[@ct6852]

Used to be convinced that Universal thing would lose control of the fires and we would all die. lol

[@daletaylor5589]

I remember seeing this when it came out. I was a new firefighter at the time and was like this is a load of BS. After 30 years of firefighting I can conclude it was total BS, good Hollywood but total BS. Ladder 49 was much better, still Hollywood but better.

[@planreview]

@@daletaylor5589Hey Dale, 35 year FD here. Agreed, of course it’s all Hollywood. They can’t film in real fire/smoke conditions. I think FFs can really find the ball busting, practical jokes, “drop two and hold the Squad” to be pretty accurate inside info. I knew the engine and truck companies that they rode with when they prepared for the film roles. The brotherhood part was pretty accurate. The firefighting….well, it is Hollywood after all. We would always joke the “you go, we go” line to one another. But we’d change it to “if you go…well, you go”. Though we’d never actually let down a brother in real life.

[@spaghetti9845]

at least l49 used a real burn building instead of propane and propane accessories@@daletaylor5589

[@tempsitch5632]

@@ct6852It’s not just an impressive display, it terrified the audience momentarily.

[@musiclover7840]

Shortly after this came out, a co-worker told me she had a few firefighter friends who were extras in the movie. Ron Howard and the cast worked hard to get it all right. Being a firefighter or cop in Chicago is sort of the family business. You'll find generations of families who have served or are serving now, and Chicago firefighters are a special breed.

[@yaimavol]

The cops are probably moving to fight fires now in Chicago with this woke mayor. The last one was an idiot, but this guy...... He just blamed the voters for saying no to tax hikes on too many MAGA's in the city.

[@chucklos391]

I grew up in Chicago. Miss that city so much. Almost became a Chicago cop. Despite the issues with Chicago PD, police and firefighters have my utmost respect.

[@Ron-d2s]

Best place to BBQ an entire cow outside of Texas..........🤣🤣🤣

[@Cadinho93]

Kurt Russell, William Baldwin and Scott Glenn all got stunt credits as well as acting credits for their work with fire on this film. They really did light Scott Glenn on fire for the scene where Adcox dies. In a later interview, he talked about running on the beach on his days off and coughing up black globs of goo from all the stuff they inhaled in those fire scenes. Also, with today’s overuse of CGI in movies, people today will greatly underestimate how much of a nightmare it was for production to manage and film this much real fire.

[@bigsarge8795]

Spoiler alert !! Dude !!

[@griechland]

@@bigsarge8795 You think they haven't seen the movie before posting the edited reaction on KZbin or something?

[@bigsarge8795]

@griechland I can't answer that but maybe other people haven't. Just my two cents. That's all

[@ruthsaunders9507]

@@bigsarge8795 The movie's over 30 years old!

[@bigsarge8795]

@ruthsaunders9507 yeah. And some people haven't seen Blazing Saddles yet either lol

[@SarahRichardsGraba]

One of my childhood friends is a firefighter and an EMT. She says this movie, which came out when we were about 7, is the one that made her want to be a firefighter. For me, on the other hand, this movie traumatized me 😅 but it did make me both fearful of and sort of love fire. Anyway, my friend has been a firefighter for decades now, has been deployed to areas hit by forest fires, floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes (including NOLA after Katrina), and has literally saved so many lives. She's now an EMS Admin for our area and she's a true hero! Movies can and do make a difference 🎥👩‍🚒

[@thequarteryearman9305]

One person who does not get enough accolades for his acting in this film is Donald Sutherland as the fire lover. This is still a great movie.

[@randall-king]

Don’t listen to them, Ron Howard. We don’t go to the movies for happy endings. We go for realistic films that thrill us and touch our hearts. Having a character die can make us more thankful in our own lives; it can stir us to live better with the time we have.

[@liteney]

Amen

[@smorris281]

An Alderman in Chicago is basically a city council member. Also, Hans Zimmer did a outstanding job on the score, probably is best work.

[@JamesInDigital]

Agreed, while he's done some great work since, a lot of it feels derivative.

[@georgesykes394]

Black Rain is also a good OST!

[@cherrypi_b]

Nah, way too pathetic for me. There are much better soundtracks by him.

[@retromeister3709]

Thanks in part to the late great Shriley Walker who was Zimmer's orchestrator for films like Backdraft, Black Rain, and Radio Flyer. Incredible yet emotional soundtrack

[@stevencass8849]

I would like to point out JT Walsh, who played Swayzak. He passed away in the late nineties, but he was so great at playing these type of roles. The First Sergeant in “Good Morning Vietnam” and in “Pleasantville”. As good as he was playing this kind of character, I remember reading about how kind he was to people on set and willing to help young actors out.

