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Erin Brockovich

Play trailer Poster for Erin Brockovich R Released Mar 17, 2000 2h 11m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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85% Tomatometer 153 Reviews 81% Popcornmeter 250,000+ Ratings
Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts) is a woman in a tight spot. Following a car accident in which Erin is not at fault, Erin pleads with her attorney Ed Masry (Albert Finney) to hire her at his law firm. Erin stumbles upon some medical records placed in real estate files. She convinces Ed to allow her to investigate, where she discovers a cover-up involving contaminated water in a local community which is causing devastating illnesses among its residents.
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Erin Brockovich

Erin Brockovich

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Critics Consensus

Taking full advantage of Julia Roberts's considerable talent and appeal, Erin Brockovich overcomes a few character and plot issues to deliver a smart, thoughtful, and funny legal drama.

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Critics Reviews

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Kevin Maher Times (UK) [Soderbergh] allowed Roberts off the leash, transforming her from a movie star into an Oscar-winning actress. Rated: 4/5 Mar 13, 2025 Full Review Jack Mathews New York Daily News In the title role, Roberts carries the film in the best sense, by taking us on a human journey of genuine discovery and growth. Feb 16, 2018 Full Review Nell Minow Common Sense Media Julia Roberts winner. R mostly for language. Rated: 4/5 Dec 24, 2010 Full Review Mike Massie Gone With The Twins Triumphant as a biographical and historical account (the real Brockovich suggests that the majority of the film is factual) of an exceptionally unexceptional woman accomplishing the seemingly impossible. Rated: 8/10 Nov 8, 2024 Full Review JD Duran InSession Film Steven Soderbergh is really great at taking characters in real-life settings, making them relatable and giving them some depth. Rated: A Aug 16, 2024 Full Review Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review Steven Soderbergh wields Julia Roberts’ star power to draw public attention to an environmental issue. It’s a shrewd tactic, but typical of the director using A-list actors to expose predatory corporate and capitalistic behaviors. Rated: 3/4 Jul 27, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Rob A An excellent legal drama based on the true story that I've seen multiple times. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/22/25 Full Review Audience Member I gotta say 25 years later this movie kicks so much butt Still one of Julia Roberts’ best roles and it made her an Oscar winner It’s actually one of Steven Soderberg’s earliest works thanks to accidental networking Roberts plays the real-life figure Erin who became a local hero for Hinkley, California after winning a nine figure settlement She’s divorced with 3 children, looking for a job, and has very little in her bank account Then she gets work at a paralegal firm and stumbles upon some files showing unusual evidence of medical issues of patients, real estate values, next to contaminated water treatment by companies specifically PG&E leaking toxic chemicals causing cancer, mutated cells, and respiratory problems The film becomes a modern day legal drama of David & Goliath as it were Erin Brockovich is tough as nails and hardcore using her sarcasm and honesty to the best of her ability Using her determination and struggle to help the townsfolk against a corrupt water company killing citizens is a force to be reckoned with A tough employee, a dedicated mother, and a stong advocate for the people pursuing justice fighting the system Not only does her character find the flaws in problems but also in people for the most part finally having a voice when she enters a room unlike before in her life it's kinda cool to see a young Aaron Eckhart too before his 'Two-Face' role, a kind scoundrel with a heart that adds to Erin’s personal life but also balances it along with her career ambition Albert Finney is a great supporting lead as well as her boss Ed I love the acting, the story, the subtle humor, the lighting, and the fresh energy This is the best of the early 2000's Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/18/25 Full Review Aleksandar D Steven Soderbergh’s Erin Brockovich is a sharp, engaging, and surprisingly heartfelt legal drama that proves truth is often more compelling than fiction. Roberts delivers a powerhouse performance as Erin, an unemployed single mother who stumbles into a job at a small law firm and takes on a massive corporate cover-up. Her sharp wit, relentless determination, and raw charisma make her a protagonist worth rooting for. Albert Finney provides the perfect foil as her exasperated yet supportive boss, and the two share fantastic chemistry. Soderbergh’s direction keeps the film visually interesting, elevating what could have been a dry legal drama with kinetic pacing and vibrant cinematography. The script balances legal complexities with human emotion, making the high-stakes case feel deeply personal. While it occasionally leans into formulaic storytelling, the sheer energy of the film keeps it engaging. Erin Brockovich is an empowering, entertaining, and surprisingly funny legal drama with real-world impact. Gripping, uplifting, and anchored by a stellar Julia Roberts. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/03/25 Full Review Grant H Julia Roberts in an Oscar winning performance of a true story of taking down a major corporation? Yes please. Growing up in California, we had our fair share of issues with PG&E. Love to see them lose! Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/03/25 Full Review Abhishek S Julia Roberts is just fabulous! Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/28/25 Full Review Shelley Ann V Fantastic redemption story, though money can't replace lost health and lost lives. Corporate scum proven guilty is always satisfying, especially when it's done by Julia Roberts, gorgeous in every scene, convincing and empathetic. PS There's even a bonus where she stands up to the demands of her man to put him first. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/09/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Erin Brockovich

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Movie Info

Synopsis Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts) is a woman in a tight spot. Following a car accident in which Erin is not at fault, Erin pleads with her attorney Ed Masry (Albert Finney) to hire her at his law firm. Erin stumbles upon some medical records placed in real estate files. She convinces Ed to allow her to investigate, where she discovers a cover-up involving contaminated water in a local community which is causing devastating illnesses among its residents.
Director
Steven Soderbergh
Producer
Danny DeVito, Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher
Screenwriter
Susannah Grant
Distributor
Columbia Tristar, Universal Pictures
Production Co
Jersey Films
Rating
R (Language)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Mar 17, 2000, Wide
Release Date (Streaming)
Feb 25, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA)
$125.5M
Runtime
2h 11m
Sound Mix
Surround, Dolby Digital, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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