A Civil Action
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.
Critics Sentiment
Jan and Facher engage in intense legal sparring in federal court
Jan ends up alone and bankrupt in a small apartment
The film peaks during the courtroom battles between Travolta and Duvall, then steadily declines through Jan's stubborn rejection of settlement offers to his ultimate financial and professional ruin.
The film starts strong with an engaging setup and builds to excellent courtroom drama featuring standout performances from Travolta and Duvall. However, critics noted the pacing suffers in the final act as Jan's downfall plays out, though the realistic ending where justice doesn't prevail in court was appreciated. Overall, reviewers found it a solid legal drama elevated by strong performances but hampered by uneven pacing and character development issues.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 61
John Travolta
Jan Schlichtmann
Robert Duvall
Jerome Facher
Tony Shalhoub
Kevin Conway
William H. Macy
James Gordon
Željko Ivanek
Bill Crowley
Bruce Norris
William Cheeseman
John Lithgow
Judge Walter J. Skinner
Kathleen Quinlan
Anne Anderson
Peter Jacobson
Neil Jacobs
Mary Mara
Kathy Boyer
James Gandolfini
Al Love
Stephen Fry
Pinder
Denise Dowse
Judge Constance Mullen
Dan Hedaya
John Riley
David Thornton
Richard Aufiero
Sydney Pollack
Al Eustis
Ned Eisenberg
Uncle Pete
Margot Rose
Donna Robbins
Daniel von Bargen
Mr. Granger
Caroline Carrigan
Evelyn Love
Crew
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