The Trial of The Chicago 7 Movie Review

Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, the film is masterfully directed with strong performances, visuals and dialogue throughout. The standout performance in the film was definitely Sacha Baron Cohen whose laidback, sarcastic, yet somehow emotional, and real acting really makes an impact to what the film is about. Another performance worthy of praise is Eddie Redmayne's performance. All the interactions between these two characters are really great, and every time they are on screen together, you don't want the scene to end. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II also gives a very strong performance.

The film opens as The Chicago 7 and Bobby Seale are preparing for protests to the Convention centre in Chicago. It then jumps ahead to when the trial begins. Telling the story in this way is different from what is usually expected. The film does a great job of intercutting the ongoing trial while showing the related incidents. As the film depicts the escalation of the riots, archival footage of the real incidents is played in conjunction. This allows the audience to get a sense of realism in the film.

At the start of the film, we see the lead prosecutors who have been chosen for the case. The Attorney General wants the 7 defendants plus Bobby Seale to be charged to matter what. And we see the resulting prejudices throughout the film.

There are so many different layers to the film. While the main focus is on the 7, the different issues within the film also become a focal point as the film progresses. Countercultural protests, Anti War, and the political motivations are all in the film.

We see from the very beginning that there isn't really a chance for the 7 to be judged fairly. Judge Julius Hoffman does everything he can to ensure that there the trial will be in favour of the Prosecution. Frank Langella portrays the Judge very well.

The more we learn about the events that led up to the trial the more we understand that this was a one-sided affair all along and that it was a political play from the Government to make the 7 stand trial. It wasn't really about the 7. They were just being used, and it is made to look like it was about them. They were just the patsy.

The ending of the film was compelling, and while there may be some people who might not like how it ended, I personally found it to be very fitting for the film. There are many moments where the characters are discussing what their reasons were for going to protests, and the answer was to end the war. Rennie Davis played by Alex Sharp, points out it's about the people who died in the wat and how it is unnecessary. The final scene which takes place before the sentencing is handed down recalls some of the things that Davis talks about throughout the film. It may seem off and maybe a bit goofy to some but it really worked for me because of the story being told.

Strong performances and great directing make this historical drama more than what it is as well as being very relevant to society today.