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Parents' Guide to

John Q

By Afsheen Nomai, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Thought-provoking. Too intense for young teens.

Movie PG-13 2002 116 minutes
John Q Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 4 parent reviews

BARDAN
BARDAN Adult
October 27, 2020
age 12+
cinnagurl
cinnagurl Adult
October 13, 2017
age 15+

Speaks Volumes

I think a film like this is very important to look at when it comes to American healthcare. The fact this film is fairly realistic is sad. There are many people who die in this country because they do not have the money. Keep in mind, also, that this movie was made in 2002. Pre-obamacare. Next time you complain about obamacare, think of this film. There were many things mentioned in this movie that obamacare eliminated. When is America going to finally wake up and realize how much we need universal healthcare? This movie was great and very thought provoking. I think we all can agree that is not right to let a child die because they simply cannot pay for it. It breaks my heart to watch this movie and think, if this family was real, and they were in a different country, everything would be just fine. His father would not have to go to extreme measures. No money involved. The American healthcare system is sick and inhumane, and this movie is reminder of that.
See all 4 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (4 ):
Kids say (9 ):

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 actors
  • Studio: New Line
  • Genre: Drama
  • Run time: 116 minutes
  • MPAA rating: PG-13
  • MPAA explanation: violence, language and intense thematic elements
  • Last updated: April 4, 2023

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