The Client

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The Client

PG-13

1994

2h 0m

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

77%

Tomatometer

39 Reviews

68%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Fast-paced thriller, based on the John Grisham bestseller, about a boy whose life is endangered after he stumbles across vital information about a politician's murder. His lawyer is the only person offering protection from the unwanted attentions of the Mob and the FBI - but is she capable of saving his life?

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Critics Consensus

The Client may not reinvent the tenets of the legal drama, but Joel Schumacher's sturdy directorial hand and a high-caliber cast bring John Grisham's page-turner to life with engrossing suspense.

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Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

Aug 16, 2017

1.5/5

You know, there are more exciting trials on free TV.

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Geoff Andrew

Time Out

Feb 9, 2006

Slick, solid and saddled throughout with hackneyed motivation and implausible moments, Schumacher's film is both the best adaptation of a John Grisham novel to date, and a surprisingly suspenseful slice of escapist entertainment.

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Janet Maslin

New York Times

May 20, 2003

As for Mr. Jones, he's just irresistible. In a smaller but still commanding role that loosely recalls his performance in The Fugitive, his coiled-cobra gaze and that smart, steely delivery remain in perfect form

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Grant Watson

Fiction Machine

Apr 21, 2026

5/10

The film as a whole reverts from decent to mediocre, and a lot of time, effort, and talent is wasted in the process.

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Jaylan Salah

InSession Film

Jul 25, 2024

A-

A film like that means nothing without its main protagonist and no, that’s not Jones as a sleaze-ball, slick-style, pompous, Bible-quoting US attorney named Reverend Roy Foltrigg. It’s Sarandon as the down-on-her-luck hero of this journey.

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Quentin Crisp

Christopher Street

Apr 4, 2022

The film is hideously colored. The mere look of it sets the mood. It only gets darker as danger increases, and everyone becomes more deliciously beastly. I loved every minute of it.

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shane O

@Shanes_DVD_Shack Jun 15, 2026

Classic 90’s crime thriller. The acting holds it together it’s a good watch. Good chemistry between the lead actors.

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Evelyn X

@yiyi1111 May 6, 2026

The story follows a young boy who accidentally witnesses a Mafia suicide and learns a dangerous secret. He finds an attorney willing to take his case—perhaps as a way to find the redemption she seeks for her own children. Reggie is incredibly brave and professional; she is a fierce protector who does everything in her power to ensure the boy’s safety and defense. Beyond the legal battle, the heart of the film lies in their connection, trust, and growing affection. The most moving moment is when she gives Mark her compass, symbolizing her role in guiding him through his darkest hour and helping him find his way.

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James L

@Jimmy065 Jan 12, 2026

Started off o.k, but then went a bit stupid. Watchable, but not great.

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Sharang L

@Scribe187 Dec 19, 2025

Falls short of the book's achievements. Still, a competent legal drama with a very likeable Sarandon performance.

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Mo S.

@9mr_0 Dec 11, 2025

فلم حلو وقصه حلوه واخراج رائع

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victor w

@RT03643624 Dec 3, 2025

Silly. Notching more to say.

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Joel Schumacher

Director

Susan Sarandon

Regina "Reggie" Love

Tommy Lee Jones

"Reverend" Roy Foltrigg

Mary-Louise Parker

Dianne Sway

Anthony LaPaglia

Barry "The Blade" Muldano

Anthony Edwards

Clint Von Hooser

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Synopsis

Fast-paced thriller, based on the John Grisham bestseller, about a boy whose life is endangered after he stumbles across vital information about a politician's murder. His lawyer is the only person offering protection from the unwanted attentions of the Mob and the FBI - but is she capable of saving his life?

Director: Joel Schumacher
Producer: Arnon Milchan, Steven Reuther
Screenwriter: John Grisham, Akiva Goldsman, Robert Getchell
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Warner Bros., Regency Enterprises, Alcor Films
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 20, 1994, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): May 13, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $90.8M
Runtime: 2h 0m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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