Common Sense Media Review
Thought-provoking. Too intense for young teens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
John Q
What's the Story?
When John (Denzel Washington) and Denise's (Kimberly Elise) son Mike (Daniel E. Smith) is diagnosed with a fatal heart condition, the parents are put in a tight spot. As working class parents, their health care will not cover the cost of the necessary transplant operation. So they do all they can to raise the $250,000 needed to save their son's life. But when the hospital decides to discharge Mike, John decides to take matters into his own hands. So he holds an emergency room hostage, his ransom being to get his son on the donor list for a heart transplant.
Is It Any Good?
While predictable, JOHN Q is gripping on a number of accounts. For one, the current state of the health care system is put on trial in this film. Make no mistake, this film is social commentary. And the message it states is loud and clear. Despite its preachiness, John Q is entertaining and features an especially fine performance by Washington, whose portrayal of a father's desperation is very palpable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about John's actions. Are they justifiable? This film presents a perfect opportunity to talk about the status of the health care system in the United States. Is the current system fair? Should medical care be tied to ones ability to pay for it? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 15, 2002
- On DVD or streaming : July 16, 2002
- Cast : Denzel Washington , James Woods , Robert Duvall
- Director : Nick Cassavetes
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : New Line
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 116 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, language and intense thematic elements
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : January 28, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate