6.6
Where can I stream A Civil Action legally?
You can rent or buy it from Apple TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
A Civil Action
1998·Movie
A Civil Action fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, light on feelings.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Adrenaline4
- Fast Pace4
Heart
Melancholic and moving
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Dark Humor3
- Cringe Humor2
World
Class and money, everyday modern life, and society
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
A Civil Action is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
LowMelancholic and moving
Emotionally, it's melancholic, moving, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Coming of Age3Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumClass and money, everyday modern life, and society
Its world is built around class and money, everyday modern life, and society.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Related traits
- Class & Capitalism9Wealth, power, and inequality.
- Contemporary Realism8Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Mystery6Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity7Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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About
Justice has its price.
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.
Legal DramaEnvironmental LitigationSocial JusticeObsessionMoral DilemmaBleak RealismClass and CapitalismCharacter-DrivenDavid vs. Goliath
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about A Civil Action
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is A Civil Action worth watching?
64
DecentGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 65/100 (IMDb 6.6, Rotten Tomatoes 65%, and Metacritic 68). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is A Civil Action rated?
PG-13
It's rated PG-13 in the United States.
How long is A Civil Action?
1 h 55 min
A Civil Action runs 1 h 55 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on A Civil Action?
Critics67
Audiences63
Yes. Critics average 67 and audiences 63 out of 100, so both groups see A Civil Action much the same way.
Was A Civil Action a box office hit?
Budget$70 million
Box office$57 million
No. It cost about $70 million to make and earned $57 million worldwide, 81% of its budget.
What language is A Civil Action in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch A Civil Action?
54
+40
+40GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for A Civil Action in 54 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does A Civil Action use?
Bittersweet EndingObfuscating StupidityHeel–Face TurnBunny-Ears LawyerDavid Versus GoliathThe Bad Guy WinsPunch-Clock VillainThe Generic GuyWorth ItThat Was ObjectionableOn the MoneyHonor Before Reasonand 18 more
TV Tropes lists 30 storytelling tropes for A Civil Action, including Bittersweet Ending, Obfuscating Stupidity, Heel–Face Turn.