Backdraft

Time is a powerful wizard that in only two decades can turn a truly exciting and riveting action film into an almost silly self-parody. It never ceases to amaze me how those slow-motion shots, the pathetic dialogues and the dramatic music could ever have had an effect on anyone. The craftsmanship is your classic, competent Howard and the special effects are very good, but Ron has again failed to captivate me. Backdraft belongs to the past. (26/07/2010)

This film has a ton of pathos but at the same time a fantastically filmed whirlwind of fire and stunts, supported by a plethora of excellent actors and a spectacular heroic score. Hollywood has perhaps never spoken more reverently of a profession than it has deservedly done to firefighters. (29/01/2011)

A very pleasant perennial... Although the detective plot of this thriller is forgettable and not appealing in any way, the fire department environment, the adrenaline rush in the middle of the fire, and the excellent Kurt Rusell add the necessary flair to Howard's film. In particular, the role of the tough (but surprisingly vulnerable) bull McCaffrey is amongst Russell's best alongside the unforgettable pilot R.J. MacReady. The handsome William Baldwin is a little lively in his shadow, but old man Sutherland is enjoying his maniacal pyrotechnician. De Niro? Routine. It is worth noting that Backdraft works not only as a spectacular fireworks display, but that it also manages to play out human drama against the background of the story. And in the end, even the dose of heroic pathos can be withstood, but somebody's got to put it out, right? Just a pleasant spectacle that warms, but definitely doesn't burn. (22/10/2004)

One of Ron Howard’s better films. It has an average script, more characters and less plot than it should perhaps, but technically it is brilliant. Thrilling action sequences plus Hans Zimmer's music – that is really worth seeing, and the casting is also perfectly accurate. (22/10/2004)