The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020): Cast, Ratings & Ending
The Trial of the Chicago 7 is a 2020 drama thriller directed by Aaron Sorkin, starring William Hurt, Michael Keaton and Frank Langella. It runs 2 hours 9 minutes and was made on a reported $35 million budget. It won 5 awards from 24 nominations, among them 5 Oscar nominations. Critics gave it 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and 76 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 9m (129 min)
- Director
- Aaron Sorkin
- Original language
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English - Studio
- Netflix
- Budget
- $35M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Trial of the Chicago 7 About?
The premise of The Trial of the Chicago 7 without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.
During the 1968 Democratic National Convention, a planned demonstration turns violent, leading to clashes between protesters and police. Seven activists, known for their counterculture views and leadership in the anti-Vietnam War movement, are subsequently charged with conspiracy. Their trial becomes a high-profile legal battle, testing the boundaries of free speech and challenging the government's response to dissent during a time of significant social unrest.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- riot
- protesting vietnam war
- based on true story
- 1960s
- chicago 7
- black panther party
- activism
- chicago illinois
- activist
- political persecution
- lawyer
- federal prosecutor
+38 more Show fewer
- protest march
- political protest
- year 1968
- year 1969
- courtroom
- catching an egg
- trial
- political convention
- injustice
- yippie
- denial of legal counsel
- unfair trial
- police brutality
- police riot
- slip of the tongue
- mistrial
- undercover police
- judicial misconduct
- judge advocate general
- voir dire
- contempt of court
- police tail
- civil disorder
- political conflict
- bound and gagged
- vietnam war draft
- racism
- reference to james baldwin
- reference to malcolm x
- hippie
- place in title
- political trial
- political prosecution
- democratic national convention
- vietnam war
- ensemble cast
- ends with biographical notes
- what happened to epilogue
The Trial of the Chicago 7 Cast
William Hurt leads the cast, with Michael Keaton and Frank Langella. Directed by Aaron Sorkin; 19 actors are credited in all.
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Director Aaron Sorkin
Also Starring in The Trial of the Chicago 7
· 15 moreThe Trial of the Chicago 7 Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Trial of the Chicago 7 89% on Rotten Tomatoes and 76 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 89/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in sensory experience (80).
The Trial of the Chicago 7 Echo Score Breakdown
Overall, The Trial of the Chicago 7 delivers a compelling and cohesive narrative driven by incisive dialogue and strong performances. Multiple critiques praise the balanced pacing and crisp editing that keep the courtroom scenes engaging, while some note occasional lapses in historical context and visual subtlety. The ensemble cast contributes nuanced emotional depth, and the score strengthens the film’s tension. While a minority find it occasionally surface-level, the net impression is of a polished, thought-provoking historical drama.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 85
In terms of art and craft, the film stands out for its crisp editing and focused staging while occasionally lacking visual nuance. The precise cuts maintain dramatic momentum and the production design effectively evokes the 1960s courtroom. Some critics observed a degree of stylistic straightforwardness. Overall, the art work provides a polished and purposeful cinematic presentation.
- Character & Emotion 90
When it comes to character and emotion, performances are broadly praised for their depth and energy, with multiple actors delivering layered portrayals. Observers highlight Mark Rylance’s nuanced turns and Sacha Baron Cohen’s restrained intensity, noting chemistry among the ensemble. A few viewers felt certain arcs could have explored emotional stakes more fully. Overall, the cast elevates the film through engaging and dynamic character work.
- Story & Flow 85
In terms of story and flow, the narrative is commended for its brisk pacing and coherent structure, blending flashbacks with courtroom scenes to keep engagement high. Reviewers describe the screenplay as compelling and organized, though some felt the historical context received only cursory attention and that certain themes could have been more thoroughly developed. Overall, the plot sustains interest with measured momentum and clear arcs.
- Sensory Experience 80
When it comes to sensory experience, the film benefits from a commanding score and clean sound design, which underscore dramatic moments without overwhelming dialogue. Viewers praise the soundtrack’s thematic consistency, even as some wished for more prominent musical highlights. Visually, the muted palette reinforces the period setting. Overall, the sensory elements integrate smoothly to support the courtroom drama.
- Rewatch Factor 88
In terms of rewatch factor, the film’s intricate dialogue and ensemble interplay invite repeat viewings, as subtle character dynamics and thematic details become more apparent over time. Several viewers note that subsequent watches reveal deeper layers in both script and performance. While some may find limited appeal outside interest in historical drama, the movie generally offers lasting engagement. Overall, it rewards multiple viewings with rich dramatic texture.
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IMDb 7.7 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 89% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 90%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 76 Metascore
User score 7.6
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 77% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.8 /5
1.6K ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 3.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
The Trial of the Chicago 7 Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What happens in The Trial of the Chicago 7 from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
In August 1968, a group of activists including Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Tom Hayden, Rennie Davis, David Dellinger, Lee Weiner, John Froines, and Bobby Seale gather to plan a demonstration at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. However, five months later, they find themselves arrested on charges of “crossing state lines” to incite a riot. The prosecution is led by John N. Mitchell, who appoints prosecutors Tom Foran and Richard Schultz to handle the case, while all defendants except Seale have legal representation from William Kunstler and Leonard Weinglass.