[@leftorright04]

In the Fire Academy we had to watch this movie and write down every NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) and TCFP (Texas Commission on Fire Protection) violation we could see in the movie. We all had pages. Still a great movie and a classic. I also highly recommend Ladder 49 with John Travolta and Joaquin Phoenix.

[@theaikidoka]

Please stop lying about this documentary. Why, next you'll be telling me that the Police DON'T like loose cannons who play by their own rules and work alone...

[@RLKmedic0315]

Yeah, this is a great movie with a wonderful cast and good story. It is quite good at capturing the feel of a firehouse and the firefighters. But it is absolutely NOT a training video, lol. They get so much wrong it is amusing. But it is not pretending to be technically accurate, and the enjoyment factor of the movie is not harmed by the inaccuracies.

[@leftorright04]

@@RLKmedic0315 100%

[@smorris281]

They had technical advisors from the CFD all over that set, so I'm sure they were left either shaking or scratching their heads on all the inaccuracies. I portrayed firefighters and the industry in a positive light however, so I guess it was mission accomplished. Well, except for firefighters who start fires to exact revenge on crocked politicians.

[@jamielandis4308]

The first movie my late wife and I went to see. Great movie! We also did the Backdraft thing at Universal Studios. This has always been a favorite.

[@McPh1741]

When this came out, 13 year old me wanted to be a fireman. I have nothing but respect for fireman. Back in September they started airing all the 9/11 remembrance shows and documentaries. It seem that every few years a show with footage nobody has seen before comes out. I’m still in a awe of the bravery all those firemen showed that day. Watching interviews with them 20+ years later it still so fresh in their minds. God bless all of them.

[@aligaines8476]

I couldn't tell you how many days I volunteered down there. We lost our local chief. Close to me In Little Italy they lost quite a few at their house. I can't tell you how many memorials I went to. I keep hearing those alarms on their uniforms no one could get to and stopping every couple minutes in respect when any part of someone was found. The flat ladder and other vehicles. I talked to our local house today (re: toy and/or coat drive start, so I could get the word out). I always check in on them, drop stuff off and jump in city hall's *ss re: cuts, which we're dealing with again re: migrant crisis. They'll want for nothing as long as i'm around. St. Florian, protect them. P.S. I'm just a regular Jane that happened to catch the free city bus with off duty that came in going down to Manhattan , after the call from my daughters ambulette service, that was running late was told, turn on the tv... the first had just hit. The house is around the corner. Didn't see much of my family for at least a month and most of it was a blur. Now, with the Bin Laden letter, the truther movement, etc.. I see young kids that could care less, talking about what a horrible country we are and we deserved it. It breaks my heart. Those that sacrifice, whether cops, firemen, military, etc.. are looked at terribly and are lacking in these parts. I cry for us.

[@imbateman]

The Steve Buscemi segment of one of those 911 docs was especially touching. The dude got his old fire jacket on and went straight in to the rubble. Really shows that courage doesn’t leave you.

[@McPh1741]

@@aligaines8476 I feel the same. I see how we went from a proud country united by that horrific day to a society that all but praises the attackers. Watching some of these documentaries with my wife, we often say that they need to be showing these in school. We cannot forget how terrible that day was and what happened. These kids who weren't even born yet need to see those plane hit the buildings, they need to see the people falling and jumping from those building, they need to hear the eye witness accounts of the carnage, the story of survival, the people breaking down with emotion recounting that day. Forget not wanting to offend people by keeping the memory alive.

[@fightingidiocy7724]

When this came out, I was 18 year years old, and my brother was Deputy Fire Chief. He said 'It was perfect." FF good guys. They even fixed my car! lol

[@Trailrated92]

I knew 3 guys from FDNY that died on 911. I've been a volunteer Firefighter for 20 plus years and we would sometimes get to spend a weekend with FDNY and respond to calls with them

[@PiraticalBob]

Donald Sutherland as the arsonist gave out such a creepy vibe - - he seemed to be the Hannibal Lecter of arson.

[@SurvivorBri]

Of course he gave you a creepy vibe. That's the whole point lol.

[@bigsarge8795]

I've seen this movie at least a dozen times, and I'm still crying like a baby at the funeral

[@Rschaltegger]

The Pipes opening the wide shot of the Firefighter column, yes...its a really feeling scene. So representative of all the Firefighters lost on duty

[@Darklusterangel]

Im the same, Ive never been able to make it through the ambulance ride without balling my eyes out.

[@deanbush7263]

So glad you finally watch this, one of my favourite movies of all time, no cgi, just good old solid acting, and practical effects.

[@chrisbruneau2156]

As a life-long Chicagoan, this has long been one of my Favs--thanks so much for watching it girls!!!!!

