The Trial of the Chicago 7
The Trial of the Chicago 7

Movie spotlight

The Trial of the Chicago 7

2020
Movie
130 min
English

What was supposed to be a peaceful protest turned into a violent clash with the police. What followed was one of the most notorious trials in history.

Insights

IMDb7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes89%
Metacritic77/100
Google Users93%
Director: Aaron SorkinGenres: Drama, History, Biography, Crime

Plot Summary

In 1968, seven defendants are charged by the federal government with conspiracy and crossing state lines with the intent to incite a riot at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. What was intended as a peaceful protest against the Vietnam War quickly devolved into a violent clash with police and the National Guard. The trial that followed became a spectacle, exposing the deep divisions in American society and becoming a watershed moment in political protest.

Critical Reception

The Trial of the Chicago 7 was widely acclaimed by critics for its sharp writing, strong performances, and relevant themes. Reviewers praised Aaron Sorkin's direction and screenplay, noting its ability to balance historical drama with contemporary resonance. The ensemble cast received particular commendation for their compelling portrayals. Audiences also responded positively, appreciating the film's powerful narrative and its examination of justice and activism.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praise for Aaron Sorkin's sharp, timely screenplay and directorial vision.

  • Acclaim for the powerful ensemble cast and their compelling performances.

  • Appreciation for the film's exploration of political protest and the justice system.

Google audience: Audiences lauded the film's intelligent script, gripping historical narrative, and the outstanding performances from its entire cast. Many viewers found the movie to be both historically significant and remarkably relevant to contemporary social issues, making it a thought-provoking and engaging watch.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Sacha Baron Cohen), and Best Original Screenplay. Won a Golden Globe for Best Screenplay.

Fun Fact

The film utilized actual archival footage of the real Chicago Seven trial, seamlessly integrating it with the dramatized scenes to enhance historical accuracy.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

5 reviews
badelf

badelf

Watching "The Trial of the Chicago 7" was difficult, not just because it depicts such a profound miscarriage of justice, but because these were my contemporaries. I wasn't in Chicago, but I was in Washington later, chased with tear gas. Thi...

r96sk

r96sk

Very well made, up until that ending anyway. It's not a bad conclusion, but man is it cringe-inducing. It seems they were going for an end to match <em>'A Few Good Men'</em>, which was also written by Aaron Sorkin of course. From the ove...

Arshia Borjali

Arshia Borjali

It is important for a film to say what it wants to say correctly and to somehow overcome its claim. "The Trial of the Chicago 7" is one of these films. A coherent narrative with a perfectly acceptable script and no extra glamor. Adapting in...

sykobanana

sykobanana

Sacha Baron Cohen has now delivered my 2 favourite & memorable characters of the year in the same fortnight. This movie is a strange incongruence. It inspired/engaged/enraged me at the same time as it made me feel flat. It could have...

Manuel São Bento

Manuel São Bento

If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free reviews, please follow my blog @ https://www.msbreviews.com Aaron Sorkin has been around for quite some time. A Few Good Men, Moneyball, Steve Jobs, and arguably one of the best movies of the last de...