LADDER 49

Year: 2003
USA: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
UK: Buena Vista International UK
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, John Travolta, Morris Chestnut, Robert Patrick, Balthazar Getty, Jay Hernandez, Jacinda Barrett, Billy Burke, Tim Guinee, Robert Lewis, Nick Loren, Delaney Williams, Lt Mark Yant, Mayor Martin O'Malley
Director: Jay Russell
Country: US
UK: 115 mins
USA Rated: PG-13 for intense fire and rescue situations, and for language
UK Certificate: 12A contains one use of strong language and moderate peril
USA Release Date: 1 October 2004
UK Release Date: 21 January 2005


Synopsis

LADDER 49 is an exciting, powerful film that celebrates the ordinary men who put everything on the line every day. The film chronicles Baltimore firefighter Jack Morrison (Joaquin Phoenix) as he makes the transition from inexperienced rookie to seasoned veteran.

As he struggles to cope with a risky, demanding job that often short-changes his wife and kids, he relies on the support of his mentor and chief, Mike Kennedy (John Travolta) and his second family - the brotherly bond between the men of the firehouse.

But when Jack becomes trapped in the worst blaze of his career, his life and the things he holds important - family, dignity, courage - come into focus. As his fellow firemen of Ladder 49 do all they can to rescue him, Jack's life hangs in the balance.