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.
- Nominated for 6 Oscars
- 59 wins & 196 nominations total
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- Writer
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Featured reviews
Ridiculous ensemble cast, and Sorkin's slick lines to support. Plus i LOVE a courtroom drama. This is liberal stuff with a capital L.
Hoffman and his fellow defendants face off against a Government prosecution and a brazenly unsympathetic judge, Sorkin's screenplay works its magic through the sheer spectacle of the courtroom proceedings. Through testimonies and circumstantial evidence, it becomes clear that the accusations of a conspiracy are baseless, most obvious in the case of Bobby Seale (fiercely portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), who is charged along with the Chicago 7 without any reasonable evidence of collusion.
The confrontations between Hoffman and Tom Hayden (a steady, confident Eddie Redmayne) resonate as they explore the tensions between achieving progress through traditional, "respectable" means, versus disrupting the status quo by overturning a failing system.
This movie would have already been a must-see film for its captivating ensemble, Sorkin script and rousing story. But its sincere plea for a more free and fair democracy makes it all the more essential in a pivotal election year for the US.
Hoffman and his fellow defendants face off against a Government prosecution and a brazenly unsympathetic judge, Sorkin's screenplay works its magic through the sheer spectacle of the courtroom proceedings. Through testimonies and circumstantial evidence, it becomes clear that the accusations of a conspiracy are baseless, most obvious in the case of Bobby Seale (fiercely portrayed by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), who is charged along with the Chicago 7 without any reasonable evidence of collusion.
The confrontations between Hoffman and Tom Hayden (a steady, confident Eddie Redmayne) resonate as they explore the tensions between achieving progress through traditional, "respectable" means, versus disrupting the status quo by overturning a failing system.
This movie would have already been a must-see film for its captivating ensemble, Sorkin script and rousing story. But its sincere plea for a more free and fair democracy makes it all the more essential in a pivotal election year for the US.
This movie succeeds in what it sets out to do, which is to make you mad at how the powers that be conspired to tip the scales of justice against these protestors. I was a little concerned at first that Aaron Sorkin's script would get too cute, with the way it was introducing the protestors. But as Sorkin movies goes, it turns out pretty well. For a movie that's set almost exclusively in a courtroom, it's never boring. I especially liked Sasha Baron Cohen and Mark Rylance here. It's a solid if not spectacular movie.
You know what isn't superb?
This was splendid! Although I don't know much about what's going around in U.S cause I'm from India, I felt it. I felt emotions from all over the place. The intensity was really high, the characters were so very well written with depth. The acting was really powerful and the casting... just marvellous choices there...
Sacha baron Cohen, Joseph, Eddie redmayne and co. just wonderful, just wonderful.
I think this film can be relatable for any country. This film captured the struggle of justice so well... the lines were so very well written! And the ending!!! So powerful!!
Aaron Sorkin really is an absolute genius! He wrote this so well, such great dialogues, I absolutely love how his characters talk.
The cinematography too was absolutely incredible! So fitting!
Just brilliant, best film of 2020 for sure.
Sacha baron Cohen, Joseph, Eddie redmayne and co. just wonderful, just wonderful.
I think this film can be relatable for any country. This film captured the struggle of justice so well... the lines were so very well written! And the ending!!! So powerful!!
Aaron Sorkin really is an absolute genius! He wrote this so well, such great dialogues, I absolutely love how his characters talk.
The cinematography too was absolutely incredible! So fitting!
Just brilliant, best film of 2020 for sure.
" I have never been on trial for my thoughts", this one line sums it up about the whole movie. Watch the movie, not only for 5 reasons given by Yayha Abdul Mateen, but the writing, the thoughts, and deliverance. When I decided to watch this movie, it was only for the reason of Aaron Sorkin and star cast and with very limited knowledge of the events which took place in 1968 in chicago. However, with in first 30 minutes of 2 hours, it took me back to days when a one minute long monologue of Jack Nicholson in "A Few Good Men" gave goosebumps to an adult of 18 years of age who was not very fluent in english and not very familiar with american judicial system or revelation in " Charlie Wilson's War" , which was an another vantage point of looking at geo-politics happening in my country and region.
The Trial of Chicago 7 may not have a room to depict drama as seen in previous work of Aaron Sorkins, however in 2 hours and 9 minutes, Aaron and cast of the movie has depicted whatever they could. The script not only provided a dimension to the trial, but the struggles of the main 7 character and the bianess they encountered from the Judicial System.
