Often people disregard non-fiction movies as something you would watch in class. A documentary or a retelling about a historical event.
Which isn’t completely false— there are great non-fiction movies out there. I think one of the best ones would definitely have to be “The Trial of the Chicago 7”, a movie released in 2020 that showcases the trial of a group of anti-Vietnam War protesters that the media (at the time) have dubbed as the “Chicago 7”.
Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden, Rennie Davis, Bobby Seale (co-founder of the Black Panther party), David Dellinger, Lee Weiner, and John Froines were all put on trial for conspiracy and inciting riots.
Although most of them were decided guilty for the charges, their story is still compelling and inspiring.
I can definitely see this movie being a staple piece in the future as not only is the story, unfortunately, still relevant, but the cinematography and pacing of the shots is fantastic.
Even if one didn’t agree with the political message, they can still confidently appreciate the work and aesthetic that was put into this film. Although the movie wouldn’t be nearly as good if the politics were disregarded.
The entire film is based on this injustice—although a cultural determinator—so it is impossible to ignore the morals it leaves behind.
I am not a film critic, so I can not say whether or not this movie checks off boxes of professional ratings. But I am someone who likes to enjoy things, and this movie was an amazing experience.
It doesn’t drag on for too long, each scene plays out just enough so the viewer can understand what happens. The only scenes that last for longer periods of time are the emotional pivots.
The protestors and the Chicago police fighting in the park, the main group getting cornered by police in front of a bar, and Bobby Seale getting beat up by the courtroom security.
A longer shot is necessary for these scenes, so the viewer can experience the emotional toll that they have. These scenes make you uncomfortable, which is good. They are uncomfortable topics,filled with cruel and unjust violence that—without the longer shots—wouldn’t have the same impact.
The actors did a great job, including the extras that don’t get a lot of screen time. It’s easy for bad acting to take away from the experience, but the actors who play the main cast make it a genuine watch, almost like you are actually there.
The actor who plays the judge makes it especially easy to hate the character. The judge (Julius Hoffman) is completely inane and incompetent. There are too many scenes in the film where the judge’s actions are completely infuriating. And I can only give all props to the actor, who portrayed an old, senile, rich, white man extremely well.
“The Trial of the Chicago 7” is a fantastic movie that sheds light onto an event that has often been overlooked in history classes. In my amateur opinion, this movie is one of the best released in this decade.
Especially with the rise of people being more aware of America’s shady and unjust past regarding the law, I feel that this movie has the potential to be on the cult classics list for the future.