Plot & Details
The sons of a Chicago fireman who gave his life in the performance of his duties, firefighting brothers Kurt Russell and William Baldwin carry their lifelong sibling rivalry into their work. Russell is convinced that Baldwin hasn't got what it takes to remain in the fire department. Baldwin is transferred to a "safe" assignment, assisting arson investigator Robert DeNiro, who is trying to make sense of a series of fires involving an oxygen-induced ball of fire called a backdraft. The investigation reveals a link between corrupt alderman J. T. Walsh and imprisoned pyromaniac Donald Sutherland. The trail of evidence leads Baldwin to suspect that his brother Russell, a much-decorated hero, may be the "inside" man setting up the arsons.
- MPAA Rating: R
- Genre(s): Action
- Run Time: 135min.
- Theatrical Release Date: 05/14/1991
- DVD Release Date: 12/10/1997
- Distributor(s): Universal
- Director(s): Ron Howard
- Starring: Kurt Russell , William Baldwin , Robert De Niro , Donald Sutherland , Jennifer Jason Leigh
- Themes: Sibling Relationships,Race Against Time
- Tone: Rousing,Gritty,Menacing,Tense
- Keywords: arson,brother,firefighter,investigator,rival,trap
- Country of Origin: USA (05-24-1991)
- Language: English
Awards
Academy Awards
| Year | Award | Category | Cast & Crew | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | Best Sound Effects | Gary Rydstrom | Nominated |
| 1991 | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | Best Visual Effects | Mikael Salomon | Nominated |
| 1991 | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | Best Visual Effects | Scott Farrar | Nominated |
| 1991 | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | Best Sound Effects | Richard Hymns | Nominated |
| 1991 | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | Best Visual Effects | Allen Hall | Nominated |
| 1991 | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | Best Sound | Randy Thom | Nominated |
| 1991 | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | Best Sound | Glenn Williams | Nominated |
| 1991 | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | Best Visual Effects | Nominated | |
| 1991 | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | Best Sound | Gary Rydstrom | Nominated |
| 1991 | Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences | Best Sound | Gary Summers | Nominated |
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