[@AdeboFunkyVoodoo]

At the time, the effects team work on using fire was mind-blowing. It was inconceivable how they did all those effects with real fire. Today it would be green screen and CGI. But they actually set the sets on fire. Had fire shooting across the ceiling above actors heads and everything. Amazing work by the effects team and the camera crew.

[@RichardFay]

Yes, Kurt Russell plays a dual role - father and son. "Flash" refers to the fact that when you add more oxygen to a small fire, it can become a very big fire very fast. That happens several times in the film. For me, it's not lines from movies, it's lines from Buffy the Vampire Slayer - "I can beat up vampires 'til the cows come home, and then I can beat up the cows".

[@RushfanDave]

Hug a firefighter today. Have loved this movie since i saw it in theaters. Great acting. A truly heartfelt and heartbreaking story about those who put their lives at risk to save others. I also can't help but remember the first responders on 9/11 who ran into the towers to try and save lives. We all know how that ended. May God bless them and keep them. 🙏♥️

[@billucf96]

Carly, "you did that", to Cassie when the house blew up...lolololol

[@TheHilltopPillbox]

Back in the day when characters actually died, and stayed dead. Far more gripping than the "they all lived happily ever after" nonsense from today. Glad to see you were impacted by it.

[@jp3813]

Never watched Game of Thrones?

[@TheHilltopPillbox]

@@jp3813 I stand corrected. But, I think my point is pretty valid overall.

[@stretch4872]

Love the genuine pure emotion that pours from you two. You let yourselves become part of or invested in the characters. Such a great cast in this one. Others have mentioned Scott Glenn. He plays the main character in a lower budget low-key film "My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys ". It has a lot of great character actors. I can't put my finger on it but I've always really liked that one.

[@garybradford8332]

I first got to know him in Urban Cowboy. and The Right Stuff. His acting is always spot on.

[@donjackson5522]

Speaking of cowboys, Scott Glenn is awesome in my favorite western, Silverado. All star cast working with him, but Scott Glenn plays the central character.

[@mamandes]

After you said you didn't recognize William Baldwin, I realized how little I've seen him in. According to IMDB, he's worked consistently, but it's a lot of made-for-TV style movies, certainly nothing as well-known as Flatliners and Backdraft. Loved his small role in Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

[@handsomeX]

JT Walsh(alderman) always played a great villain. He and Kurt Russell were another movie together a few years later called "Breakdown". Another good movie. Unfortunately, that was his last movie. He passed away shortly after.

[@handsomeX]

@@LtDan-rk4si Oh really?? I didn't realize JT was in that movie 😳

[@SuperheroMovieReactor]

Don't forget also Executive Decision in 1996 with Kurt Russell and JT Walsh.

[@christermyrberg3661]

Tequila Sunrise too actually

[@Chad-n5x]

I'm surprised no one has reacted to Breakdown.

[@mdpetty53]

I have lots of connections with this movie. 2 of my sons are firefighters (the third is a police officer) and two of my grandsons just graduated from the fire academy and are starting paramedic school. I also know the DP on this film, Mikael Saloman (who was also The DP on the Abyss). When I was at Universal Studios in Orlando in the early 90's I hired him to direct our TV commercial for the Jaws attraction specifically because of his experience shooting fire and water, which we had both of in the Jaws attraction. Great guy which great stories from both films.

[@gutz1981]

This movie hit so big in Australia, that soon after this movie came out, an Australian firefighter drama series was green lit and produced called "Fire" that lasted for only one season, but it was good actually.

[@weldonwin]

There was a UK Firefighter drama called London's Burning that ran for a couple of seasons I think

[@Renegade2786]

@@weldonwin That show bring back good memories, and I love the theme tune.

[@leehigginbottom955]

Londons Burning was a TV movie in 1986, that became basis for the series which started in 1988, so well before this movie. I happily admit to checking on Wikipedia but seems it ran for 14 series until 2002, way more than I remembered or thought.

[@christianrunfola9461]

I wish more people would react to this. One of my favorites growing up.

[@bradw.-tz2ej]

💯%

[@DixieRoseproductions]

My family has worked for the same department since the 1920, so needless to say i grew up watching this movie. I'm going through school right now to join the department to keep the family legacy going

[@ct6852]

Congrats. Good luck to you.

[@jean-paulaudette9246]

Many thanks to you and yours.

[@planreview]

It works that way. My first lieutenant was fourth generation Chicago FD. It’s very much a thing.

[@andreaszeintl8206]

The fact, that Carly went to see "Killers of the Flower Moon" just tells me: Never judge a book by its cover!!! ...also: great reaction!

