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The Trial of the Chicago 7

  • 20202020
  • RR
  • 2h 9m
IMDb RATING
7.7/10
171K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
1,418
137
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
What was intended to be a peaceful protest at the 1968 Democratic National Convention turned into a violent clash with police and the National Guard. The organizers of the protest-including Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden and Bobby Seale-were charged with conspiracy to incite a riot and the trial that followed was one of the most notorious in history.
Play trailer2:46
13 Videos
99+ Photos
  • Drama
  • History
  • Thriller

The story of 7 people on trial stemming from various charges surrounding the uprising at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.The story of 7 people on trial stemming from various charges surrounding the uprising at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.The story of 7 people on trial stemming from various charges surrounding the uprising at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.

IMDb RATING
7.7/10
171K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
1,418
137
  • Director
    • Aaron Sorkin
  • Writer
    • Aaron Sorkin
  • Stars
    • Eddie Redmayne
    • Alex Sharp
    • Sacha Baron Cohen
Top credits
  • Director
    • Aaron Sorkin
  • Writer
    • Aaron Sorkin
  • Stars
    • Eddie Redmayne
    • Alex Sharp
    • Sacha Baron Cohen
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 672User reviews
    • 303Critic reviews
    • 76Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 6 Oscars
      • 57 wins & 190 nominations total

    Videos13

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:46
    Official Trailer
    Official Teaser
    Trailer 1:27
    Official Teaser
    The Trial of the Chicago 7
    Trailer 2:58
    The Trial of the Chicago 7
    2021 Cinematography | Art of the Crew
    Clip 1:01
    2021 Cinematography | Art of the Crew
    A Guide to the Work of Aaron Sorkin
    Clip 5:24
    A Guide to the Work of Aaron Sorkin
    Lucille Ball's Lasting Legacy & Her Biopic Details
    Clip 4:15
    Lucille Ball's Lasting Legacy & Her Biopic Details
    Golden Globes 2021 Nominations to Know
    Clip 3:27
    Golden Globes 2021 Nominations to Know
    5 Reasons to Watch 'The Trial of the Chicago 7'
    Clip 3:21
    5 Reasons to Watch 'The Trial of the Chicago 7'
    The Most Anticipated Movies and TV Shows to Stream in October
    Clip 3:08
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    The Trial of the Chicago 7
    Clip 0:57
    The Trial of the Chicago 7
    The Trial of the Chicago 7
    Clip 0:54
    The Trial of the Chicago 7
    The Trial of the Chicago 7
    Clip 0:50
    The Trial of the Chicago 7

    Photos353

    Sacha Baron Cohen in The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
    Mark Rylance, Ben Shenkman, Eddie Redmayne, Alex Sharp, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
    Eddie Redmayne in The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
    The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
    The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
    The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
    The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
    The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
    The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
    The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
    The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)
    The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Eddie Redmayne
    Eddie Redmayne
    • Tom Haydenas Tom Hayden
    Alex Sharp
    Alex Sharp
    • Rennie Davisas Rennie Davis
    Sacha Baron Cohen
    Sacha Baron Cohen
    • Abbie Hoffmanas Abbie Hoffman
    Jeremy Strong
    Jeremy Strong
    • Jerry Rubinas Jerry Rubin
    John Carroll Lynch
    John Carroll Lynch
    • David Dellingeras David Dellinger
    Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
    Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
    • Bobby Sealeas Bobby Seale
    Mark Rylance
    Mark Rylance
    • William Kunstleras William Kunstler
    Joseph Gordon-Levitt
    Joseph Gordon-Levitt
    • Richard Schultzas Richard Schultz
    Ben Shenkman
    Ben Shenkman
    • Leonard Weinglassas Leonard Weinglass
    J.C. MacKenzie
    J.C. MacKenzie
    • Thomas Foranas Thomas Foran
    Frank Langella
    Frank Langella
    • Judge Julius Hoffmanas Judge Julius Hoffman
    Danny Flaherty
    Danny Flaherty
    • John Froinesas John Froines
    Noah Robbins
    Noah Robbins
    • Lee Weineras Lee Weiner
    John Doman
    John Doman
    • John Mitchellas John Mitchell
    Michael Keaton
    Michael Keaton
    • Ramsey Clarkas Ramsey Clark
    Kelvin Harrison Jr.
    Kelvin Harrison Jr.
    • Fred Hamptonas Fred Hampton
    Caitlin FitzGerald
    Caitlin FitzGerald
    • Agent Daphne O'Connoras Agent Daphne O'Connor
    Brady Jenness
    Brady Jenness
    • David Dellinger's Sonas David Dellinger's Son
    • Director
      • Aaron Sorkin
    • Writer
      • Aaron Sorkin
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
    • All cast & crew

