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      A Civil Action

      PG-13 Released Jan 8, 1998 1 hr. 52 min. Drama List
      64% 72 Reviews Tomatometer 55% 10,000+ Ratings Audience Score In this legal thriller based on a true story, John Travolta stars as Jan Schlichtmann, a tenacious personal-injury attorney whose fierce determination entangles him in a case that threatens to destroy him. The case -- which appears straight forward -- instead evolves into a labyrinthine lawsuit of vast dimensions, in the intelligent, fast-paced drama, "A Civil Action." Read More Read Less Watch on Fandango at Home Premiered Apr 16 Buy Now

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      A Civil Action

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      Critics Consensus

      Intelligent and unconventional.

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      Audience Reviews

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      Marcus T An interesting premise and filled with tension, but ultimately unfulfilling after the long drawn out legal battle. Travolta's character loses his bearings getting so caught up in the case that common sense goes out the window. Good performances by the cast. Robert Duvall was stellar as usual. Being based on a true story makes it more compelling. A variation on the theme of might makes right. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 04/04/24 Full Review Dustyn H The movie is very well done given the contextual factors the movie is set in. It's a very well done non-fiction piece, and it absolutely does capture the realities of civil law. Being based on a true story, the movie covers very real problems that potential plaintiffs are faced with, and it captures these facts well. This movie was made for those who appreciate the drama of the courtroom, and the implications of money in civil law. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 10/28/22 Full Review William T I loved this movie and I think Travolta and Duval were excellent. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/27/21 Full Review Joel C With the right material Travolta definitely is capable of shining, and he does a good job in this film. His character becomes a little obsessed with his new civil rights case and gets tunnel vision trying to get justice for a small town while going up against a huge law firm, during which he loses everything he owns as well as dragging his business partners along with him. But, he's making these sacrifices for a good reason. Good film. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 04/14/21 Full Review Audience Member Required reading for Civil Procedure in law school. This is a good movie. I wish such results were more often rendered. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/12/23 Full Review steve d There are too many stories just like it and the script did nothing to rise above some of the others. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      A Civil Action

      Judge Skinner (John Lithgow, right), Jan Schlichtmann (John Travolta) and his partner Bill Crowley (Zeljko Ivanek, second from right) face litigator Jerome Facher (Robert Duvall, second from left). "A Civil Action" also stars (left to right) Tony Shaloub, Zeljko Ivanek, Mary Mara and William H. Macy. View more photos

      Critics Reviews

      View All (72) Critics Reviews
      Joe Morgenstern Wall Street Journal There's much to enjoy in A Civil Action. Apr 2, 2019 Full Review Richard Schickel TIME Magazine A richly acted - see especially Robert Duvall's dreamy-fox opposition lawyer - subtly suspenseful, blessedly unmoralizing morality play. Apr 1, 2019 Full Review Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly Rated: C+ Sep 7, 2011 Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews ...engaging subject matter that’s employed to deliberate yet mostly compelling effect... Rated: 3/4 Jan 3, 2024 Full Review Common Sense Media Editors Common Sense Media Brilliantly understated performances, flashes of wit and a heartbreaking true story aren't quite enough to make this movie memorable. Rated: 3/5 Dec 14, 2022 Full Review Catherine Springer CathsFilmForum.com A wonderful ride but an ultimately unfulfilling destination. Rated: 3/5 Jul 26, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis In this legal thriller based on a true story, John Travolta stars as Jan Schlichtmann, a tenacious personal-injury attorney whose fierce determination entangles him in a case that threatens to destroy him. The case -- which appears straight forward -- instead evolves into a labyrinthine lawsuit of vast dimensions, in the intelligent, fast-paced drama, "A Civil Action."
      Director
      Steven Zaillian
      Executive Producer
      Steven Zaillian, David Wisnievitz
      Screenwriter
      Jonathan Harr, Steven Zaillian
      Distributor
      Buena Vista Pictures
      Production Co
      Touchstone Pictures, Wildwood Enterprises, Paramount Pictures
      Rating
      PG-13 (Some Strong Language)
      Genre
      Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Jan 8, 1998, Wide
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Feb 1, 2016
      Box Office (Gross USA)
      $56.7M
      Sound Mix
      Dolby SR, DTS, SDDS, Surround, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
      Aspect Ratio
      Flat (1.85:1)
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