Watch The Trial of the Chicago 7

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a 2020 historical legal drama movie directed and written by Aaron Sorkin. The movie features a talented ensemble cast, including Eddie Redmayne, Alex Sharp, Sacha Baron Cohen, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jeremy Strong, Mark Rylance, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Michael Keaton. Set in 1968, the movie follows the trial of seven anti-war activists who are accused of conspiring to incite a riot outside the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The activists include Abbie Hoffman (Sacha Baron), Jerry Rubin (Jeremy Strong), Tom Hayden (Eddie Redmayne), Rennie Davis (Alex Sharp), David Dellinger (John Carroll Lynch), Lee Weiner (Noah Robbins), and John Froines (Daniel Flaherty). The trial is presided over by Judge Julius Hoffman (Frank Langella), who is biased against the defendants.

The movie begins with the riot outside the DNC, which the police brutally suppressed. The organizers of the protest, including Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin, are arrested and charged with conspiracy and inciting a riot. Tom Hayden, Rennie Davis, David Dellinger, Lee Weiner, and John Froines are later added to the charges. The defendants are represented by a group of lawyers, including William Kunstler (Mark Rylance) and Leonard Weinglass (Ben Shenkman).

The trial becomes a circus, as Judge Hoffman repeatedly favors the prosecution and denies the defense their basic rights. The protesters also use the trial as a platform to voice their dissent against the government's war policies. Sacha Baron Cohen, in particular, delivers powerful monologues as Abbie Hoffman, who is a master of public relations and propaganda.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a timely movie that resonates with the current political climate in the United States. The movie highlights the systemic bias against minorities and activist groups and the importance of civil disobedience in progressive movements. The movie delivers a strong message of defiance and resistance against authoritarianism and injustice.

The acting in the movie is phenomenal, with each actor delivering a nuanced and authentic performance. Sacha Baron Cohen stands out as Abbie Hoffman, infusing his character with wit, charm, and charisma. Eddie Redmayne is also excellent as Tom Hayden, who is conflicted between his idealism and pragmatism. Mark Rylance delivers a subdued but powerful performance as William Kunstler, who is determined to defend his clients at all costs.

Aaron Sorkin's direction and writing are also top-notch, capturing the tension and drama of the trial with precision and skill. Sorkin's trademark rapid-fire dialogue keeps the movie engaging and entertaining, even during the courtroom scenes. The movie also features a fantastic soundtrack, with classic tunes from the 60s and 70s that add to the movie's nostalgic and rebellious feel.

Overall, The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a must-watch movie that informs and inspires. The movie tells a compelling story of justice and persecution that is still relevant today. The movie benefits from an exceptional cast, a talented director, and a powerful script. The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a triumphant achievement that will leave you moved and motivated.

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a 2020 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 76.