We just watched THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7. Really, never knew anything about this historical event and what it meant during the Vietnam war. Some heavy actors created an engaging and interesting courtroom drama- Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Joseph Gordon Levitt for eg. Told in a way that cut to the events as they were being addressed during the court room scenes- exceedingly well done drama.

It tells the story of a Vietnam war protest during the Democratic convention back in the late 60's- a protest that turned deadly as the police confronted the protestors. The arrested "7"'s verdict was decided before the 180 day trial even began. The final courtroom scene is the most poignant of the movie and distills it all down.

Which brings us to the commentary. We'd all do well to remember our past- good AND bad. When history is cancelled or rewritten, we'll repeat those mistakes- what have we learned? I learned something significant and unjust about American history from this movie, a part of history that happened a few years before I was born. Here in Canada, certain groups are attempting to tear down the fabrics of Canadian history. These figures created the foundation of our country, albeit at times these figures acted with misguided direction, when compared to our modern sensibilities. "if all of us were judged on our worst day, none of us will make it past the pearly gates"

So I give this 9/10 as a drama. An audience aged 13 and up would do well to watch this- although there is quite a few F bombers.

darcy