Customer Reviews

Ladder 49 [Blu-ray]

5 star:		(106)
4 star:		(45)
3 star:		(32)
2 star:		(14)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

First and foremost, this is a drama, not an action film, about firefighters, with the focus on one firefighter in particular. The film tells the story about the life this one firefighter, whose life is revealed in flashback, when he finds himself in a bit of difficulty while fighting a fire and engaging in a rescue. That singular moment in time is grounded in the context of his life as a firefighter. While the film may be said to be somewhat formulaic and predictable, it does not take away from the fine acting, the great fire fighting sequences, and the poignant and funny moments that occur throughout the film. In many ways it is reflective of life itself, with some highs and lows, as well as a ready, steady core of reality in which all is grounded.

The firefighter who finds himself in a quandary is Jack Morrison (Joaquin Phoenix), a firefighter at a Baltimore firehouse. The viewer sees Jack in his rookie days as he is initiated into the brotherhood of firefighters and begins the bonding process with his fellow firefighters, whereby they become "family". Some of those bonding scenes are quite funny, especially the one involving his initial meeting with the then Captain of the firehouse, Mike Kennedy (John Travolta). Others are quite serious and poignant, as the dangers of the job are brought home to the viewer, especially when Jack loses a member of the brotherhood that is near and dear to him. The film shows, as the years go by, Jack's progression through the ranks from rookie to respected firefighter. It is clear that it is a job that he loves, despite the ever present danger to life.

As the viewer sees Jack's professional life unfold, the viewer also catches glimpses into Jack's personal life, from the moment that he meets his future wife, Linda (Jacinda Barrett), to the moment of their wedding and the birth of their children, with the wife and children also becoming part of the larger firefighter family or brotherhood. The film also shows the tremendous pressure and stress that a firefighter's job can have on one's spouse and children with their ever present concern for the safety of that beloved firefighter. After all, firefighters go where others dare not, simply so that others may live. The film shows how firefighters and members of their families cope with this ever present sword of Damocles that hangs over their respective heads.

Joaquin Phoenix, who is one of the finest young actors of his generation, gives a low key, but poignant, performance as the salt of the earth kind of guy who wants to do the best that he can for those whom he loves, in a job that he loves, with those with whom he loves working. He gives a quintessential portrayal of a working class guy for whom firefighting and family are concepts at the central core of his being. John Travolta gives a humorous and, at times, affecting performance as Mike Kennedy, the firefighting official who clearly is not above playing a practical joke on his firefighters but who pulls out all the stops to ensure that none are left behind when fighting a fire. Jacinda Barrett is effective in the role of Linda, the concerned wife who does her best to allay her fears and, over time, become supportive of her husband's chosen career. The rest of the supporting cast is equally effective in their respective roles.

This is a film that those who would like to sneak a peek into the life of a firefighter will appreciate. It will certainly let the viewer see the everyday types of situations that may confront a firefighter, as well as enable the viewer to discern why firefighters form such close relationships with each other. After viewing this film, a viewer can certainly walk away with an understanding as to why firefighters are such a unique brotherhood and why they bond as they do. It takes a special person, indeed, to walk into a towering inferno. This film does firefighters proud, and my hat is certainly off to firefighters everywhere. It is with good reason that we, in The Big Apple, call our firefighters New York's bravest.

This is a simple story. It's about the brave firefighters in the Baltimore Fire Department. John Travolta is cast as the chief. Joaquin Phoenix is cast as the young fireman. Jacinda Barrett is cast as the young fireman's wife. The film spans a period of 10 years. During this time we see the young couple meet, marry and have some very cute children. We watch the time-worn cliché about how the wife worries about the husband and wants him to stop his dangerous life. Naturally, he doesn't change though and he just gets braver and braver. There's a lot of camaraderie and good-natured horseplay among the men. But they all respect each other and it's a tight-knit group. Eventually, our hero is trapped in a burning building with no way out. The plot is predictable. And the acting is adequate.

But this film is more than just about the plot. It is about the fires. And I must say I sat in that theater absolutely transfixed as I was thrust into what looked like the reality of it all. I've seen other films and also have read about fires. But this film brought me right there. I was inside all the burning buildings depicted in the film. I might not have felt the actual heat of the fires, but I did feel their unpredictability and the randomness in which tragedy can occur. I also have nothing but admiration for the work that firefighters do, especially when they have to actually go into the buildings when everyone else is rushing out. I don't know how the special effects were done and I don't really care. But I admire the filmmakers for bringing to the screen this story what the job of a firefighter is all about.

