A Civil Action

A Civil Action

Year: 1998

Runtime: 115 min

Language: English

Director: Steven Zaillian

Budget: $75M

Drama

A determined lawyer finds himself in a legal battle that becomes increasingly complex and personally devastating. Jan Schlichtmann takes on what appears to be a simple personal-injury case but soon discovers a web of corporate deceit and hidden dangers. The relentless pursuit of justice tests his resolve and threatens to consume him as he confronts powerful adversaries and unravels dark secrets within the case.

A Civil Action (1998) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the quiet New England town of Woburn, the everyday rhythm is tinged with an unseen menace that has begun to seep into the very water families rely on. The community’s close‑knit character clashes with a growing sense of unease, and the town’s simple façade hints at deeper, more troubling currents. A lingering dread hangs in the air, suggesting that what seems ordinary may be anything but.

Enter Jan Schlichtmann, a Boston attorney whose confidence borders on bravado. He runs a modest but fiercely loyal personal‑injury practice, and his sharp legal mind is matched only by his restless ambition. Within his tight‑knit team, camaraderie and competition intermingle, shaping a workplace where wit and determination are as essential as case files. Jan’s reputation for clever maneuvering and his willingness to gamble on unconventional strategies set the stage for a battle that promises to test every facet of his professional resolve.

When Anne Anderson appears on the radio, pleading for help on behalf of her ailing child, the plea cuts through the town’s quiet desperation. Her story becomes the catalyst that pulls Jan into a case that feels both personal and monumental. The lawyer’s instinct tells him that the stakes extend far beyond a simple compensation claim, hinting at an undercurrent of corporate influence and hidden danger that will challenge his ideals and his firm’s survival.

The film’s tone marries procedural tension with an atmospheric, almost claustrophobic, sense of moral urgency. As Jan navigates the labyrinth of legal obstacles, scientific complexities, and the weight of community expectations, the story promises an engrossing portrait of a man whose pursuit of justice may cost him everything. The mood is sober yet charged, inviting viewers to contemplate the price of truth in a world where power often eclipses the vulnerable.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 12:58

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Movies about obsessive pursuits like A Civil Action

When a single-minded quest for justice or truth threatens to consume the protagonist.If you were captivated by the relentless drive and personal sacrifice in A Civil Action, explore more movies where individuals become consumed by a high-stakes quest. These similar legal and corporate dramas feature protagonists whose fight for justice comes at devastating personal cost.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a protagonist who enters a conflict with clear conviction, only to have the battle grow in complexity and personal stakes. As they invest more resources and identity into the fight, the pressure mounts, leading to significant personal and professional losses. The journey is often a cautionary tale about the cost of obsession, sometimes ending with a pyrrhic victory or a bittersweet resolution.

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These films are grouped by their focus on a central, obsessive character arc set against a high-stakes conflict. They share a tense, draining tone, a steady, methodical pacing that builds pressure, and a heavy emotional weight derived from the protagonist's sacrifices.

Morally complex corporate battle movies like A Civil Action

Stories of systemic injustice where individuals challenge faceless corporations.For viewers who liked the corporate malfeasance and environmental disaster themes of A Civil Action, this list features similar movies about challenging powerful institutions. Discover more tense dramas where characters fight complex legal and ethical battles against systemic injustice.

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Narrative Summary

The plot typically involves the discovery of a hidden danger or injustice (like pollution or fraud) caused by a large organization. The protagonist must navigate a labyrinth of legal and bureaucratic obstacles, often facing intimidation and resource disparity. The narrative explores themes of greed, accountability, and the moral conflict between doing what is right and what is easy, frequently culminating in a bittersweet or ambiguous outcome that reflects the difficulty of achieving true justice.

Why These Movies?

These films share a core thematic focus on challenging powerful, often corrupt, systems. They are united by a tense and sobering tone, complex narrative structures involving legal or investigative processes, and a heavy emotional weight stemming from the human cost of corporate actions.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in A Civil Action

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