[@stretmediq]

One of my old partners was a medic for that film

[@GrosvnerMcaffrey]

To be fair she's more or less "used to" these more violent movies before the channel I don't think she would have been ready

[@insulaarachnid]

I remember when my older siblings came back from the cinema after having watched this movie. They were really freaked out by how scary and fast fire behaves. I am not sure a Hollywood film had ever shown that before.

[@raveouscarlias4479]

Thank you! Been waiting for you to see this movie! It's so great. I LOVE Kurt Russel's performance here and the entire cast as well. But Kurt was unreal. And as an older brother who is SOO proud and loving of my younger brother I cannot NOT tear up when he says that line.

[@ChrisMcCarroll]

Here is my argument for the whole "happy ending issue. The younger brother didnt have a so called happy ending because his story wasnt over. This was his origin story, not his ending. The older brother on the other hand, this is his ending. He died doing what he loved. He sacrificed himself to stop the bad guy. He eventually had a good heart to heart with his ex. Most importantly, he connected with his brother. However short it was they had some real honest communication. They truly saw each other. Ok, so him dying isnt happy. But in their world, in their story, that was a happy ending for the older brother.

[@MegaroadProducciones]

This movie continues to tug at my heartstrings. Being a firefighter is one of those professions that I respect above all things. It is not heroism that drives these people to run into a burning building when everyone else is fleeing, but humanism. What is more impressive is that it is a real movie in its special effects aspects. There is not a single drop of animated effects or anything similar, it's all real fire.

[@bradw.-tz2ej]

💯% true

[@ravenlockhart0925]

I remember the Backdraft attraction at Universal Studios Hollywood scaring me to tears when I was little. I did eventually watch it shortly before they removed it. You can actually find camcorder footage from of the attraction. I can still remember the heat of the fire

[@tbirdUCW6ReAJ]

I remember being on that attraction. Pretty impressive they did all that practically also in the movie

[@brave_jedi9437]

Same here, Raven

[@DethOnHigh]

I once had a "Mannequin" moment of sorts in my career. It was my first working fire since I was involved in a structural collapse, and it was a double wide trailer with an aluminum skin roof. The ceiling was already pulled down when my partner and I made entry for overhaul and my Lieutenant was coming in through the door right after. In the corner of my eye, I saw a section of the light wood truss that supports the sheet metal roof start to drop and collapse. My brain instantly thought the building was coming down on us like at my last working fire a couple months ago. My LT was passing right in front of me at that moment and I grabbed him and my partner and threw them both out of the door onto the deck outside, with the LT hitting the bannister and almost going over it, as i bailed out myself. Lol. I didn't realize until i was outside and my now pissed off LT was asking me what the Hell I thought I was doing that the reality of the situation hit me. Its a trailer fire, there aren't any heavy trusses or timbers to fall on us, and the roof was lightweight sheet metal and posed no threat even if it did collapse. I felt like a complete idiot, and knew I was gonna get neverending grief for the rest of my career. Back at the station, one of the oldtimers who had witnessed the LT and my partner getting launched out of the door told me "I really want to give you grief about that sooo bad, but I can't because your heart was in the right place.". The incident was never mentioned ever again. Lol.

[@dragonborn5440]

Thank you all for your service

[@A7xFo]

That story is complete bullshit. The "your heart was in the right place" line would NEVER happen. You'd definitely get scolded, but that never happened. You've never been a firefighter. Easy to tell the bullshitters.

[@mitchrogers4217]

Such a great movie , the fire scenes are so well filmed. One of my fav Kurt Russell characters I love Steve such a layered character. I think the ending is beautiful..a sad ending doesn't necessarily mean a bad ending lol

[@rey1775]

Another great film with Kurt Russel. Hope you watch 'Soldier' soon, another great film of his.

[@ct6852]

Tons of hero shots in this one. Have to believe it helped with recruitment big time. Like Top Gun. Impressed with Billy Baldwin. He was solid in this.

[@razorfett147]

It nearly worked on me too. For yrs after this came out i thought about being a fireman. Fate had different plans, but it nearly happened

[@ct6852]

@@razorfett147 The gear looks so awkward to run in.

[@JOSH-lw2jv]

Fun Fact: Hans Zimmer's music for *"Backdraft",* particularly the cue: "Burn It All" were used in the trailers for *"JURASSIC PARK",* *"THE LOST WORLD: Jurassic Park"* and the 1992 workprint cut of Disney's 2-D animated version of *"THE LION KING".*

[@stevengartside7257]

Thanks to all Blue Light Service workers around the World. I was a Police Officer in the UK for 27 years before leaving because I spent more time fighting my Bosses than I did criminals. Police, Fire and Ambulance workers take the piss out of each other mercilessly but we respect each other enormously. Cassie and Carly should be regarded as National Treasures!

