| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | John Q (2002) |
| Director | Nick Cassavetes |
| Screenplay Writer | James Kearns |
| Based on Novel by | — (Original screenplay) |
| Lead Actors | Denzel Washington |
| Cast | Denzel Washington, Robert Duvall, James Woods, Anne Heche |
| Genre | Drama, Thriller |
| Release Date | February 15, 2002 (United States) |
| Duration | 1h 56m (116 minutes) |
| Budget | ~$36 million |
| Language | English |
| Country | United States |
| Box Office (Worldwide) | ~$102 million |
WATCH NOW
There comes a time when you see a film and it moves you so much that it could been written with all of your strongest beliefs in mind. Such is John Q starring Denzel Washington in one of his finest performances. John Q. Archibald is like any other man. He is a hardworking factory worker that has been caught in a national recession.
Not unlike these days. With things unraveling around him his strength is in his family. Loving wife Denise Archibald (played by Kimberly Elise), and a son any man could be proud of Mike Archibald (played by Daniel E. Smith). When his son, the thing that keeps him going, is diagnosed with a heart condition that will require immediate surgery his world is turned upside down. Daniel Smith playing as Mike Archibald does an excellent job portraying a son that has great potential ahead of him.
He conveys this strength across the screen very effectively. This film makes a strong case for a change in the health care system, as John is taken down one dead end street after another. Rebecca Payne (Anne Heche) holds the purse strings to the hospital, and ultimately the life of his son. When he is told that his son must be taken home, John goes into action. His solution is to take the hospital over. We get to know the hijackers victims over the course of the film, and learn some of their quirks. James Woods plays as Dr. Turner.
The lead doctor that would do the heart transplant if it was approved. He is not without compassion, but he doesn’t exactly have the fire that he might have had at one time. One thing about the film is the compassion that is shown by the medical staff that is on the front lines of action. Motivations between higher management, and everyday nurses are explored. It makes a good argument for human compassion vs. the bottom line.
John Q is filled with purpose, and determination in getting his son the things he needs to survive. He breaks the stereotype of black man being donators to the family makeup, and not participants in their childrens life. His greatest passion is his family. One of the great lines in the film goes something like this,”My son is going to bury me, not the other way around”. When these lines are spoken it reaches a depth that the film achieves on a regular basis. Napkins and visine might be recommended on this one
To watch more movies like John Q (2002) visit hurawatch
Also watch: