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!
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 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.