[@stretmediq]

True I've been a paramedic for over 20 years and Fire. PD and EMS all know each other and give each other $#!+ all the time but we're there for each other when it gets bad and always will be

[@andrewmurray1550]

kinda like the Marines vs Navy vs Naval Aviators, vs Airforce?

[@Corey313]

One of the greatest firemen movies of all time. Especially the ending. Awesome reaction ladies

[@danielcoyne1024]

The bit where Brian confronts the fire at the end is powerful

[@weldonwin]

And then uses a fire extinguisher to Grenade it

[@Johnny_Socko]

That shot of William Baldwin standing in front of a wall of fire while the hose is twisting out of control is one of the coolest and most impressive shots in movie history. All done practically.

[@BryanH63]

Back in the day Universal Studios had a "Backdraft" show where you learned how they did the various effects used to create the actual fires on the set of the movie. You saw demonstrations of the fires. You then entered a room, a Chemical Plant set where all Hell broke loose and you were surrounded by fires and explosions just like the actors were on the set of the film. It was dedicated to the all the Firemen. It was AMAZING... sad that it is long gone.

[@brave_jedi9437]

TBH, I’ve seen it twice when I was little. And both times I cried like a little bitch, I’m glad I got over that ridiculousness.

[@sirtommy7159]

Was there in 94. That was amazing.

[@crewchief5144]

Scott Glenn is also great in SILVERADO and a bit part (but very important) in Training Day.

[@stupidflanders8819]

“Who was Brian? I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in anything before.” That was William Baldwin of the famous Baldwin brothers. Alec’s younger brother. He was the 2nd most famous Baldwin in the 90’s and was in a ton of big movies in the 90’s, but he kinda disappeared after that. Can’t remember the last time I saw him in anything noteworthy. And the older guy who played the arsonist up for parole was Donald Sutherland. Kiefers dad… surprised you hadn’t seen him before. He’s been in a ton of stuff.

[@shakycam3]

My strongest memory of seeing this in the theater was how friggin LOUD it was. One of the loudest movies I have ever seen. Really impactful back then. Now there are 20 firefighter shows.

[@daz746]

Funny thing is real building fires are suprisingly quiet and pitch black, 28 year career firefighter.

[@KJAkk]

@@daz746 That was always a problem with this film. Not enough smoke.

[@daz746]

@o.b.7217 i agree

[@lopa-u9f]

ohmy yes it was so loud! I was 10 - had some fire-fear after

[@CathleenMJennings80]

I live about an hour south of Chicago and my youth pastor, who was a paramedic, was on set during this movie. Ron Howard let him sit in his Director's Chair.

[@Rschaltegger]

The Cinematics, the Score the Characters this is an underrated epic.. No wonder Chicago Fire is a hit. This movie paved the way.

[@katherinewilson1853]

Oh definitely. There was a big sprouting of fire and medical shows during this period. Certain films definitely were the initial shows.

[@TimSmith-uc4pk]

The guy in the morgue is Ron Howards brother Clint. You will remember seeing him in Apollo 13. As a child he was on the tv show Gentle Ben.

[@lonerunner89]

It's comical how so many movie fans (30-35 years old and younger) know Robert De Niro simply from Meet the Parents of all movies. Lol. Meet the parents is like the 50th best movie he's ever been in. Comedy isn't even his bread and butter. He's played in movies like mean streets, Godfather part II, taxi driver, the deer hunter, raging bull etc. So many legendary movies with unbelievable method acting performances. One of the greats of his generation. This is a very underrated film in his movie discography. Very good film.

[@ct6852]

He's done almost every genre I think. Best of the best.

[@adaddinsane]

Comedy may not be his bread and butter, but: King of Comedy.

[@ct6852]

@@adaddinsane That's one of the only Scorsese movies I haven't seen yet. That and the Dali Lama one. Is it a straight comedy or more of a drama?

[@colinmelton3815]

So glad you did this one! Been one of my favorites forever. Amazing cast, acting, the whole package.

[@vudujl83]

Tequila Sunrise, Executive Decision, and Breakdown…three other collaborations between Kurt Russell and the late J.T. Walsh (RIP)

[@mcraiderking5690]

I went to the theater to see this movie and there was a large group of guys behind me laughing their butts off. I got annoyed and asked them what was so funny. They were fireman from the local station and one of them explained all the mistakes being made.

[@RLKmedic0315]

Lol. My daughter refuses to watch tv with me if the show has paramedics in it. I've been a medic for 27+ years and I always bitch at the TV when the medics screw up...which is often.

[@cchavezjr7]

I miss the Backdraft ride at Universal Studios. It was beautiful and scary all at the same time.

[@katherinewilson1853]

I remember that!!! I loved that!

[@cchavezjr7]

@@katherinewilson1853 It was so cool. How at first they made it look beautiful and alive and then bam, the fire bursts.

