A Civil Action

A Civil Action

Year: 1998

Runtime: 115 min

Language: English

Director: Steven Zaillian

Drama

Tenacious lawyer Jan Schlichtmann, played by John Travolta, becomes entangled in a seemingly straightforward personal-injury case that spirals out of control, threatening to destroy him. As he delves deeper into the complex lawsuit, Schlichtmann's determination is tested by the labyrinthine nature of the legal battle, revealing dark secrets and uncovering a web of deceit in this gripping drama.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen A Civil Action yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – A Civil Action (1998)
Explore the full timeline and setting of A Civil Action (1998). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Woburn, Massachusetts

Woburn, Massachusetts, is a city with a rich history that became the focal point of a significant environmental crisis. Known for its suburban charm, the town's tranquility was shattered when toxic chemicals contaminated the local water supply, affecting the health of its residents, particularly children. This dire situation led to a high-profile legal battle addressing corporate accountability for the environmental disaster.

🏙️ City 🚰 Water Supply ⚖️ Legal Battle

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:50

Main Characters – A Civil Action (1998)
Meet the key characters of A Civil Action (1998), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jan Schlichtmann (John Travolta)

Jan Schlichtmann is a confident and ambitious Boston lawyer who is initially motivated by financial gain. However, as he delves deeper into the case, he transforms into a relentless advocate for justice, willing to risk his career and financial stability for the sake of the victims. His character embodies resilience in the face of adversity and highlights the ethical dilemmas lawyers encounter.

👨‍⚖️ Lawyer 🏆 Ambitious 💼 Advocate

Anne Anderson (Kathleen Quinlan)

Anne Anderson is a heartbroken mother who loses her son to leukemia, serving as the emotional catalyst for the legal battle. Her compelling story leads Jan Schlichtmann to become invested in a case that he initially viewed as a financial opportunity. Anne's character represents the human side of the tragedy, showcasing the profound impact of environmental issues on families.

👩‍👦 Mother 😢 Grief 💔 Advocacy

Jerry Facher (Robert Duvall)

Jerry Facher is a seasoned defense attorney representing the corporations involved in the environmental scandal. He is portrayed as a formidable opponent who employs tactical legal strategies to undermine the plaintiffs' case. Facher epitomizes the challenges faced by the protagonist, demonstrating the intricacies of litigation and the lengths to which corporations will go to protect their interests.

👨‍⚖️ Defense Lawyer 💼 Tactical ⚔️ Antagonist

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:50

Major Themes – A Civil Action (1998)
Explore the central themes of A Civil Action (1998), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice permeates the narrative as the protagonist, Jan Schlichtmann, embarks on a quest to hold powerful corporations accountable for their negligence. The struggle against formidable opponents highlights the complexities and moral dilemmas faced by those seeking justice for the harmed community. Ultimately, it reflects the broader societal fight for accountability and environmental protection.

🌊 Environmental Responsibility

Environmental responsibility is a central theme of the film as it delves into the consequences of corporate actions on the community's health. The contamination of Woburn’s water supply serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding natural resources and the dire need for accountability in environmental issues. The narrative promotes awareness about the long-term effects of pollution and the necessity for reform.

💔 Loss

Loss manifests in multiple ways within the film, primarily through the tragic illness and death of local children due to leukemia. This overwhelming grief drives the character of Anne Anderson to seek justice for her son, while Jan's personal and professional losses escalate as the legal battle takes a toll on him. The theme poignantly illustrates the human cost of environmental neglect.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:50

Similar Movies to A Civil Action
Discover movies like A Civil Action that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.