Ladder 49, Review
Ladder 49
2005, *****, Drama
Ladder 49 is an intense and very personal look at the firefighter profession unseen in other films of its type in recent years. As most people don't even think of the risks and dangers firefighters face everyday, this film will open your eyes.
From the very beginning, as a rookie firefighter, Jack Morrison, played by Joaquin Phoenix (Signs, The Village, Gladiator) knew what he was getting himself into. He wanted to put out fires and help save lives. He was dedicated to his occupation and ran into burning buildings when everyone else was running out. He has a passion for what he does. Once he gets married and starts a family, he sees his wife and children becoming worried about him being in too much danger. He contemplates what to do, but his ultimate decision is to continue with his job at the firehouse. Ladder 49, one of the trucks at Engine 33, is not just a place of for firefighters; it is a brotherhood.
From the time Morrison began at Engine 33, Captain Mike Kennedy (John Travolta) knew he was one of the best he would ever work with. In time they become very close friends. Day and night the crew of Engine 33 is out on the streets of Baltimore (where the movie was actually filmed) rescuing innocent people from heat and roaring flames. As the worst blaze of Morrison's career arises, he becomes trapped in a 20-story building. Essentially, the movie is flashbacks of the most memorable times in his life as a fireman, as he thinks about them while disoriented beneath the rubble of the collapsing building; meanwhile, Kennedy is coordinating his rescue.
At times this film is sad and heartbreaking, but it accurately and movingly portrays the ups and downs in the life of a fireman. It shows how the death of a loved one deeply affects a person and how we never realize how much you care for someone after they are gone. Everyone should sit down and watch this film. It is one of these "real" films about life, love, and passion for one's career.
