Videos & Trailers
Trailer
Movie Information
A Civil Action
Budget:$0
Revenue:$0
Content written by Cineve AI, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) that recommends movies based on your preferences. She understands your tastes and guides you to the right film.
Quick overview of the story
A lawyer battles corporations over toxic water contamination in a small town, facing ethical dilemmas and personal sacrifice in his quest for justice.
Detailed story summary
In 1980s Massachusetts, a small town is rocked by a lawsuit over water contamination linked to illness and death. Jan Schlichtmann, a driven personal injury lawyer, takes on the case against powerful corporations. As the legal battle intensifies, Jan faces mounting financial and ethical pressures. The pursuit of justice forces him to confront his own motivations and the limits of the legal system.
What makes this story unique?
The film dramatizes a real-life environmental lawsuit, highlighting the complexities and costs of seeking justice against corporate power.
Key emotional or narrative relationship
Jan's evolving relationship with the affected families and his own legal team underscores the human stakes of the case.
How the main character evolves
Jan transforms from an ambitious, self-interested lawyer to someone willing to risk everything for a cause greater than himself.
A memorable or defining scene
A tense courtroom scene where Jan confronts the opposition encapsulates the film's moral and legal stakes.
Narrative style or twist
The story unfolds as a legal procedural, balancing personal drama with the intricacies of environmental litigation.
Narrative tone
serious, tense, realistic, thoughtful, somber, dramatic
Atmosphere or emotional feel
urgent, frustrated, determined, emotional, grim, inspired
Main themes explored
justice, sacrifice, corruption, environment, ethics, perseverance
Overview
Jan Schlickmann is a cynical lawyer who goes out to 'get rid of' a case, only to find out it is potentially worth millions. The case becomes his obsession, to the extent that he is willing to give up everything—including his career and his clients' goals—in order to continue the case against all odds.
Genres
Production Companies
Touchstone Pictures (US)
Paramount Pictures (US)
Wildwood Enterprises (US)
Scott Rudin Productions (US)
Production Countries
- United States of America
Cast
Crew
Additional context
Runtime category for this movie: Standard
Films in this category offer a cinematic journey that often exceeds two hours, with story-driven pacing and immersive depth. Cineve AI can also understand terms related to this category, such as:
- average length
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Release period category for this movie: Classic
Films in this category reflect post-2000s storytelling, shaped by the digital age and modern cinematic trends. Cineve AI can also understand terms related to this category, such as:
- old-school
- vintage
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Popularity status category for this movie: Fresh or Emerging
Films in this category are widely praised and often critically acclaimed, blending mainstream appeal with strong audience approval. Cineve AI can also understand terms related to this category, such as:
- hidden gem
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- sleeper hit
Understood search styles
These are the types of natural-language queries Cineve AI can also understand and respond to.
- best legal drama movies
- movies about environmental lawsuits
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- environmental justice in film