The Trial of the Chicago 7 Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of hippies and activists get framed for a riot they might have accidentally started, and then have to deal with a judge who clearly thinks tie-dye is a criminal offense.

🍿 The Trial of the Chicago 7: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Setting the Stage: 1968 Democratic Convention

The film opens with preparations for protests during the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Various groups, including the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) led by Tom Hayden and Rennie Davis, and the Yippies, led by Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin, plan demonstrations against the Vietnam War. Bobby Seale, representing the Black Panthers, also travels to Chicago, though his involvement is initially separate from the other groups.

From Protest to Riot: Violence Erupts

What begins as peaceful assembly devolves into violent clashes between protesters and the Chicago police and National Guard. The film shows the escalation of tensions, highlighting the conflicting ideologies within the protest movement and the aggressive response from law enforcement. The chaotic events lead to numerous arrests and injuries.

The Trial Begins: Conspiracy Charges

Following the convention, the newly elected Nixon administration decides to prosecute eight men (later known as the Chicago Seven after Bobby Seale’s case is severed) for conspiracy and inciting to riot. The film depicts the selection of the jury, the strategies of the defense led by William Kunstler and Leonard Weinglass, and the tactics employed by the prosecution led by Richard Schultz and Tom Foran.

Courtroom Battles and Flashbacks

The trial becomes a battleground of legal arguments and political theater. Flashbacks illustrate the events leading up to the convention and the differing accounts of what happened during the protests. The judge, Julius Hoffman, displays blatant bias against the defendants, further fueling the controversy surrounding the trial.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tom Hayden (Eddie Redmayne): As a leader of Students for a Democratic Society, Tom Hayden is a pragmatic activist seeking political change through established channels.
• Abbie Hoffman (Sacha Baron Cohen): Abbie Hoffman is a Yippie leader whose counter-cultural antics and political theater challenged the establishment during the Chicago 7 trial.
• Jerry Rubin (Jeremy Strong): Alongside Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin is a co-founder of the Yippies and is known for his radical and theatrical protest tactics.
• Bobby Seale (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II): Bobby Seale, the co-founder of the Black Panther Party, is a defendant in the trial whose treatment highlights racial injustice within the legal system.
• William Kunstler (Mark Rylance): William Kunstler serves as the defense attorney for the Chicago 7, fighting for their rights amidst a politically charged trial.
• Richard Schultz (Joseph Gordon-Levitt): Richard Schultz is the prosecutor in the Chicago 7 trial, conflicted by the politically motivated nature of the case.
• Judge Julius Hoffman (Frank Langella): Judge Julius Hoffman presides over the Chicago 7 trial, displaying bias and hostility toward the defendants throughout the proceedings.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Abbie Hoffman: “It’s practically a religion for me, sir.” – Abbie Hoffman’s sarcastic response to Judge Hoffman when asked if he’s familiar with contempt of court, highlighting his rebellious attitude.
• Abbie Hoffman: “Give me a moment to consult with my co-defendant, who I’ve never met before in my life.” – Said during the trial, underscoring the absurdity of charging the defendants as a unified conspiracy, despite their disparate backgrounds and ideologies.
• Tom Hayden: “We came to protest the war, and that is what we did.” – Tom Hayden’s direct statement, emphasizing the purpose of their presence at the Democratic National Convention and defending their right to protest.
• Bobby Seale: “I am being railroaded!” – Bobby Seale’s outcry, powerfully expressing his frustration and sense of injustice at being denied his constitutional rights during the trial.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $35,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $175,245
• Worldwide Gross: $6,975,245

💥 The Trial of the Chicago 7 Reviews

Personal Review

I was totally captivated by this movie! The courtroom scenes were so intense, and the performances were outstanding. Sacha Baron Cohen was a revelation as Abbie Hoffman. The way the film mixed humor with the serious issues of the time made it both entertaining and thought-provoking. I especially loved the ending when the defendants stood up and read the names of the fallen soldiers – it was a powerful moment that gave me chills. Definitely a must-see!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of courtroom dramas”
  • “Those interested in American history and the 1960s counterculture”
  • “Viewers who appreciate Aaron Sorkin’s writing style”
  • “People who enjoy films with strong ensemble casts”
  • “Those interested in political and social justice themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Depictions of violence and police brutality”
  • “Themes of political unrest and social injustice”
  • “Historical references to racism and discrimination”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Sorkin delivers a taut and compelling courtroom drama that not only recreates a pivotal moment in American history but also resonates profoundly with contemporary social justice movements. The performances are uniformly excellent, particularly Sacha Baron Cohen.
• RogerEbert.com: “A gripping, if occasionally self-righteous, account of the Chicago 7 trial. The film is a masterclass in ensemble acting and features some of Sorkin’s sharpest dialogue. While it simplifies some historical complexities, its emotional power is undeniable.
• Variety: “Sorkin’s direction is sure-handed, and he gets terrific performances from his stacked ensemble cast. The pacing is snappy, the dialogue crackles, and the film’s relevance to current events is impossible to ignore. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting for justice.

Audience Reactions

Sacha Baron Cohen’s portrayal of Abbie Hoffman was hilarious and poignant.: The film’s ability to make a historical event feel relevant to today’s issues.

The courtroom scenes were gripping and intense.: The strong ensemble cast and their powerful performances.

Overall Consensus: A compelling and timely courtroom drama with stellar performances and sharp dialogue that resonates with contemporary social justice movements.

Awards

1. Critics’ Choice Movie Awards (Best Acting Ensemble)- 2021
2. Screen Actors Guild Awards (Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture)- 2021

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “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.”
• “Aaron Sorkin had been trying to make this film for over a decade, facing numerous production challenges and cast changes before finally bringing it to fruition.”
• “The film includes actual news footage from the 1968 Democratic National Convention, blending real historical events with the dramatized narrative.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Trial of the Chicago 7?

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is available to stream on Netflix. You can also rent or purchase the movie on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential broadcast options or special screenings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Trial of the Chicago 7, you might like these similar films:

• Mississippi Burning (1988): Examines civil rights issues and government misconduct in a tense, racially charged atmosphere.
• All the President’s Men (1976): Focuses on the investigation and exposure of government corruption through the Watergate scandal.
• Malcolm X (1992): Biographical drama exploring the life and struggles of a prominent civil rights leader, akin to Bobby Seale’s limited narrative in the movie.
• Frost/Nixon (2008): Dramatizes the interviews between David Frost and Richard Nixon, showcasing the tense dynamic of confronting political power.

🛒 The Trial of the Chicago 7 Related Products

• Steal This Book by Abbie Hoffman: A counterculture classic by the real Abbie Hoffman. This book provides insights into the anti-establishment movement and offers a deeper understanding of Hoffman’s philosophies.
• Chicago 7 Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the movie poster. Decorate your room with the iconic image from the film.
• The Chicago 7 T-Shirt: High-quality T-Shirt with the quote “The whole world is watching” from the film. Wear your support for the film and its themes.
• Chicago 7 (Blu-ray): Own the story and watch behind-the-scenes of the film. This is the perfect item for movie collectors.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Trial of the Chicago 7 features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hear My Voice” – performed by Celeste
• “With Every Breath” – performed by Daniel Pemberton
• “Truly, Truly, True” – performed by Jon & Robin

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Sacha Baron Cohen On Acting In Aaron Sorkin’s “The Trial Of The Chicago 7”

See Sacha Baron Cohen break down his role as the infamous Abbie Hoffman in this interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Cohen shares his thoughts on the character and the film’s exploration of the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests.

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