[@tbirdUCW6ReAJ]

That and it impressed me how they showed people how the movie was made. Even more impressive they detailed the stunts which the actors actually did

[@Chad-n5x]

I've seen this film numerous times and wasn't until recently I realized Kurt Russel plays the dad, too, lol.

[@jeremycangiano2657]

There’s about 40 minutes of deleted scenes you can now find on KZbin that fill in a lot of plot holes from the Final Cut. Worth watching.

[@peterlucci2242]

This is the best Firefighter film I’ve ever seen, with one of the most heartbreaking death scenes in cinematic history, in my opinion. I watched this movie as a kid, and it made me want to be a Firefighter when I grew up. Great reaction….👍

[@kd84afc]

It's a great film, but not very realistic

[@gavinlisk2292]

This is one of my all time favourite movies, it is severely underrated. It took me ages to realise that they killed Kurt Russell twice! Also Brian is played by Billy Baldwin younger brother of Alec Baldwin.

[@TheeGoatPig]

This was the last movie I saw in a Drive-in theater when I was around 16. I have always enjoyed this one, but it's been decades since I saw the whole thing. And every sentence anyone says reminds me of one movie or another. I was quite the couch potato back in the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.

[@Nimzzeee]

Captain Ron is a much more Carly friendly Kurt Russell movie and it's a fun family flick so Cassie is guaranteed to like it too. Chuck it on the list please 👍

[@weldonwin]

Have they watch Big Trouble in Little China yet?

[@bigdream_dreambig]

@@weldonwin I don't see it in the channel's archives. 🤷‍♂

[@weldonwin]

@@bigdream_dreambig Then that's another Kurt Russel classic for them to watch

[@michaelwatson266]

Finally. My favourite channel and favourite sisters watching one of my favourite 90's movies that seems to get overlooked so often

[@ctwhiskey3058]

Us: You did that!!! Cassie: 👀.... is that even possible ?! 😂😂

[@patrickhuot001]

Rebecca De Mornay was in this movie. She was also in Risky Business, Runaway Train, By Dawn’s Early Light, and Lucifer.

[@qbasicmichael]

She was also milady de winter in the disney 3 musketeers movie, which is where i first noticed her, i think.

[@NeptuneLady1957]

And she played insane well in The Hand That Rocks the Cradle

[@cog4life]

GREAT MOVIE 🍿PLEASE PLEASE, if you haven’t-do “THE GUARDIAN” with Kevin Costner & Aston Cutcher about the men of the Coast Guard. They get overlooked a lot I think. This movie has it all. And it won’t leave you sad😉❤

[@travismorris9303]

Agree they need to watch the Guardian!

[@Wile_E._Wolf]

Agreed. Not a fan of Ashton but thought it was a great movie about little-known rescue swimmers

[@TimSmith-uc4pk]

Ronald is Donald Sutherland. You find him in Animal House and Kelly’s Heroes. A great veteran actor with a long list of movies.

[@unclejoker9975]

My grandfather went on to be a firefighter after WWII. My grandmother would talk about all of the soot that he would cough up after a shift. Tough job. The steel base of his bucket would protect him from barrages of bullets while trying to put out people's homes. Praise be to Jesus for technological advances.

[@smorris281]

Air masks weren't widely adopted until the late 60's. Firemen before that time were real smoke eaters. The FDNY was the last big city to fully embrace masks. They felt, by using a mask was to be a wimp.

[@aritolonen286]

Great reaction as always. My favorite phrase in a movie works really often in real life "Assumption is the mother of all f-ups" 😂

[@javix2013]

The Towering Inferno with Paul Newman and Steve McQueen, for a next reaction please". A 138-story modern building catches fire on its opening day, the drama is like Titanic but in a skyscraper. Steve McQueen's performance as a firefighter is very good, he shines. It´s a great classic movie.

[@jeffdetmer4681]

Axe (Scott Glenn) was also Jodie Fosters boss in Silence of the Lambs. He is also in a western called Silverado with Danny Glover and Kevin Costner. Good movie. Brian was Billy Baldwin. Yep, one of the Baldwin brothers. Oh and you guys also saw Kurt Russell in Tombstone as Wyatt Earp. Oh and the little bald guy with the glasses in the morgue has been an actor since he was a little kid. He was in a TV series called Gentle Ben about a bear. His name is Clint Howard and he is Ron Howard's brother. Firefighters like Police Officers and Military are very often multi generational. Service becomes the family business.

[@swordmonkey6635]

I remember Ron Howard saying that he wanted fire to be the antagonist in the move. As if it were a living thing. He talked about giving fire a "voice" to make it seem alive.

[@misterkite]

Which is apparently the opposite of what firefighters are actually taught.