I grew up in a neighborhood of rowhouses on the edges of Baltimore City. My father spent some 30 years with the Baltimore City Fire Department, and the single word I can use to describe this film is "authentic." I remember watching my father come home in that same blue work shirt with its black and gold patch proclaiming "Pride Protecting People." I remember going into the Engine House with him as a kid, tossing a football or a softball around with the guys and dreading the fact that any moment that bell could ring, that the dinners on the plates in the kitchen could go uneaten, that the baseball gloves could be dropped and the turnout boots thrust on.

This film places the emphasis on why these men party as hard as they do - because every beer might be the last one, and it might as well be the best one.

When I was 18 I joined our local volunteer fire service, and I have been doing it ever since. Every day people stop and ask why we do it. I never had an answer, but now I just tell them to go watch Ladder 49. This film is in my humble opinion, one of the best, if not the best, movie out there paying tribute to us lucky enough to be a part of the fire service in this great nation.

Granted, I am no Baltimore city fireman, nor am I a paid full-time fireman. But even in our all volunteer district of around twenty thousand or so, I can still say that this movie is as authentic as they come. I often laughed the first time I saw this movie, as I found it funny how similar we run things here in Western New York.

With it's authenticity and stunning cast (especially Travolta, one of the best actors out there), this film easily plays as one of the most powerful movies I have on my shelf. For those of you who loved Backdraft, even though it was not very realistic or authentic at all, you will love Ladder 49. For those of you who cried at the end of Backdraft, you'll ball at the end of this movie. Definately a must have for ANYBODY!

I watched this movie in the theater and was impressed at the reality of the scenes. I am not a firefighter, but a paramedic and nurse who oversees an emergency department and EMS service. The scenes are very realistic. The comraderie is what is experienced each day. Many of my friends and family saw this movie and realized a whole new expectation for what the folks who deal with emergencies go through. Every nurse, physician, firefighter, paramedic and police officer experience this reality each day. Their families experience it as well.
It's also very much about our mortality and the realization that events are capable of changing our life in a second. Every person who watches this movie should be able to relate. However, those who deal with emergency services should be able to understand that it takes just a split second to change everything. That is where this movie excels. I have been there, and have seen everything change in a matter of seconds.
Watch the movie, and enjoy good acting and a realistic movie.

Of the three major motion pictures that have focused on the heroics of firefighters ("Towering Inferno", 1974, "Backdraft", 1991, "Ladder 49", 2004) LADDER 49 is without a doubt the most realistic and heartfelt tribute to the professional & personal lives of firefighters.

While some people (especially men who aren't in touch with their own emotions) may find much of the film "mushy", Ladder 49 shows what a REAL MAN is all about - an unselfish devotion to both his community and his wife & children.

Following 10 years of his life, from rookie firefighter to a hardened veteran "rescue man", as well as his courtship, marriage and birth of his children, we see the main role - Jack Morrison (Joaquin Phoenix) as a man who loves helping others in a time of need, and as a loving, devoted husband and father.

The fire scenes are the most realistic I've seen, and also help to show the bravery, dedication and compassion that Jack has for both strangers and his fellow firefighters.

Jack Morrison is the type of man most women would want to marry & raise a family with. And he is the type of man other men SHOULD want to be...dedicated to helping others and being a loving & devoted husband and father...not being obssesed with money and materialistic items!

Adam Kennedy (John Travolta), first as Jack's firehouse Captain, then later as his Battalion Chief, is also excellent as Jack's mentor, friend and his children's Godfather.

Jack's wife (played by the stunningly beautiful Jacinda Barrett) is a fun-loving, playful, yet sweet, romantic and very loving wife and mother who is worried about the highly dangerous rescue work Jack performs.

The supporting cast of firefighter comrades is excellent. You can see that the "guys" are like a family, and are willing to sacrifice their lives for each other.

"Ladder 49" is a "feel good" movie that will have you laughing, crying at times (maybe even some of you "macho" men!), watching with awe and amazement, and fill you with a sense of great respect for firefighters...all at the same time.

Due to some (bloodless) scenes of death and disfigurment, the film may not be suitable for younger children. But for you parents, if you think your children can deal with these scenes, Ladder 49 is a movie that can make a wonderful & lasting impression on them.

The world needs more people like Jack Morrison!

I went to see this movie mainly because I think Joaquin Phoenix is an incredible actor, and he didn't disappoint me. The whole cast of "Ladder 49" delivers solid, empathetic performances. The characters seemed like real guys that you'd meet down the street. But that is not the reason that this is a five star movie.

