"The Trial of the Chicago 7" Review - You Can Handle The Truth

It should be obvious at this point that we probably won’t get that many if at all Oscars movies this season in the cinemas. But if you have the will to search for something that might make its way there in the future, look no further to “The Trial of the Chicago 7”.

Directed and written by Aaron Sorkin, one of the most well received contributors to American cinema, this perfectly constructed movie follows the testy and fascinating trial of a group of protestors who together led massive numbers of citizens to fight back against the issues of the time like Vietnam and racial equality, resulting in clashes with the polices in what ultimately led up to the chaos of the Democratic Convention of 1968. Sorkin reminds us through through all the nasty moments of this historical trial why he is the best at what he does. He can take a 6 month trial and make it into something that’s even better as a whole than the entire Jack Nicholson scene in “A Few Good Men”. The 7 Chicagoians are led by monstrous actors like Sasha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. These fine men also star alongside spectator actors like Joseph Gordon Levitt, Mark Rylance, and Frank Langella, to turn what is already something of a magical craft into a masterclass movie.

The trial that takes place is a unique look at how protestors and African Americans were treated in the late 60s, but the crimes behind the trial are not for the light hearted. It’s full of bloody heart-turning acts of madness as well as sadness, but at the end of the day, showcases a story we’ve seen over and over again. Aaron Sorkin didn’t try to make this during the aftermath of George Floyd, but because it came out in October 2020, he inadvertently made it more relevant than ever before, especially through his beautiful cinematography and his moments where he really lets your anger and heartbreak sink in.

I know it’ll be hard for this movie to get attention during these times, but I’m here to tell you give this your full attention and make sure it gets the world’s attention. Ge the whole world to watch and be reminded again why it’s important to watch what’s happening, both then and now.

Two Nebs Up!