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    Storyline

    Edit
    In Chicago 1968, the Democratic Party Convention was met with protests from activists like the moderate Students for a Democratic Society led by Tom Hayden and the militant Yippies led by Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin, which led to violent confrontations with the local authorities. As a result, seven of the accused ringleaders are arraigned on charges like Conspiracy by the hostile Nixon administration, including Bobby Seale of the Black Panthers who was not involved in the incident. What follows is an unfair trial presided by the belligerent Judge Hoffman (No relation) and prosecuted by a reluctant but duty-bound Richard Schultz. As their pro bono lawyers face such odds, Hayden and his fellows are frustrated by the Yippies' outrageous antics undermining their defense in defiance of the system even while Seale is denied a chance to defend himself his way. Along the way, the Chicago 7 clash in their political philosophies even as they learn they need each other in this fight. —Kenneth Chisholm (kchishol1970@gmail.com)
    • riot
    • protest march
    • political protest
    • protesting vietnam war
    • 1960s
    • 270 more
    • Plot summary
    • Plot synopsis
    • Taglines
      • In 1968, democracy refused to back down.
    • Genres
      • Drama
      • History
      • Thriller
    • Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
      • Rated R for language throughout, some violence, bloody images and drug use
    • Parents guide

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Sacha Baron Cohen admitted he was "terrified" of having to do an American accent for the film. He had used a few different variations of the accent before for comedic reasons, but never for a dramatic role. He knew the real Abbie Hoffman had a unique voice, having a Massachusetts accent but also having gone to school in California, and was worried he would "sound wrong". Aaron Sorkin had to reassure him that the role was "not an impersonation, but an interpretation", which Baron Cohen claimed did not help much.
    • Goofs
      At the protest concert before the riots, women are shown burning their bras. This never happened. Men burned their draft cards and women threw their bras in the trash. A journalist named Jon Katz incorrectly reported the bra-burning and the image has stuck in the memory of Americans ever since.
    • Quotes

      Judge Julius Hoffman: And the record should reflect, that defendant Hoffman and I are not related.

      Abbie Hoffman: [sarcastic] Father, no!

      Judge Julius Hoffman: [bangs his gavel] Mr. Hoffman, are you familiar with contempt of court?

      Abbie Hoffman: It's practically a religion for me, sir.

    • Connections
      Featured in The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Eddie Redmayne/Guy Raz/Lele Pons/Guaynaa (2020)
    • Soundtracks
      Truly, Truly, True
      Written by Wayne Carson Thompson (as Wayne Thompson)

      Performed by Jon And Robin (as Jon & Robin)

      Courtesy of Sundazed Music

    User reviews672

    Review
    Top review
    7/10
    Worth a Watch
    I don't really think there is a whole lot to say about this film, it was perfectly good.

    Is it the best thing Iv even seen? No. But it was good.

    I think the editing was pretty good. It was cohesive even though scenes were not always chronological. And it also clipped along pretty well. It was surprisingly tight considering it was 2 hours long. It didn't feel like it.

    The script was good too. I think so parts were sharp and especially in the beginning it was really kinetic and bouncy and run to watch. It also has lots of comedic beats that shocked me. Some land great mostly Sacha Baron Cohen's lines. I think he was fantastic. Others kind of fall flat and feel out of place in this "drama". They kind of dampen the serious tone when they are coming at you a mile a minute.

    I didn't know much about this trial so it was interesting to learn. As with all movies like this however I think there were some liberties taken. I do however think the ending was really well done and really fitting.

    I would say definitely watch it. It is worth your time.
    helpful•37
    15
    • Neon_Gold
    • Feb 9, 2021

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • October 16, 2020 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • United Kingdom
      • India
    • Official site
      • Official site
    • Languages
      • English
      • Latin
      • French
    • Also known as
      • Phiên Tòa Chicago 7
    • Filming locations
      • Chicago, Illinois, USA
    • Production companies
      • Dreamworks Pictures
      • Amblin Partners
      • Aperture Media Partners
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $35,000,000 (estimated)
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 9 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

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