The cinematography of this film is brilliant - camera angles, unique points of view - I could tell from the opening fire scene, when the shot moves to the reflection of the burning building in a puddle of water, that this was going to be a different movie. It has great action scenes, heartfelt love scenes, and, best of all, it doesn't glorify firefighters. I thought that post-9/11, this movie would be all about making these men seem larger-than-life, but it didn't. All it did, in my opinion, was give some credit to guys who risk thier lives every day for us.

I would recommend this movie for everybody - if you like a good intellectual movie, you'll be blown away by the acting and simplicity, but if you're just in the mood for an action movie, there's a lot of explosions too.

Great, great ending, one that really sticks with you.

Maybe am a little Bias, but my family descends from a long line within the fireservice: Great Grandfather, grandfather, dad, mom, brother and myself. Maybe that is why ladder 49
struck such a chord inside me.

Ladder 49 opens with Jaquin Pheonix racing into a burning warehouse with word that somewhere within the inferno are two possible survivors. When the situation shifts for the worst, Pheonix's character is haunted by the memories of a loving family outside the blaze.

What follows in this scene and continues throughout the film, are arguably some of the most intense fire-situations ever captured for a movie. Most people may think of Backdraft, a Ron Howard film, but to me Backdraft had way too many unbelievable flaws to be realistic and ended up being just a good action flick. (Example - to name one - Firefighters racing
into a burning building full of smoke, with nothing but their eye visors flipped down. Reason? They said we, the audience wouldn't be able to tell the difference between actors. Realism...or star power... hm, tough choice. This viewer would rather see intensity of an actual situation, rather than the glitz of a well-makuped actor. What has young Mr Baldwin done since Backdraft again? I keep forgetting.) Climbing off soapbox.

I sometimes catch myself throwing this phrase around loosely, but with this I have no doubt, Ladder 49 is one of the 50 best films I have ever seen in my lifetime. John Travolta gives one of his most sincerest performances as a firechief (as my dad was) trying to protect his men, both at work and home. The supporting cast is excellent and I believed every minute of what I was watching. This coming from someone who has spent their entire life around the fire hall.

The dvd is spectacular. The dolby digital home theater sound mix couldn't be better. Deep rumblings, wisping flames, spewing steam, and violent explosions rain throughout. The only thing keeping me from from the action, was room temperature. What a
great mix! The video quality is excellent as well; deep blacks and bright flames are well defined and skin tones are natural with crisp details staying true to the directors vision.

Ladder 49 is a brilliant and moving film, capturing the brotherhood, heartbreaks, and plentiful adrenaline rushes of
working in the fire industry. I was a dispatcher for 2 years, the real heroes are the remaining members of my family I mentioned above. I wish we could give the pro-athletes 30 grand a year and give the millions to our firefighters and paramedics. They deserve it. ~SAOS~

Director Jay Russell has sculpted somewhat of a Frank Capra type tribute to the firefighter; the mostly unsung hero who isn't trying to be a hero, he (or she) is just doing the job they know and love. Picture George Bailey running into a burning building in Bedford Falls; that's how I see Joaquin Phoenix in this film. Quiet, stoic, family-oriented. Devoted to a duty.

You won't mistake the plot for one crafted by M. Night Shamalan. It's straightforward, softly dramatic, with no real plot twists, save for the will-he-or-won't-he finale. What powers this film is the simple evolution of a young rookie into a seasoned firefighter; his relationships with his wife and kids as well as with his comrades. There are the same very-close-to-cliche dilemmas between husband and wife associated with other "he's got a dangerous profession" films (see the astronauts in Apollo 13 or the test pilots in The Right Stuff, the flyboys in Pearl Harbor, the bomb defuser in The English Patient, and many more), but screenwriter Lew Colick never abuses those themes. The film flows with the consistancy of main character Jack Morrison's (Phoenix's) life. Day by day.

**SPOILER ALERT** My only wish for this film was for the ending -- and skip forward a paragraph if you don't want any hint of what happens -- to have been different. Sometimes, in such films, with such very high regard for the men and women of this profession, I wished for something I usually never wish for: That Hollywood Ending. **END OF SPOILER ALERT**

Joaquin Phoenix is becoming an actor whose work I look forward to viewing. His work in "The Village" was very good. He has a knack of playing the soft-spoken and, as I said earlier, stoic roles, and it suits him. John Travolta plays the one-of-the-boys fire chief, protecting, fatherly, loving and stern all at once, and it was a nice part for him; a very strong supporting role. I agree with what one of the other reviewers noted; that it is nice to see him in these supporting roles rather that directly in the spotlight. His charisma is so present that he spices the atmosphere surrounding his fellow actors.

