“The Trial of Chicago 7” is yet another excellent movies made by Netflix, which is more dramatized than a straightforward documentary, something that is easier and more convenient to do given its timeframe further away from today. For people like me who were not in this country, this proves an irreplaceable source of understanding America, starting from the chaotic 1960s. It explains why I watched the movie twice (with fast forwards at times).
There are many memorable or unforgettable episodes but what struck me the most are the followings: (1) When Ramsey Clark, the former attorney general under Lyndon Johnson, before Richard Nixon, volunteered to testify in the court despite the threats from the two agents under the current AG, and told the court the official conclusion reached under his watch that it was the Chicago police who started the riot, not the demonstrators; (2) When the prosecutor Richard Schultz chose to rise from his seat when Tom Hayden, one of the demonstration leaders being prosecuted, was reading the names of fallen soldiers in Viet Nam; (3) When Tom Hayden was mobilizing the audience to go to Chicago “to show our solidarity and disgust, but most importantly…” and then another demonstration leader, Abbie Hoffman, quickly jumped in “to get laid by somebody you just met!” Who can hold his/her laugh after hearing comments like that? I can’t help but wonder where else in the world would you witness such a funny, not so “politically correct” moment in a public gathering for a noble cause? Definitely not in China now or for decades to come!
Why are these unusual and worth noticing? The first episode tells us that some legal professionals have the guts to stand up for the truth even when facing personal risks; the second shows respecting to the deceased can go above and beyond job titles and tasks. These people have the conscience and are capable of separating their official duties from their personal values. The last one reveals that Americans are not shy in acknowledging mixed motives and are good at utilizing them. Having inclusive motives allows recruiting more people, even though not everyone joins with the same goal in mind.
The movie did not show the jury verdict but based on the judge talking about sentencing the 7, we know the jury did not have a favorable conclusion.
The movie is exciting and inspiring, especially the part when calling the names of the dead solders. I just wish the 7 were more patient and refrained from creating an impression that they are vulgar, extreme and are revolutionary minded. Of course the judge is a jackass but if the pack pretended to respect him, who knows maybe he would allow the former AG to show up in front of the jury. After all, that would present the key evidence against the charge for starting the riots.
An interesting social experiment is to separate the 7 into individual trials by different judges and attorneys. I am willing to bet that at least one of them would walk out of the court free of any charge.