Ladder 49: A Moving Tribute to Firefighters
Ladder 49 makes us take a second look at those heroes. Joaquin Phoenix stars as firefighter Jack Morrison, who becomes trapped in a burning building while trying to rescue survivors of a factory fire.
Through a series of flashbacks, we are given glimpses into the ups and downs of his life, from his days as a rookie to his life as an experienced firefighter.
John Travolta portrays Mike Kennedy, the captain of Ladder 49, who has mentored Morrison and the other men his company. In a sincere and compelling performance, he struggles with the deaths and injuries of his men, and beams with pride at their accomplishments.
Perhaps most heartwrenching is Jacinda Barrett’s role as Linda Morrison, Jack Morrison’s wife. Although she is beautiful and sweet, it is more the plight of firefighter’s wives that breaks our hearts.
We see her transform from a young woman who falls in love with a firefighter to his wife of ten years with two children to care for. We are taken into her world of fear, pain, and pride in her husband. It’s a world that most of us shudder to imagine.
Seeing the progression of Jack Morrison’s life is awe-inspiring. As we get to know his dreams, fears, and hopes, we become more invested in his situation. The central question of the plot remains: Will his company find him in time to save his life and bring him back to his wife and kids?
Ladder 49 is a moving tribute to the lives of the firefighters who endanger their lives daily to keep us safe.
From the lighthearted roughhousing in the firehouse to the heartpounding fear of a raging fire, this movie is a realistic and endearing look at the everyday heroes around us. It’s an emotional reminder to give thanks to those who put themselves in harm’s way so that we don’t have to.
