A Civil Action

By Corrina Antrobus , based on child development research. How do we rate?

Moody courtroom drama shows a human side to the law.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that A Civil Action is a moral courtroom drama based on a historic legal case in which contaminated water was said to be causing leukemia in some young families in Massachusetts. The film stars John Travolta as personal injury lawyer Jan Schlichtmann, who himself goes on a moral journey as…

Why Age 13+?

Language is infrequent but includes "f--k," "s--t," "damn," and "God" used as an

One character occasionally smokes. Champagne is drunk after a victory. Wine bott

Emotional scenes when families recall the death of their children due to leukemi

Any Positive Content?

You can't always buy yourself out of guilt. There's no price tag on a decent, we

Personal injury lawyer Jan Schlichtmann finds himself on a moral journey, which

All characters are male and White apart from extras and three supporting roles w

Language

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Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

One character occasionally smokes. Champagne is drunk after a victory. Wine bottles appear on tables but are not opened or drunk.

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Violence & Scariness

Emotional scenes when families recall the death of their children due to leukemia. Heated arguments take place in offices and a character throws items around in a rage (but not at anyone).

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Positive Messages

You can't always buy yourself out of guilt. There's no price tag on a decent, well-meaning apology, acknowledging responsibility and validating people's feelings. There's also a strength in admitting defeat, but acknowledging the lessons within that journey. Even if the outcome isn't positive for you personally, if it provides others with peace, there's a victory to behold.

Positive Role Models

Personal injury lawyer Jan Schlichtmann finds himself on a moral journey, which sees him reevaluate what success means to him and how helping people is more than getting them paid off with money. As the movie slides from his hot-shot profile to small-time attorney, he actually gains more integrity and purpose than what he lost out on financially.

Diverse Representations

All characters are male and White apart from extras and three supporting roles who are women. One is the mother to one of the victims, and another who works in the office but has very few lines. One is a judge who appears only at the end.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that A Civil Action is a moral courtroom drama based on a historic legal case in which contaminated water was said to be causing leukemia in some young families in Massachusetts. The film stars John Travolta as personal injury lawyer Jan Schlichtmann, who himself goes on a moral journey as he learns to put the needs of his clients ahead of any personal financial incentives. There are emotional scenes, especially when families talk about losing children to cancer. Swearing is rare but does include "f--k" and "s--t." There is also occasional smoking and although there is some drinking, no drunkenness is depicted. The film is an adaptation of a 1995 non-fiction book of the same name and also stars Robert Duvall, William H. Macy, James Gandolfini, John Lithgow, Kathleen Quinlan, and Stephen Fry. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.