John Quincy Archibald is a father and husband whose son is diagnosed with an enlarged heart and then finds out he cannot receive a transplant because HMO insurance will not cover it. Therefore, he decides to take a hospital full of patients hostage until the hospital puts his son's name on the donor's list.

Denzel Washingtonas John Quincy Archibald
James Woodsas Dr. Raymond Turner
Kimberly Eliseas Denise Archibald
Robert Duvallas Lt. Frank Grimes
Shawn Hatosyas Mitch Quigley
Eddie Griffinas Lester Matthews
Kevin Connollyas Steve Maguire
Ethan Supleeas Guard Max Conlin
Ray Liottaas Chief Gus Monroe
Anne Hecheas Rebecca Payne
Rogier Stoffers