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Ladder 49 (Widescreen Edition) (2004)

Joaquin Phoenix , John Travolta , Jay Russell  |  PG-13 |  DVD
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (230 customer reviews)

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Ladder 49 (Widescreen Edition) + Backdraft + On Duty Firefighters - The Complete Series
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Product Details

  • Actors: Joaquin Phoenix, John Travolta, Jacinda Barrett, Robert Patrick, Morris Chestnut
  • Directors: Jay Russell
  • Writers: Lewis Colick
  • Format: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
  • Language: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
  • Subtitles: French, Spanish
  • Dubbed: French
  • Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
  • Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment / Touchstone
  • DVD Release Date: March 8, 2005
  • Run Time: 115 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (230 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B00063MAXQ
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #21,072 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
  • Learn more about "Ladder 49 (Widescreen Edition)" on IMDb

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

In paying simple tribute to firefighters, Ladder 49 gets to the heart of those who risk their lives for a living. Director Jay Russell brought similar sincerity to his memorable family favorite My Dog Skip, and despite the banalities of an ultra-conventional screenplay by Lewis Colick, Ladder 49 generates so much goodwill toward its Baltimore firemen that you may find yourself unexpectedly overcome with emotional appreciation for guys like Jack (Joaquin Phoenix), a firefighter whose career, courtship, marriage, and fatherhood are viewed in flashback as he struggles to survive in the present-day framing scenes, cut off from his fellow firemen in the fiery guts of a collapsing 20-floor building. There are no surprises in the familiar scenes of male bonding, dangerous rescues, injury and death, and the supportive concern of Jack's wife (Jacinda Barrett), but by focusing on the simple integrity of Jack's personal and professional commitment, the movie gives Phoenix a showcase for unselfish virtue, while John Travolta provides dignified support as Jack's mentor and devoted firehouse captain. Ladder 49 is routine in most respects, but it's a much-deserved valentine to working-class heroes. --Jeff Shannon

Product Description

Academy Award(R) nominated stars Joaquin Phoenix (Best Supporting Actor, GLADIATOR, 2000) and John Travolta (Best Actor, PULP FICTION, 1994) ignite the intense action in this heroic tale of ordinary men with uncommon courage! As part of a tightly knit brotherhood of skilled firefighters, Jack Morrison (Phoenix) grows from inexperienced rookie to seasoned veteran as he faces a dangerous job that makes him a hero to strangers but often shortchanges his wife (Jacinda Barrett -- THE HUMAN STAIN) and kids. Then, when he becomes trapped in the worst blaze of his career, the things Jack holds most important -- family, duty, courage -- come sharply into focus.

Customer Reviews

This movie is very good and it was really moving. Kung FU  |  36 reviewers made a similar statement
The problem with this film is the flatness of the characters. Grady Harp  |  23 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
48 of 52 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE... March 20, 2005
Format:DVD
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.
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32 of 38 people found the following review helpful
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.
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Sentimental, but Authentic March 8, 2005
Format:DVD
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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars added to collection
went and saw this at the movies.... had to have this in my collection with the others i have. It is such a clean and wonderful movie.
Published 25 days ago by Carol K Bargy
5.0 out of 5 stars i love it
this show was great and funny and sad and serius but any way ty and have a great day ty
Published 1 month ago by Angela Kay Plank
5.0 out of 5 stars Ladder 49
I love this movie, and I have been wanting it replaced for some time, after someone stole my copy. I got a Fantastic price on it, and it arrived in a timely manner. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Lisa M. Coate
5.0 out of 5 stars very good movie.
awesome movie lots of action humor ect . great price for blu-ray ,you pay twice as much for it in store verses online.
Published 1 month ago by rjenkinson
5.0 out of 5 stars rating
I love this movie as a new fire fighter it showed me a lot thank you so much wmfd ny
Published 1 month ago by kelly
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Movie
I thought the characters were depicted well; they showed the humanity and flaws. John Travolta and Joaquin Phoenix are good actors because they really understand their characters.
Published 1 month ago by Karen Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars LOVE IT
Such a great movie...
Would watch it again and again if I could.
Love John Travolta especially in the boxers.
Published 2 months ago by April Heine
5.0 out of 5 stars Ladder 49 review
this movie was amazing really enjoyed it and it was in great condition thank you and i would recommend this movie to anyone. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Brandon Woods
5.0 out of 5 stars Favorite movie!
Seriously my favorite movie EVER! I just put it into the dvd player:)
Thanks for getting this to me so soon!:)
Published 2 months ago by christine michel
5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT MOVIE
A really awesome movie, really sad when you have a little something to compare it to and a little scary when you know your boyfriend does this on a daily basis, but he loves it and... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Shauna
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