20 years of Ladder 49

When everyone thinks about movies that center around firefighters, the first that comes to mind is Ron Howard’s cinematic release of Backdraft, which followed two brothers in Chicago. Yet, there is rarely a movie centered around firefighters and their Catholic faith. It changed in 2004 with the release of Ladder 49.

The movie follows Jack Morrison (played by Joaquin Phoenix), a recent graduate of the fire academy who forms a bond with fellow firefighters of Ladder 49. The crew forms a bond around their Catholic faith. The crew is led by Captain Mike Kenedy (played by John Travolta). Under his leadership, he guides Jack through his probationary period and watches him climb up the ranks of the department. He had to at times lead the group through tragedy, injure firefighters, and make hard decisions on how to make sure everyone made it home alive.

Jack makes a rescue, but after helping someone get on the ladder, he falls two stories and slowly begins to die. He begins to see his life flash before his eyes. He sees the time he falls for Linda, marries her, has children, and puts his life on the line many times, which nearly causes friction in their marriage. In the end, he made a heroic act and would later die a hero for the department after only ten years as a firefighter.

One quote from the movie that was so poignant in the film was delivered by the supporting actor John Travolta. During the funeral, he delivers the line that sums up what Morrison in the years of serving as a firefighter.

He says, “People are always asking me how is it that firefighters run into a burning building when everyone else is running out. Courage is the answer.” Courage it was. In the bible, the virtue of courage is mentioned 42 times.

First responders, especially firefighters, display courage every day. What this film does compare to others that have existed is put courage on display with a layer of faith. A majority of the characters are Catholic, and it has some of the events center around weddings, baptisms, funerals, and even Jack making to his family for Christmas. Through it all, each member of the engine formed an inseparable bond. They were all like a family.

Now, this film is far from an in-one’s face Catholic. There are some flaws like language and even an occasion of fornication.  The movie wanted to ensure that people understand the human condition in life.

This movie is a 4 out of 5. It is a must watch for those teens and adults.