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Backdraft

Backdraft

Drama · Thriller · Action · 1991

Two feuding siblings carrying on a heroic family tradition as Chicago firefighters. But when a puzzling series of arson attacks is reported, they are forced to set aside their differences to solve the mystery surrounding these crimes.

Movie details

Backdraft

“Silently behind a door, it waits. One breath of oxygen and it explodes in a deadly rage. In that instant it can create a hero...or cover a secret.”

1991 Drama · Thriller · Action 2h 17m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

6.7 / 10

Community rating

Two feuding siblings carrying on a heroic family tradition as Chicago firefighters. But when a puzzling series of arson attacks is reported, they are forced to set aside their differences to solve the mystery surrounding these crimes.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over Backdraft?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

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Backdraft 2

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Where it lives

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

Ron Howard

Written by

Gregory Widen

Kurt Russell

Kurt Russell

Stephen McCaffrey

William Baldwin

William Baldwin

Brian McCaffrey

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro

Donald Rimgale

Donald Sutherland

Donald Sutherland

Ronald Bartel

Jennifer Jason Leigh

Jennifer Jason Leigh

Jennifer Vaitkus

Scott Glenn

Scott Glenn

John 'Axe' Adcox

Rebecca De Mornay

Rebecca De Mornay

Helen McCaffrey

Court is in session

Put Backdraft on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Adrenaline Seeker

“Momentum is a formal choice.”

The velocity sharpens instinct and tension, making every beat land before self-importance can settle in.

The prosecution The Auteur Devotee

“Speed as an alibi.”

The film races past its weak spots and hopes acceleration will keep the audience from inspecting the evidence.