The Trial of the Chicago 7

Liked this one. Was only 2 years old in 1968. I was familiar with the 1968 Democratic convention from history lessons, etc but hadn't ever heard of this trial. So this movie was both informative and entertaining to learn about it. Chatted with Grok AI afterwards the movie was pretty accurate for the most part. Well written, good actor/actress choices, pacing was good, and the way they mixed the courtroom along with the actual events playing out was well done.

Agradeço esse filme por ter me feito buscar a história norte americana em 1968. Bacana ver a atuação do Sacha Baron Cohen fora de personagens tradicionais do ator (Borat, Ali G e Bruno. Ele tinha um programa na tv britânica, o "The Ali G show". Aliás, Borat 2 já está rendendo alguns processos pra ele). Apesar da personagem no filme ter esse lugar do deboche, a construção é bem diferente. Na real, esse filme é bastante sobre atuação. Originalmente esse roteiro era pro Spielberg e o Aaron Sorkin como roteirista. Olha, o resultado seria bem diferente. Senti falta da exploração maior de alguns aspectos. A violência e brutalidade por parte da polícia é explícito no filme, mas considerando os fatos históricos e o contexto contemporâneo norte americano esse elemento poderia ser mais explorado. Outro elemento que poderia ser melhor explorado seria o corte racial do julgamento, o que estabeleceria uma ponte melhor com o assassinato do Fred Hampton (o próprio assassinato do Martin Luther King e a perseguição aos Panteras Negras). A narrativa, nesse sentido, poderia ter uma melhor construção. Após o julgamento ser desmembrado o Bobby Seale some da narrativa. Não aparece, em nenhum momento, em um arco secundário. Uai, mas teria tempo? Olha, as duas horas e meia de filme inclui um arco secundário de uma espiã que nunca existiu. Essa poderia ser uma opção diferente. O Bobby Seale só retorna antes dos créditos, com o desfecho da vida real de cada um deles. Outra opção da narrativa que poderia ser diferente é o pouco destaque à linha política do prefeito de Chicago à época, Richard Daley. Ele só aparece em referências soltas. Parece ser desconsiderado seu protagonismo essencial na violência policial (é como ignorar o papel do Eduardo Paes no massacre que a polícia promoveu contra os profissionais de educação em 2013). É um bom filme, apesar dessas decisões. Ah, acho que rende uma boa discussão a postura e o desfecho do Tom Hayden em relação ao Abbie Hoffman. Sobretudo, pensando no pleito eleitoral.

All Time Classic. It's a courtroom drama and a political thriller that is masterfully weaved together so much so it's hard to tell the difference. And the fact this has 7+ main characters in it and most don't feel generic or forgettable is a estament to how well focused this is. It keeps all the 7 together and never jumps around constantly between the them. The start kind of threw me off because it felt like it built up to the riot and we just skip right to the aftermath. But it explains so well with flashbacks and the drama eventually becomes so riveting you can't turn away. It also is usuprisnlgy funny for a courtroom drama as well. It does start out a bit slow at first but it just builds and picks up great momentum with tons of underlying commentary about the era and political cases. It also doens't put these characters on a pedastal either. Their as flawed as the system this is exploring which makes it so investing. It does help if you know a thing or two about the era going into this but it's so well explained and unfolds so well over time that I would say you don't even really need to know about the 60's going into this. It's that well done with really sharp and crisp dialouge throughout too. Only complaint maybe is the music is really good but I wish it was used a bit more and maybe a bit more catchy on it's own. Everything else is masterful. Everyone should give this a try once.

This is a great law film based on historical events it start a little confusing for a person not familiar with the event however as the film progresses you understand it more and invest more on the characters and the story being told. Overall, I enjoy it as a neutral and common viewer and I think people like me will also great film to watch.

Surprisingly tame film about the court case following the Democrats' version of the January 6th protests in the 1960's. Interesting trial movie that falls flat due to lack of emotion and depth the longer it drags on. It can't decide if it should appeal to your emotions or intellect, and as a result does neither. Frank Langella as the renegade judge steals the show though. Provides an interesting look at how Republicans and Democrats misuse the justice system for political trials in the US. Unfortunately still very topical today, and what makes it extra interesting, is that it was released before the January 6th protests.

Very entertaining movie, but not much more. Superb acting.

"The Trial of the Chicago 7" is a masterfully executed film that captures the intensity and complexity of a pivotal moment in American history. The story is compelling from start to finish, with perfect pacing that keeps you engaged throughout. The cast is stellar, with each actor delivering a top-tier performance, but Sacha Baron Cohen's portrayal truly stands out. The film's intricate narrative never loses its momentum, making it a movie you can appreciate even more with every rewatch. It's a powerful and thought-provoking experience that resonates long after the credits roll.

Great cast, great acting, captivating story.

To me, it’s an incredible feat anytime someone can make a courtroom drama entertaining. The Chicago 7 succeeds masterfully at this. Not to mention, a film about the government seeking prosecution for a riot that occurred during a previous administrations watch couldn’t be timelier. With brilliant performances by the entire cast, it’s hard to single just one out.

Very good movie! It is a must watch.