[@thermonuclearcollider4418]

@@misterkite ...kind of like movies are the opposite or real life...

[@brave_jedi9437]

Which explains why the fire sounded like a mutated insect

[@evatesche]

Scott Glenn was also the submarine captain in Hunt for Red October

[@moviefanatic22]

Great reaction as always Cassie! I've loved this movie since I was a kid, it makes my top 100 favorites! So much nostalgia from when I was a kid and like I said I wanted to be a firefighter, but because of my asthma at the time, that wasn't going to happen lol! I have a lot of respect for firefighters and I thank them every time I see them for their service, they're truly heroes! Glad I was able to participate in this premiere, thank you for making my Saturday! You're the best, I so hope you'll be able to fit IRON WILL into your reaction schedule next month or whenever possible, trust me, you and Carly will love that movie! Love and support always, [virtual hug🤗] God bless you, Carly, and your family! 🥰😁😉😇🙏👍🌹

[@Torch114]

I was badly burned in a house fire at a very young age and wasn’t supposed to have survived. I remember seeing this when it was in the theaters. A great movie with the effects and a glimpse of what firemen around the world deal with at times. Thank you for watching this movie and glad you both enjoyed it.

[@alliemst3k]

"If you go, we go!" Love this movie.

[@brave_jedi9437]

That line is iconic

[@aealum2004]

I love this movie, one of the first Kurt Russell movies I ever saw. This movie showcases Kurt's range talent for dramatic roles. Also thanks to you two, you asked what word or phrase makes me think of a movie, you used the word montages, Al of a sudden I started to sing the montage song from team america world police.

[@bobfromagr4147]

Cassie: oh my gosh Carrie: oh my gosh, oh my gosh Cassie: oh my gosh, oh my gosh Carrie: oh my gosh and repeat.

[@brave_jedi9437]

It’s like their catchphrase or something. LOL

[@ronfehr7899]

Ron Howard wasn't always a director. He started out acting, and had two big television roles. In the 1950s, he played Opie on The Andy Griffith show. In the 1970s, he played Richie Cunningham in Happy Days, a sitcom set in the 1950s.

[@scorp77snake]

Love this film particularly Donald Sutherland scenes, for a really great film you should check out The Towering Inferno (1974)

[@crewchief5144]

He's pretty versatile. His part in The Puppet Masters was so good, with all the switchbacks and personality changes. Always a great supporting and lead actor.

[@fd009597]

In Towering Inferno my Favorite Steve McQueen Line ..Towards End when Dep.Chief is explaining The plan to McQueen How do I get back down ..Pregnant Pause ...MCQUEEN says ...Oh Sh!T...his tone and facial expression perfect

[@ronniemartillo]

I saw this movie as a kid when it came out. A couple years ago I saw that Baldwin brother at a hotel I worked at. After checking him in I went to the back and yelled, “you burnt him Steven!” Lol My coworkers thought I was insane lol “That’s my brother goddamnit!” is a quote my brothers and I throw around once in a while.

[@travismorris9303]

Rebecca DeMornay is totally underrated for what a gorgeous movie star she was in the 80s & 90s. And Jennifer Jason Leigh! This movie hit it out of the park on casting the leading ladies.

[@jamiemiller6156]

Jennifer Jason Leigh is also a pretty underrated actress. I remember her blowing me away in Rush.

[@travismorris9303]

@@jamiemiller6156 she was phenomenal in Rush! Fast Times, Single White Female, so many great performances....even in this small role she killed it.

[@qbasicmichael]

Rebecca demornay was quite beautiful. I think i first noticed her as milady dewinter in the three musketeers. Other similarly beautiful actresses that come to mind include rosanna and patricia arquette, claire coffee, kate capshaw, jane fonda, liv ullmann, julie christie, and, the most beautiful of them all, naomi watts. (Edit: referring here to facial beauty, not necessarily overall physical attractiveness.) Edit: kristen bell, allison pill, meg ryan, julie bowen, chelsea handler, the olsen sisters, kaitlin olson, charlize theron, alice eve, grace kelly, and bridgette fonda could perhaps be added. Obviously, this is not an exclusive list. And i focused on blondes, or at least, actresses i think of as blond from the roles i'm familiar with. There are plenty of beautiful brunette actresses also, like robin tunney, natalie portman, helena bonham carter, eva green, claire foy, haley atwell, and alexandra daddario.

