In 1968, democracy refused to back down.|Sep. 25, 2020|United States, United Kingdom, India|130 Min.|R
Genre: Drama;History
Description: The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020) is a gripping historical drama that delves into the events surrounding the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The film follows eight individuals—Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden, Rennie Davis, David Dellinger, Lee Weiner, John Froines, and Bobby Seale—as they prepare to protest at the convention. Five months later, they are arrested and charged with inciting a riot. Attorney General John N. Mitchell appoints Tom Foran and Richard Schultz as prosecutors, while the defendants (excluding Seale) are represented by William Kunstler and Leonard Weinglass.
The trial, overseen by Judge Julius Hoffman, is marked by bias and tension. The judge demonstrates clear favoritism toward the prosecution and insists he is unrelated to Abbie Hoffman. Seale’s attorney, Charles Garry, is unable to attend due to illness, prompting the judge to demand that Kunstler represent him—a request both Kunstler and Seale reject. Seale receives support from Fred Hampton, which the judge mistakenly interprets as legal assistance. Abbie Hoffman openly challenges the court, escalating the conflict. Judge Hoffman removes a juror suspected of sympathizing with the defendants and charges the defendants and their attorneys with multiple counts of contempt. Tensions among the defendants continue to rise.
Undercover police officers and FBI agents testify during the trial, revealing details of the events leading to the riot. Hayden, noticing police tailing Davis, attempts to deflate a tire but is arrested. Abbie and others lead a protest to the police station where Hayden is held but retreat upon encountering a police blockade. When trying to return to the park, they find police have taken control of the area, leading to a violent clash between law enforcement and protesters.
Later, the defendants learn that Fred Hampton was killed in a police raid. In a shocking turn, Judge Hoffman orders Seale to be gagged and chained after he continues to assert his constitutional rights. This act sparks objections from both the defense and prosecution, prompting the judge to declare Seale’s case a mistrial.
The film offers a powerful exploration of justice, activism, and the complexities of the legal system during a turbulent period in American history.
Cast director: Aaron Sorkin
Cast actor: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Sacha Baron Cohen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Keaton, Frank Langella, John Carroll Lynch, Eddie Redmayne, Mark Rylance, Alex Sharp, Jeremy Strong
Original name: The Trial of the Chicago 7