A Civil Action (1998) Review in 2025
A civil action is a drama film that tells the story of a lawyer who takes on a big corporation in a small town, fighting for justice and exposing the truth.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to mature themes and some strong language.
CineReview Recommendation
A Civil Action is a gripping drama that explores the complexities of a real-life case. It's a well-made film with excellent performances, but it may not be to everyone's taste due to its mature themes and slow pace.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film is based on a true story and follows the real-life case of Woburn, Massachusetts, where a lawyer named Jan Schlichtmann takes on the W.R. Grace Company, a chemical manufacturer, for contaminating the town's water supply and causing numerous health problems. The film is a gripping drama that explores the complexities of the case and the personal struggles of the lawyer and his clients.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-researched, based on a true event. The film takes its time to develop the characters and the plot, which makes it feel more realistic.
acting8.00/10
The acting is excellent, especially John Travolta and Robert Duvall. The supporting cast is also good, but some actors feel a bit miscast.
characters7.50/10
The characters are well-developed, especially the lawyer Jan Schlichtmann, played by John Travolta. The supporting cast is also good, but some characters feel a bit one-dimensional.
direction8.50/10
The direction is excellent, with a clear vision and a good pace. The film is well-structured and keeps the viewer engaged.
cinematography7.00/10
The cinematography is good, but not outstanding. The film's visuals are clear and well-lit, but some scenes feel a bit static.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's engaging story, well-developed characters, and excellent direction make it a compelling watch. The performances are also top-notch, especially John Travolta and Robert Duvall.
Cons
The film's slow pace and some strong language may not be to everyone's taste. Some characters feel a bit one-dimensional, and the cinematography is not outstanding.
Notable Quotes
"The truth is, the truth is, the truth is."
"You can't have a million-dollar dream with a minimum-wage work ethic."
