i really loved this movie, it was very well acted. although there is language, drinking, and some sex references still a great movie. it shows how much a firefighter goes through while in the buildings and also just what there families have to go through. i highly recomend it!
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Ladder 49
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Unabashed love letter to firefighters everywhere.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Ladder 49
Parents need to know that this movie has frequent and very intense peril and violence relating to firefighting. Characters are badly wounded and some are killed. There is brief strong language. Characters drink a lot, including drinking games and drinking to excess. Alcohol is portrayed as bonding and healing, and a way to prove oneself as "one of the guys." The movie includes a mild gay joke, some sexual references, and a non-explicit sexual situation. Strengths of the movie include the portrayal of diverse characters who are loyal and committed to each another, though all of the firefighters are male.
Read our full review by Nell Minow
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about why Jack took risks even after he had a wife and children who depended on him. What kind of people become fire fighters, police officers, soldiers, and others who face death every day? Families could also talk about how people who see terrible tragedies handle the stress. Notice the use of humor, sometimes rather wild and outrageous, which can be the best adaptive mechanism for dealing with terribly difficult situations, the comment about finding God, and the idea that "we honor Dennis" by "sticking together."
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
loved it!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
It was a remarkabkle movie!
I think Jay Russell did a REMARKABLE JOB filming this excellent story of the firman and his daily life.I think Joaquin Phoenix(he played Jack Morrison in the movie) really got into his part in this film.He did a teriffic job.I think it was a wonderful sad,comedy that all ages would enjoy!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Sad
I will admit it, I'm 14 yearsold, a boy, and I still almost cried, ALMOST. It was good and i thought i figured out the end but i didn't. It was good except for a few sexual references and some language and some nasty injuries.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
This is a Movie About Heroes
Joachim Phoenix and John Travolta (et. al.) give masterful performances as firefighters giving their all for the job. LADDER 49 doesn't gloss over the fact that these are people with human foibles; but it doesn't trivialize the tremendous courage these men and women have to run INTO a burning building to save people when most of us would be running OUT of that building. Three thumbs way, way, up, and a galaxy of stars for honesty and truthfulness.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
I Thought it was well done but boring even with all the fire scenes
This movie is a drama not an action picture.I thought is was boring but you may like it. If you like drama's you should see it but if you like action and adventure you would get board.I think though it was a pretty meniful movie
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
I loved it.
This movie is a great movie. People who aren't firefighters don't understand, but my husband is one, and you can understand why Jack risks everything, it's his job! He's supposed to risk his life to save people. I watched the movie with my husbands department and they all agreed this was a well portrayed film. Face it drinking is part of our society. There were only 2 scenes and one was St. Paddy's day! This movie is one of the best I've seen!
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
Gripping
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Very Heartwarming.
Great overall story. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole movie. Ending was a real tear-jerker.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
THis movie was excellent, definitely the best movie I have seen this year. If you cry very easily DON'T see this movie --it is very sad. It was hilarious in a lot of parts.
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