In short, Ladder 49 is a very nice popcorn drama for grown-ups. It's not an edge-of-your-seat manly man flick, though it does have its action moments. It is more of a fictional biography of one man and his "two families." You might want to rent before you buy to see if it's one you'd add to your collection.

Movies don't get any better than "Ladder 49", one of the most thrilling and powerful motion pictures ever made since 1991's "Backdraft"! The direction of Jay Russell ("Tuck Everlasting") is nothing short of dynamic or triumphant! The performances of superstars Joaquin Phoenix ("Signs", "The Village") and John Travolta ("The Punisher", "Face/Off") were tour de force and instantly unforgettable ones at that! Joining them are Jacinda Barrett ("The Human Stain"), Morris Chestnut ("Half Past Dead"), Robert Patrick ("Terminator 2: Judgment Day"), Balthazar Getty ("Deuces Wild"), and Billy Burke ("Along Came A Spider") in excellent supporting performances!

"Ladder 49" introduces us to the life of Jack Morrison (Phoenix), a firefighter for the Baltimore City Fire Department. Jack is assigned to Fire Station 33 as a pipe-man for Ladder 49 (Note: The pipe-man holds the water hose nozzle and sprays water onto the fire.) As a new probationary firefighter, Jack is assigned all the little jobs at the firehouse. Station 33 Captain Mike Kennedy (Travolta), and the other veteran firefighters (including Patrick, Chestnut, Getty, and Burke) love to play jokes on the new rookies, including Jack. Captain Kennedy takes Jack under his wing to make him the best firefighter in the city. Time passes, and Jack is now a seasoned veteran on the rescue team. Ladder 49 has been called on a four-alarm fire to a burning 20-story building. Kennedy, now promoted to Fire Chief, is in command of the fire. Jack and the rescue team brave the fire to rescue anyone trapped inside. They save several people, and Jack continues to search for others. Jack finds a man and lowers him to safety, just before the floor collapses around him. Jack falls through the building into the middle of the inferno, and is rendered unconscious. When he awakens, Jack is able to radio to his men that he is alive. Now Jack is the one who needs to be rescued. Chief Kennedy coordinates the effort to save Jack. Awaiting rescue, Jack begins to relive his life with his wife Linda (Barrett) and kids, and his career through flashbacks.

Where "Ladder 49" departs from the "Backdraft" mold is in the way it approaches its working-class characters. Director Russell shows, through Jack, that these are unquestionably brave men who believe in brotherhood and family, but hold them second to the thrill of fighting flames. Russell does a superb job capturing the blue-collar feel of "Ladder 49", with its portrayals of marital stress, male bonding, and neighborhood fire fighting in Baltimore. The audience is made to feel a part of the team, with Russell even going that extra mile and giving the crowds a POV shot of a fireman sliding down a brass pole! OK, so maybe that's a little much, but the rest of "Ladder" finds an emotional core to latch onto, deeply feeling the characters' plights, and investing a heartfelt interest in their fates.

Most of the reason why "Ladder" resonates so much is the cast, led by a tender, gripping performance from Joaquin Phoenix. Phoenix has a tough role; he must convey ten years of character growth in just under two hours, which has sent lesser actors screaming out of the business. Phoenix navigates these heady waters with confidence, starting off as Jack in his shy, newbie glow as a rookie fireman, and nurturing him towards adulthood, where he starts a family and searches for more responsibility at his firehouse. Phoenix plays the role with elegance, bringing Jack from mousy boy to confident man without the change feeling forced. It's a tremendous performance from Phoenix. Also welcome is John Travolta (coming from a villainous turn in last April's "The Punisher"), who, in a very un-Travolta move, seems content to stand in the background for most of the film, only occasionally stepping up to deliver a speech or two (or dance, with Jacinda Barrett), though they are ace speeches. A nice supporting turn that he should look into more often.

And "Ladder 49" doesn't disappoint when it comes time to get audience into the fire. Russell stages these moments well, delivering on the promise of thrills and curiosity that goes into fighting fires. However, these sequences do not define what makes "Ladder" such a special film. There's a deeper story here, which involves a healthy dose of tragedy that grabs you faster than any orange ball of flame ever could, and that's the best way to dramatize the hard work of a firefighter. It's not the hardware, but the heart, courage, and loyalty that "Ladder 49" captures so well.

In conclusion, one line in the movie states it all: "Everyone is running out of a burning building and only the firefighters are running into the fire." "Ladder 49" shows how brave our firefighters are and why we should honor them. "Ladder 49", without a doubt, is an instant DVD must-have when released!