[@michaelbusacker2448]

At the end of the film there was a reference to the number of Firefighters in 1991 which was numbered at 1,200,700 members to that date. The latest survey was in 2020 which came up with 1,041,200 men and women Firefighters that is nearly 160,000 less than at the time this film was made and of the total number of Firefighters are 676,900 volunteers which comes to 65 % of all Firefighters now calling. If You compare that to the population of the US of A, that number dwindles (latest estimates come to 331,900,000 people) to just 0.313% of the citizens living in the United States which comes to 313.70 Firefighters per 100,000 residents living in the US Staates, the only good thing about this is that in other countries this ratio is even less, it is a shame that often times Firefighters do not get the respect and recognition they deserve not to mention the medical profession or police officers (Even though the police in the USA have a difficult situation due to black sheep in their organisation) for that matter.

[@Cubs-Fan.10]

Im not a firefighter, but im told by my brother who is, that this is THE movie that best shows the reality of the profession.

[@tbirdUCW6ReAJ]

What would he say about how Ron Howard treating fire as an animal in the movie?

[@thombaswambas]

@@tbirdUCW6ReAJ IMO a brilliant creative decision to personify fire as an omnipotent antagonist, but of course this is embelishing, when not outright contriving, the physical "behavior" of fire (eg. in the garment factory fire where it spontaneously recedes "in the walls"; the "smoky-plasma" traversing along the floor [this shot was taken across a ceiling and inverted]; and smoke "breathing" through the crack under backdraft doors). To be fair the film still gets a lot right in its raw depictions of fire, and has been lauded for it's commitment to and execution of practical special effects (Universal Studios used to have an appropriately titled attraction demoing Backdraft's fire effects). Scott Glenn even suffered some burns while shooting Axe's last scene. That being said I think the above comment holds water despite the aforementioned storytelling devices, given the "reality" in question is in the depiction of the experience of the firefighter. While I cannot attest to this personally, in all I have read on the film Backdraft is considered *the* quintessential firefighting movie among the "smoke eaters that do that shit for real every day".

[@lewistasso8866]

No. Only The Brave. Anything other movie is like fiction.

[@fooddog45]

This is one of my brother's most favorite movies. He became a firefighter/EMT after 9/11. In around 2015, he was on a call for a house fire and he heard over the radio that someone was still inside the house, so my brother and his partner went in searching. They made their way to the basement and their escape route ended up collapsing and so they were trapped inside the house, just as they heard that the house was about to completely collapse and they needed to evacuate. So they started searching for another exit but couldn't find one. They eventually found a storm window and started breaking the window in hopes of getting out in time. Thankfully, the rest of the unit came to their rescue and were able to help get my brother and his partner out of the basement through the window just moments before the whole house completely collapsed.

[@moosemahlmeister7336]

As I said somewhere else on your page, I’ve been a firefighter for 31 years and EMT. Still on the job. Was arson investigator for 13 years until I became chief. I watched this in 1992 and within 6 months was hired as a firefighter. Your reactions never disappoint. Brian is actor Steven Baldwin, younger brother of Alec.

[@ct6852]

Would bet there's been a lot of insurance fraud fires over the past 17 years...

[@kenlawton1531]

So watching him walk in that fire without BA on must make you cringe then!

[@JoeMama410]

It’s Billy Baldwin (3rd of the 4 brothers). Thanks for sharing your story

[@moosemahlmeister7336]

@@JoeMama410 thanks for the correction. It is Billy.

[@todderickson2435]

Thank you, ladies, for reminding me how incredible this movie is. I loved your reactions, as always.

[@firemn4u]

Me, as a firefighter for 13 years, this was that movie!

[@ChrisReise]

7:00 when I first saw this film, I thought the brother seeing Kurt Russell out out of the fire was a vision of him remembering his Dad. Cassie to ease your confusion, yes Kurt Russell played a dual role in this. The father AND the son. :)

[@madelinemitchell5102]

I forgot what a great movie this is !! They should all be so proud of this film !! ❤😢

[@crooney82]

Oh man. This is an underrated classic! Young people in the 1980s and 1990s grew up watching these Movies that really showed how men and women can be everyday heroes.

[@NPC_-mf4dw]

Backdraft is one of my childhood favorites, I was obsessed with this movie as a kid and I feel it is criminally underrated. I really don't understand why. The story itself might not be some deep-level Nolan stuff, but it is solid and relatable with a nice twist and a fantastic cast and least we forget: Soundtrack! Zimmer absolutely nailed this one. The acting was mostly great with some 90s cheese but that's not really making it bad. What stands out to this day are the sets and effects, however. All practical, no CGI. Real fire, real explosions, real action. A beautiful story about heroism, duty, duality and brotherhood and a truly unique masterpiece... yet the critics ripped it apart while everyone loves the cookie cutter super hero trash rolling off the conveyor belt every year. I don't get it.

[@davidkent5626]

Donald Sutherland had a great cameo as Ronald the person they met at the hearing. Also Clint Howard, who is Ron Howard's brother played the guy at the morgue.