John Q. - 2002
The movie "John Q." was released on February 15, 2002. It was directed by Nick Cassavetes and starred Denzel Washington in the lead role as John Quincy Archibald. The film received generally negative reviews from critics but was a commercial success, grossing $102 million on a $36 million budget.
The plot of the movie revolves around John Quincy Archibald, a factory worker in Chicago, whose nine-year-old son is in desperate need of a life-saving heart transplant. When he discovers that his medical insurance won't cover the costs of the surgery and alternative government aid is unavailable, John Q. takes a hospital emergency room hostage in a last-ditch attempt to save his child. The movie explores themes of desperation, healthcare, and the lengths a parent would go to save their child's life.
The film also features notable actors such as Robert Duvall as the hostage negotiator and Ray Liotta as the police chief. Despite the negative reviews, Denzel Washington's performance in the movie was praised.