Full summary
The whole story of The Trial of the Chicago 7, scene by scene, with the ending explained
The Trial of the Chicago 7 Awards & Nominations
The Trial of the Chicago 7 won 5 awards from 24 nominations, among them 5 Oscar nominations. Its biggest night was the Critics' Choice 2021, with 2 wins from 6 nominations.
5 wins24 nominations7 ceremonies
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Critics' Choice 2021 2 wins · 6 nominations- Won Best Acting Ensemble
- Won Best Editing
- Nominated Best Director – Aaron Sorkin
- Nominated Best Original Screenplay – Aaron Sorkin
- Nominated Best Picture
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Golden Globes 2021 1 win · 5 nominations- Won Best Screenplay
- Nominated Best Director
- Nominated Best Motion Picture – Drama
- Nominated Best Original Song
- Nominated Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture (Supporting Actor) – Sacha Baron Cohen
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Actor Awards (SAG) 2021 1 win · 3 nominations- Won Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture – Yahya Abdul-Mateen II , Sacha Baron Cohen , Joseph Gordon-Levitt and 8 more
- Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role – Sacha Baron Cohen
- Nominated Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture
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Artios Awards 2021 1 win · 1 nomination- Won Big Budget – Drama
Show all 7 ceremonies Show fewer ceremonies
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Oscars 2021 5 nominations- Nominated Actor in a Supporting Role – Sacha Baron Cohen
- Nominated Best Picture
- Nominated Cinematography
- Nominated Film Editing
- Nominated Writing (Original Screenplay)
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BAFTA 2021 3 nominations- Nominated Best Editing
- Nominated Best Film
- Nominated Best Original Screenplay
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DGA Awards 2021 1 nomination- Nominated Feature Film – Aaron Sorkin
The Trial of the Chicago 7 Trailers & Videos
9 videos: 2 trailers, 2 clips and 5 featurettes.
- Trailer Official Trailer
- Clip Sacha Baron Cohen Clip
- Clip Sacha Baron Cohen Leads The Free Tom Hayden March | THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO 7 | Netflix
- Featurette Inside Aaron Sorkin's Brain | The Trial Of The Chicago 7 | Netflix
How Well Do You Know The Trial of the Chicago 7?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What was the main charge against the Chicago 7?
Cars in The Trial of the Chicago 7
18 cars on screen, including the 1978 Checker Taxicab and the 1968 Chevrolet Biscayne.
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1978 Checker Taxicab Minor role -
1968 Chevrolet Biscayne Minor role -
1967 Chevrolet unknown Minor role -
1966 Dodge Coronet Minor role
The Trial of the Chicago 7 Also Known As
29 alternative titles, including “트라이얼 오브 더 시카고 7” and “시카고 7인의 재판”.
- Also known as
-
- 트라이얼 오브 더 시카고 7
- 시카고 7인의 재판
- El juicio de los 7 de Chicago
- Proces siódemki z Chicago
- Os 7 de Chicago
- The Trial of the Chicago Seven
- 芝加哥七君子审判
- Les Sept de Chicago
- Il processo ai Chicago 7
- Суд над чикагской семеркой
- Chicagský tribunál
- A chicagói 7-ek tárgyalása
+17 more Show fewer
- Şikago Yedilisi'nin Yargılanması
- 芝加哥七人案：驚世審判
- Суд над Чиказькою сімкою
- משפט השבעה משיקגו
- Η Δίκη των 7 του Σικάγου
- Phiên tòa Chicago 7
- Суђење чикашкој седморци
- シカゴ7裁判
- ชิคาโก 7
- Čikagos septynetuko teismas
- Sojenje čikaški sedmerici
- دادگاه شیکاگو ۷, ჩიკაგოს შვიდეულის სასამართლო პროცესი
- Процесът срещу Чикаго 7
- محاكمة شيكاغو 7
- Čikaška sedmorka
- शिकागो के सात मुजरिम
- Procesul celor șapte din Chicago
Seen The Trial of the Chicago 7?
Movies Like The Trial of the Chicago 7
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Conspiracy: The Trial of the Chicago 8, Chicago 10 and Vladimir and Rosa.
The Trial of the Chicago 7 FAQ: Cast & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, ratings, awards and post-credit scenes of The Trial of the Chicago 7, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Trial of the Chicago 7?
The Trial of the Chicago 7 runs 2 hours 9 minutes (129 minutes).
When was The Trial of the Chicago 7 released?
The Trial of the Chicago 7 was released on September 25, 2020.
Who directed The Trial of the Chicago 7?
The Trial of the Chicago 7 was directed by Aaron Sorkin.
More films by Aaron Sorkin Who is in the cast of The Trial of the Chicago 7?
The Trial of the Chicago 7 stars William Hurt, Michael Keaton and Frank Langella, among 19 credited actors.
What was the budget of The Trial of the Chicago 7?
The Trial of the Chicago 7 had a reported budget of $35 million.
How is The Trial of the Chicago 7 rated?
The Trial of the Chicago 7 has 7.7/10 on IMDb, 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, 76 on Metacritic and 77% on TMDB.
What awards did The Trial of the Chicago 7 win?
The Trial of the Chicago 7 won 5 awards from 24 nominations, including Best Acting Ensemble at the Critics' Choice 2021.
Does The Trial of the Chicago 7 have a post-credit scene?
No. The Trial of the Chicago 7 has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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