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Ratings

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IMDb rating
6.6
Critic rating Average critic rating
6.0

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Cast & Crew

Steven Zaillian
Director
Stephen Fry
As Pinder
Harry Dean Stanton
As Land Watcher (uncredited)
Robert Duvall
As Jerome Facher
William H. Macy
As James Gordon
John Lithgow
As Judge Walter J. Skinner
Sydney Pollack
As Al Eustis
Kathy Bates
As Bankruptcy Judge (uncredited)

Frequently asked questions

What is A Civil Action about? Toggle content

A Civil Action is a gripping drama about a personal injury lawyer, Jan Schlichtmann, who takes on a seemingly unprofitable case involving environmental toxicants in Woburn, Massachusetts. Against all odds, Jan decides to pursue the case, which becomes his obsession, putting his career, reputation, and personal life at risk. He represents families who demand justice and compensation from two giant corporations, Beatrice Foods and W. R. Grace and Company. The case takes a toll on Jan and his partners, both financially and emotionally, as they face intimidation and setbacks. Despite the challenges, Jan refuses to settle for anything less than victory, even when offered a substantial sum. In the end, the jury returns a verdict in favor of Beatrice, leaving Jan broke and his partners dissolving their partnership. However, the case paves the way for the EPA to take action against the corporations, resulting in millions being spent on cleaning up the contaminated land and water. The film boasts an all-star cast, including John Travolta as Jan Schlichtmann and Kathy Bates in an uncredited cameo as the judge overseeing Jan's bankruptcy hearing. It is a powerful tale of conviction and the pursuit of justice that will keep you on edge until the very end

Where can I stream A Civil Action? Toggle content

You can stream A Civil Action on: Apple TV Amazon Store Fandango at Home

What movies are similar to A Civil Action? Toggle content

Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as A Civil Action include Good Will Hunting, The Shawshank Redemption, Fight Club, Boogie Nights, American History X, Remember the Titans.

When was A Civil Action released in theaters? Toggle content

A Civil Action was released in theaters on December 25, 1998.