Movie #2018 ........................."The Trial of the Chicago 7" (netflix streaming)

 Movie #2018 "The Trial of The Chicago 7" (netflix streaming) This is a Wow film --- from the opening masterpiece in editing  and juxtaposition of the 7 main characters serving  as the exposition ......to the powerful ending, the film takes on  a "hold--on-to-your hat" momentum to make this story thrilling to watch!  Not only that, but it is so timely.  Aaron Sorkin is a god in writing ,  and like a juggler, he masterly weaves in and out  each and every separate (and might I add distinctive) voice of  the  Chicago 7, added to that a crazy judge, a prosecutor with integrity, a cunning defense lawyer , and a female working for one side but having a heart for the other.  And how timely this presentation comes to Netflix for all of  us  to see and think about --- right before a bitter election where both sides have so much to lose, where the struggle for "law and order"  vs. speaking up for what is right  are on the ballot ---  he seeks out the answers to the questions:  Is it possible to peacefully protest?  Why do we protest?  What is there to gain?what is there to lose?   Ultimately,  which side  is right?  Who has integrity?   (and more)  This was a Wow film, and I feel I learned so much , but more importantly I "felt" and thought  so much while watching -- feelings and ideas  that I think I will carry with me  forever.  It's that good!  a 5 out of 5.  And I haven't even pointed out how great the casting is!   

"THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7"  (netflix streaming) 2 hrs, 9 mins    2020   R rated

The story of 7 people on trial stemming from various charges surrounding the uprising at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.

In Chicago 1968, the Democratic Party Convention was met with protests from activists like the moderate Students for a Democratic Society led by Tom Hayden and the militant Yippies led by Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin, which led to violent confrontations with the local authorities. As a result, seven of the accused ringleaders are arraigned on charges like Conspiracy by the hostile Nixon administration, including Bobby Seale of the Black Panthers who was not involved in the incident. What follows is an unfair trial presided by the belligerent Judge Hoffman (No relation) and prosecuted by a reluctant but duty-bound Richard Schultz. As their pro bono lawyers face such odds, Hayden and his fellows are frustrated by the Yippies' outrageous antics undermining their defense in defiance of the system even while Seale is denied a chance to defend himself his way. Along the way, the Chicago 7 clash in their political philosophies even as they learn they need each other in this fight.

Director:

 Aaron Sorkin

Writer:

 Aaron Sorkin (screenplay) 

Stars:

 Eddie Redmayne, Alex Sharp, Sacha Baron Cohen