John Quincy Archibald takes a hospital emergency room hostage when his insurance won't cover his son's heart transplant.John Quincy Archibald takes a hospital emergency room hostage when his insurance won't cover his son's heart transplant.John Quincy Archibald takes a hospital emergency room hostage when his insurance won't cover his son's heart transplant.
- Awards
- 2 wins & 8 nominations total
Laura Harring
- Gina Palumbo
- (as Laura Elena Harring)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
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Featured reviews
A Very Human and Affecting Drama...
Denzel Washington continues to prove why he is one of the best actors in the business with his performance in JOHN Q, a moving, emotional, and tension-charged drama about a family man whose son needs a heart transplant; however, due to financial problems, his insurance won't cover the cost of getting his son on the donor list so John Q decides to take hostages in the hospital until someone arranges for his son to be on the donor list. Despite a preachy and simplistic screenplay, the intense direction and first-rate performances make this film work. I particularly loved Denzel's work here because this was a character unlike he had ever played before...Denzel usually played well-educated, intelligent lawyers and/or businessmen (with the obvious exception of TRAINING DAY), but here Denzel is playing an average Joe...a working stiff, struggling to pay bills and keep food on the table and a roof over his family's head who is driven to extreme measures to protect the family he cherishes so dearly. Washington gets strong support from Robert Duvall, solid as always as the hostage negotiator, James Woods as a wimpy surgeon, Anne Heche as an unsympathetic hospital administrator, and especially Kimberly Elise as John's wife. An emotional drama, wrought with tension, that will rivet you to the screen.
An important issue, although they got a number of things wrong.
"John Q" was the first movie with which I'm familiar that looked at the health care situation in this country. Too bad that it had so many inaccuracies. The plot of course has economically strapped John Quincy Archibald (Denzel Washington) taking a hospital hostage to demand medical treatment for his son.
But, like I said, they misrepresented a number of things too many to enumerate here. But this movie's strength is looking at the disastrous effects of letting insurance companies run our health care system. You just may want to move to Canada after seeing this (although I haven't moved there). Also starring Kimberly Elise, James Woods, Anne Heche, Robert Duvall, and Ray Liotta.
But, like I said, they misrepresented a number of things too many to enumerate here. But this movie's strength is looking at the disastrous effects of letting insurance companies run our health care system. You just may want to move to Canada after seeing this (although I haven't moved there). Also starring Kimberly Elise, James Woods, Anne Heche, Robert Duvall, and Ray Liotta.
Denzel Washington Rocks!
Denzel Wasington Rocks! And this fact, is once again proved, with his terrific act in 'John Q'. Though a decent film, it's flaws come up evidently, but Denzel manages to hold you till the end.
Denzel stars as John Quincy Archibald, a father and husband whose son is diagnosed with an enlarged heart and then finds out he cannot receive a transplant because HMO insurance will not cover it. Therefore, he decides to take a hospital full of patients hostage until the hospital puts his son's name on the recipient's list.
The Idea is interesting & challenging. The film begins with a class, as the writing holds you. But, in the second hour, especially, the writing gets lose and even the culmination isn't as good as one expects it to be. Nick Cassavetes directs this emotional story, with patience. Cinematography & Editing are fine.
Acting-Wise: As mentioned right from the beginning, Denzel rules the show. A performance so well-done, that it holds you, even when the writing falters. In the supporting cast, Bobby Duvall, James Woods & Kimberly Elise are efficient. Anne Heche & Ray Liotta are passable. Others lend support.
On the whole, 'John Q' is interesting in parts, but what really stands tall in this film, is it's lead-star's performance.
Denzel stars as John Quincy Archibald, a father and husband whose son is diagnosed with an enlarged heart and then finds out he cannot receive a transplant because HMO insurance will not cover it. Therefore, he decides to take a hospital full of patients hostage until the hospital puts his son's name on the recipient's list.
The Idea is interesting & challenging. The film begins with a class, as the writing holds you. But, in the second hour, especially, the writing gets lose and even the culmination isn't as good as one expects it to be. Nick Cassavetes directs this emotional story, with patience. Cinematography & Editing are fine.
Acting-Wise: As mentioned right from the beginning, Denzel rules the show. A performance so well-done, that it holds you, even when the writing falters. In the supporting cast, Bobby Duvall, James Woods & Kimberly Elise are efficient. Anne Heche & Ray Liotta are passable. Others lend support.
On the whole, 'John Q' is interesting in parts, but what really stands tall in this film, is it's lead-star's performance.
my notes
Great movie with an enthralling story and superb acting by denzel. his acting job was seriously amazing. so many intense and suspenseful scenes. they did a great job of making you root for him. so many heart-wrenching moments. there were also a couple of questionable parts and some cheesy/corny parts (about 3 viewings)
Money is greater than the sum of a human life
This is now the second film that I have watched which focuses on Americas health care, or lack of it, I live in the UK where all our citizens get free health care no matter what there circumstances are, What have we come to in this world if money is greater than the sum of a human life, America and it's people should be ashamed of themselves to ever let this situation happen. The film shows this situation up very well, The acting was first rate and the film in the end is a very worthy effort. Denzil Washington does a fine job of showing how we all would feel if we were thrust into a nightmare situation that meant you could loose your child simply because you don't have enough money to pay the rip of prices of the blood sucking health system.
Did you know
- TriviaThe scene where George W. Bush is speaking about health care while John and Denise are watching television, was also shot with footage of Al Gore, because the election winner had not yet been declared at the time of shooting.
- GoofsMichael talks to John Q while intubated. It is impossible for a person to talk in this state.
- Quotes
John Q. Archibald: [to Grimes, Monroe, and to the entire crowd cheering for him] I AM NOT GOING TO BURY MY SON! MY SON IS GOING TO BURY ME!
- ConnectionsFeatured in Siskel & Ebert: John Q/Maryam/Hart's War/Crossroads/Metropolis (2002)
- SoundtracksAve Maria
Written and arranged by Aaron Zigman
Performed by Ana María Martínez (as Ana Maria Martinez)
- How long is John Q?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Official sites
- Languages
- Also known as
- Fuga de Absolom
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $36,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $71,756,802
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $20,275,194
- Feb 17, 2002
- Gross worldwide
- $102,244,770
- Runtime
- 1h 56m(116 min)
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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