A 10 because I grew up as the daughter of a very dedicated Baltimore City Fire Fighter. So dedicated, he sacrificed his marriage and several other relationships in his life for the Fire Department. My father was also the real-life Captain at Engine 33, just like Travolta's character, and it was one of the highlights of his entire career. During his reign as Captain at 33, he was also battling cancer. As depicted in the movie, my father and the band of brothers at the firehouse battled it all together. Support from home and work helped him through it, especially the station's humor and antics which helped keep his spirits up. That's why I believe the stories of practical jokes, relationships, weddings, births, injuries, deaths, retirements, etc. portrayed in Ladder 49 were so real that only someone from within can know how real it is. Not only was the entire concept of Fire Fighting portayed the way it should have been, the portrayal of the antics inside the walls of Engine 33's station was right on as well. When I had the opportunity to meet these actors (Travolta, Phoenix, Chapman) and also heard Jay Russell and John Travolta speak about their expectations for this movie...the only thing they were striving for is they wanted to "Get It Right". They did and they did it by going through the same fire school the Baltimore City Fire Fighters go through, they set real fires and the actors really put them out, they spent months interactiing with the fireman and their families, the community embraced the actors and the actors embraced us. I've read several critic's reviews and I have to tell you, from where I'm standing, the actors "Got It Right" and Ladder 49, be it a blockbuster hit or not, portrayed it right.The average viewer may have walked away from this movie with mixed emotions and criticism, but the everyday fire fighter and their families, ,who have sat and watched this film together (like the Baltimore Premier I attended), walked away from it with not only tears in their eyes but a feeling that the acotrs, producers, and writers "Got It Right" cause they truly did. Maybe it's not a blockbuster because there's nothing "Hollywood" about what my dad and his brothers do everyday. It's the biggest sacrifice of time, family, and life. It's horror, love, excitement, passion, compassion, bravery, and pain all rolled into one. If this movie was based on any other "Front Line" occupation (i.e, Military, Police, etc.) and portrayed the same as these actors portrayed Fire Fighters, those other "front liners" and their families would feel the way my family and I felt..."They Got It Right" - Can't say it enough!… Expand

I read Jennifer's review and went to see the movie with my girlfriend. It gave us a whole new prospective to the brave men that risk life, limb and family protecting us around the clock. If you haven't seen this film you truly should because it will give you a much deeper appreciation for the "Bravest" and an insight into the comraderie and brotherhood where each fire fighter depends on his brother for his very survival. Without question although this film in not Hollywood style, the in depth look at the men and their families make this a must watch. Jennifer you are correct in that they indeed "Got It Right." I salute all you brave men and thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you must make to perform your job. Thank you.… Expand

Great film, all the emotions from laughter to sadness felt through this film. I cant understand some of the ignorant reviews. Travolta, Phoenix and Barrett were all great, they didn't overplay there roles. They portrayals of the characters were believable.

One of the best I've ever seen. Shows it how it really is. Great story line.

First rate. Kudo's to all who made this insightful film about our bravest. I thought it was an accurate portrayal of the men and women who live the life of a fireman.

Excellent movie!!!! Loved it! Very well acted!!!!!

Any film that move can move one to tears is well acted and much deserving of such a high score. Trovolta played down his role and as a result came across as a superior actor in this very important drama. Without the friendship and the practical jokes our firefighters would lose their sanity. It takes a special breed to do what they do and for this they should be commended. An excellent film.

I really liked this movie, it had a great story and the characters were so easy to relate to, the acting was awesome and I can't wait to see it again! Honestly, one of my faves of 2004!

Top movie, one of the saddest ive seen. Good story line.

The portrayal of stress and the role of human emotion was accurate and moving. No matter how salty a group of firefighters are, they are human beings who feel deeply when they lose a person they tried to save, or one of their own. Thank you to all of you men and women who honorably serve your neighbor by putting your necks on the line.

A perfect mix of firefighting action with a great storyline. You really feel for the characters. Excellent movie overall.

Excellent Film.

As a police officer, I work closely with firefighters all the time and must say this movie is truly one of the best I have ever seen! May God bless my brothers and sisters in blue and in the firehouse and keep us all safe!

This is for Jennifer W whose passionate review of this film is so engulfing that it makes watching this movie a more enriching experience. Jennifer our heartfelt thanks to your father and to your family for the sacrifice each of you endured in protecting all of us. You should be very proud.

As a fire fighter I thought the movie was great I don't agree with the comments about trying to cash in on post 9/11, Than again I would expect movie critics to understand the life of a fire fighter Travolta said they had to ride with fire fighters to calls, hang around the station, etc. to learn what went on in the lives of fire fighters. The real critics should be the ones the movie was made about and for, the fire fighters!!!!!… Expand

I think this movie is just amazing!

This was the best firefighter movie I have ever seen. It blows "Backdraft" away. Great story line. Great effects, looks like some of the fires I've been in.

As a professional Firefighter I expected to see a bunch of Hollywood BS, but I left the theatre in tears. Our brotherhood is strong and the movie relayed that point well. May God bless and keep my brothers and sisters safe while we walk where the devil dances.

This movie makes me proud to be in the fire department!

Loved it.

Simply one of the best films I've seen in years!

This is an excellent movie. Many of the critical reviews of this movie are extremely cynical. If you are a cynic, then steer clear of this movie. People who think it is a firefighter's recruitment video are missing the point. This movie is about bravery and about sacrifice, universal themes that show that sometimes one's job is more than just a paycheck but can really truly be about giving life for others, even at the cost of your own. Watch this movie! It's incredible.… Expand