The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020) Film Review: A Gripping Portrayal of Protest, Justice, and Political Turmoil

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020) Film Review: A Gripping Portrayal of Protest, Justice, and Political Turmoil

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020), written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, is a timely and powerful historical drama that recounts the politically charged trial of seven anti-Vietnam War protesters who were charged with conspiracy and inciting riots following the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. The film highlights the intense cultural and political divisions of the time, as well as the complex intersection of activism, law, and government power. Through sharp dialogue, compelling performances, and Sorkin’s signature fast-paced direction, The Trial of the Chicago 7 offers a vivid portrayal of a pivotal moment in American history, drawing striking parallels to contemporary issues of justice, protest, and civil rights.

A Riveting Courtroom Drama

At the heart of The Trial of the Chicago 7 is the courtroom drama itself. The film focuses on the trial, which took place in 1969 and involved the prosecution of seven individuals—Abbie Hoffman (Sacha Baron Cohen), Jerry Rubin (Jeremy Strong), Tom Hayden (Eddie Redmayne), David Dellinger (John Carroll Lynch), Rennie Davis (Alex Sharp), John Froines (Daniel Flaherty), and Lee Weiner (Noah Robbins)—who were charged with conspiring to incite violence at the Democratic National Convention. The trial was an embodiment of the clash between the anti-establishment youth culture of the 1960s and the authority of the U.S. government.

Sorkin’s screenplay is filled with sharp, incisive dialogue that keeps the tension high, particularly in the courtroom sequences. The film alternates between courtroom drama and flashbacks, showing the events leading up to the protests, as well as the courtroom battles that ensued. Through these legal proceedings, Sorkin brings attention to the systemic injustices faced by the protesters, the heavy-handed tactics of the police, and the politicization of the judicial process.

The Powerhouse Ensemble Cast

The film benefits from an extraordinary ensemble cast, each actor bringing depth and authenticity to their respective roles.

• Eddie Redmayne plays Tom Hayden, the more serious and earnest member of the group, whose involvement in the protests comes from his deep political convictions. Redmayne’s performance captures Hayden’s internal conflict and the pressure of trying to balance idealism with pragmatism in the face of political adversity.

• Sacha Baron Cohen portrays Abbie Hoffman, the charismatic, irreverent, and often comical figure who became one of the most prominent leaders of the countercultural movement. Cohen infuses Hoffman with his trademark wit and anarchistic energy, but also shows his vulnerability as a man deeply committed to his cause. Cohen’s portrayal of Hoffman provides much of the film’s levity, but also reveals the depth of his commitment to social justice.

• Jeremy Strong is Jerry Rubin, the similarly flamboyant protest leader who, like Hoffman, used humor and spectacle to challenge the establishment. Strong’s performance adds nuance to Rubin’s character, showing that beneath his brashness was a genuine desire for change.

• Mark Rylance gives a standout performance as William Kunstler, the defense attorney who represents the Chicago 7. Rylance’s portrayal of Kunstler as a principled, morally driven lawyer who tries to navigate a corrupt system is both grounded and emotionally resonant. His relationship with his clients becomes one of the film’s emotional cores, as Kunstler becomes increasingly frustrated by the court’s bias and the political manipulation behind the trial.

• Frank Langella plays Judge Julius Hoffman, the prejudiced, authoritarian figure who presides over the trial. Langella’s performance is chilling as the judge’s personal bias toward the defendants is apparent in every decision he makes, highlighting the broader theme of institutional injustice in the film.

• Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Richard Schultz, the young prosecutor who, although initially presented as a “by-the-book” government lawyer, begins to wrestle with his own conscience as the trial progresses. Gordon-Levitt’s performance captures the tension between his character’s duty to the government and his growing unease with the trial’s lack of fairness.

Themes of Protest, Injustice, and Political Division

At its core, The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a film about protest and the righ
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