If you like Backdraft, and other fireman-related films, don't watch this.

Firefighting by numbers..........and a super ordinary soundtrack to really heighten the dullness.

Its an emotional, tense and gripping film with a great lead performance from Joaquin Phoenix however I feel it tries so hard to tug at the heart strings that it loses a certain sense of direction. Its very gripping and tense throughout the fire fighting scenes and the emotional connection established between the friends and family of Phoenix's character leads to us actually care for them all. However, its the emotional aspect which brings it down, for we know where this is going right from the start of the film and we know what will happen to certain characters. Overall, its a great tense drama/action piece with some great performances, characters we care about and is very emotional.

7.5/10

Lead by a wonderful performance by Joaquin Phoenix, Ladder 49 managed to overcome its overly sentimental tone and became a solid drama that is both entertaining and enthralling. Solid supporting roles by John Travolta and Jacinda Barrett also helped to bring some depth to the story.

It is pretty much on the far end of the spectrum when compared to Gladiator, which I saw the same day. It's not that it's downright bad, but it's just too sappy, too melodramatic and cliche-ridden. The whole plot works no purpose other than to glorify the image of firefighters and try to make you cry and bawl. Travolta and Phoenix (as opposed to Gladiator again) feel just like on auto-pilot. In the end, I didn't feel nauseous... but just meh.

I love Joaquin Phoenix and this movie. It's dramatic, and romantic, and sad. Great combination.

If you like Backdraft, and other fireman-related films, don't watch this.

A missed opportunity here, think that given the cast and the chance to highlight such a brave profession they really missed a trick.

this movie is awesome really good actors, kinda makes me wanna be a fire fighter

This film was made about firefighters to honor them for what they do and for those have died rather it be in 9/11 or everyday and this film is able to hammer down the point without being too preachy or cheesy with its scenes. It tries to portray them as human who sometimes mess up, but are good people and it is a different in lots of ways than Rescue Me is with its portrayal of Firefighters.