The Court Room thriller, which also based on real event has become alive with this movie and surely will take back you to the days of "Primal Fear", "12 Angry Men", " Philadelphia", " A Few Good Men" , in which words, thoughts, and real human expression influenced an individual's thinking process.
The entire cast of the movie has performed their best and Aaron Sorkins in his second direction venture has given a classic. The movie which for first few minutes appeared to be political satire eventually turned out to be a great political case, as told by Sacha Baron Cohen.
The Trial of Chicago 7 may not have a room to depict drama as seen in previous work of Aaron Sorkins, however in 2 hours and 9 minutes, Aaron and cast of the movie has depicted whatever they could. The script not only provided a dimension to the trial, but the struggles of the main 7 character and the bianess they encountered from the Judicial System.
The Court Room thriller, which also based on real event has become alive with this movie and surely will take back you to the days of "Primal Fear", "12 Angry Men", " Philadelphia", " A Few Good Men" , in which words, thoughts, and real human expression influenced an individual's thinking process.
The entire cast of the movie has performed their best and Aaron Sorkins in his second direction venture has given a classic. The movie which for first few minutes appeared to be political satire eventually turned out to be a great political case, as told by Sacha Baron Cohen.
Dramatised account of the trial of protesters arrested during the time of the 1968 democratic convention in Chicago.
This is a thrilling and intriguing historical drama with moments of anger and humour in the right places. The plot unfolds in a highly compelling way and the cinematography, editing and pacing all support the storytelling well.
It contains some excellent performances from a great cast, all of whom play clearly defined characters and have excellent screen chemistry. Frank Langella and Mark Rylance for me give superb performances as I felt they did exceptionally well to stand out in a film with so many stars.
One of the positives about a historical drama is that it (hopefully) should prompt people to research more about the subject matter and hopefully this movie has piqued an interest in many people unaware of the events to look back into history and find out more.
Unfortunately, the other side of the coin it's that many people do not take the time to do the above and take what they see in a movie as the gospel truth. This one contains scenes created for dramatic licence which for me can diminish the credibility of something implied as non-fiction.
Aaron Sorkin's script is as sharp as ever, but at times it makes me feel like I am watching actors in a play reciting witty dialogue rather than something that actually happened. Also, the ending feels like it's laced with typical Hollywood dramatics designed to get emotion out of the audience.
This is a very relevant movie in the current political climate. With scenes such as the one showing Bobby Seale bound and gagged in a US courtroom it should prompt plenty of discussion points, especially being released so close to an election.
*several years later I have no inclination to rewatch it.
This is a thrilling and intriguing historical drama with moments of anger and humour in the right places. The plot unfolds in a highly compelling way and the cinematography, editing and pacing all support the storytelling well.
It contains some excellent performances from a great cast, all of whom play clearly defined characters and have excellent screen chemistry. Frank Langella and Mark Rylance for me give superb performances as I felt they did exceptionally well to stand out in a film with so many stars.
One of the positives about a historical drama is that it (hopefully) should prompt people to research more about the subject matter and hopefully this movie has piqued an interest in many people unaware of the events to look back into history and find out more.
Unfortunately, the other side of the coin it's that many people do not take the time to do the above and take what they see in a movie as the gospel truth. This one contains scenes created for dramatic licence which for me can diminish the credibility of something implied as non-fiction.
Aaron Sorkin's script is as sharp as ever, but at times it makes me feel like I am watching actors in a play reciting witty dialogue rather than something that actually happened. Also, the ending feels like it's laced with typical Hollywood dramatics designed to get emotion out of the audience.
This is a very relevant movie in the current political climate. With scenes such as the one showing Bobby Seale bound and gagged in a US courtroom it should prompt plenty of discussion points, especially being released so close to an election.
*several years later I have no inclination to rewatch it.
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaSacha 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.
- GoofsAt the start of the trial, Bobby Seale claims that the eight defendants are called the "Chicago Seven". In reality, they were originally called the "Chicago Eight". The defendants became known as the Chicago Seven after Seale was severed from the case.
- 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.
- SoundtracksTruly, Truly, True
Written by Wayne Carson Thompson (as Wayne Thompson)
Performed by Jon & Robin
Courtesy of Sundazed Music
- How long is The Trial of the Chicago 7?Powered by Alexa
Details
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- Countries of origin
- Official site
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- Also known as
- El juicio de los 7 de Chicago
- Filming locations
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $35,000,000 (estimated)
- Runtime2 hours 9 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39 : 1
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