The Man Who Sued God

The Man Who Sued God

Year: 2001

Runtime: 97 mins

Language: English

Director: Mark Joffe

ComedyRelationship comedyCrude humor and satireLaugh-out-loud relationship entanglementsAmusing jokes and witty satire

After losing his law practice, a disgruntled attorney turns to fishing. When his sole vessel is struck by lightning and destroyed, the insurer refuses payment, calling it an “act of God.” Determined, he re‑qualifies as a lawyer and sues the insurance company, naming the Church as God’s representative.

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Timeline & Setting – The Man Who Sued God (2001)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Man Who Sued God (2001). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Australia, Perth

Set in contemporary Australia, the story centers on a coastal town where Steve runs a small fishing boat and where courtroom battles unfold. The plot moves between the fishermen’s world and the urban legal system, reflecting regional life and national institutions. The possibility of moving to Perth hints at how personal upheaval intersects with the broader, high-stakes dispute.

🏖️ Coastal Australia ⚖️ Legal drama 🗞️ Media spotlight

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 14:34

Main Characters – The Man Who Sued God (2001)

Meet the key characters of The Man Who Sued God (2001), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Steve Myers (Billy Connolly)

A disillusioned lawyer who quits the practice to become a fisherman, Steve is both stubborn and principled. He challenges the system’s willingness to deny liability, set on proving that the destruction of his boat was a genuine act of God. His dedication to his family and his sense of justice drive him through a harsh, public ordeal.

🎭 ⚖️ 🧭

Anna Redmond (Judy Davis)

An investigative journalist who helps propel Steve’s case into the public eye. She faces professional criticism as the story is framed as a publicity stunt, yet her reporting remains a catalyst for reform and accountability. Her partnership with Steve exposes media ethics and sensationalism.

🗞️ 🕵️ 🎤

Jules Myers (Wendy Hughes)

Steve's ex-wife, financially strained as the boat’s guarantor, whose life is affected by the case and media scrutiny. She embodies the collateral damage of public trials on families. Her stance reflects concern for safety and stability in the face of ongoing legal battles.

💔 👪 💰

Judge Bonaface (Tim Robertson)

The judge presiding over the case, balancing legal rigor with the broader moral questions raised by the dispute. He is tasked with navigating complex arguments about liability, faith, and the role of insurers. His rulings anchor the courtroom drama and the film’s moral arguments.

⚖️ 🏛️ 👨‍⚖️

Cardinal (Vincent Ball)

A representative figure for religious authority who appears as part of the broader conflict between faith and the law. The Cardinal embodies the organized religious response to the lawsuit and its implications for belief and community.

⛪ 🤝 🧭

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 14:34

Major Themes – The Man Who Sued God (2001)

Explore the central themes of The Man Who Sued God (2001), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice vs Faith

The film questions whether the legal system can define or limit belief, as Steve challenges the notion of an 'act of God' by holding religious institutions to account. It contrasts secular law with religious perspectives, highlighting how law and faith intersect and clash. The case becomes a test of truth, accountability, and moral responsibility beyond doctrinal boundaries.

📰 Media & Public Opinion

Anna Redmond's involvement shows how media can amplify a personal dispute into a national conversation. The coverage shapes public perception, influencing both support and backlash for Steve and the insurers. The story critiques sensationalism and explores how attention can affect families and legal outcomes.

💼 Corporate Power & Liability

The 'acts of God' clause reveals how insurance companies leverage technical terms to avoid responsibility. The film exposes tensions between profit-driven entities and individuals seeking fair compensation. It asks how corporate interests can influence, or complicate, justice and accountability.

Last Updated: October 03, 2025 at 14:34

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The Man Who Sued God Summary

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The Man Who Sued God Summary

The Man Who Sued God Timeline

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The Man Who Sued God Timeline

The Man Who Sued God Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Man Who Sued God Spoiler-Free Summary

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