[Lee Jong-gil's Film Reading] For Radicalism to Be Welcomed...

Director Aaron Sorkin's 'Trial of the Chicago 7'
Highlights the 1968 Chicago Mass Protests and Unfair Trial of Organizers
Targets Trump Administration Through Reenactment of Undemocratic Trial

The film "The Trial of the Chicago 7" focuses on the Democratic National Convention held in August 1968 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. New left groups such as the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), the Youth International Party, and the Hippie coalition gathered nearby to stage large-scale protests. This was because Hubert Humphrey's nomination as the presidential candidate became likely after Robert Kennedy was assassinated in Los Angeles. They had no reason to welcome President Lyndon Johnson, who was criticized for sending troops to Vietnam.

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley deployed a massive police force inside and outside the convention hall. Thousands of soldiers were also put on standby. Chicago was engulfed in tear gas smoke and stones thrown by protesters. The sounds of sirens and blanks mixed together resembled a battlefield. Millions of Americans watched the horrific scenes from their living rooms.

Director Aaron Sorkin highlights the unfair trial faced by seven ringleaders including Tom Hayden (Eddie Redmayne) and Abbie Hoffman (Sasha Baron Cohen). John Mitchell (John Doman), appointed Attorney General under the Richard Nixon administration, sought to imprison them for over ten years. Prosecutor Richard Schultz (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) was unexpectedly assigned the case and was flustered. "Who started the riot? The protesters? Or the police?" "The police did not start the riot." "Witnesses will testify." "Then you have to prove they are lying and win. That’s your role."

The new left leaders were not protected by the judicial system. Rather, even their basic human rights were violated. Bobby Seale (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), co-founder of the Black Panther Party, who stayed in Chicago for four hours and was charged with inciting violence, is a representative example. While defending himself as innocent, he was bound and gagged. The audience was shocked, but Judge Julius Hoffman (Frank Langella) paid no attention. "I will ask the defendant again. Nod if you agree with what I say, shake your head if not."

The reenactment of an undemocratic trial targets the Donald Trump administration. It resembles the destruction of existing institutions, fostering uncertainty, and excessive patriotic marketing. The underlying prejudice and hatred have become a catalyst for spreading awareness of unity and equality today. The importance of the rule of law, which had been vaguely recognized, is also becoming more concrete. Fifty-two years ago, the results were opposite. The majority of citizens were negative about the new left’s actions. According to polls at the time, only 19% considered the police crackdown excessive.

The American middle class has traditionally shown aversion to radicals. The problem was their extreme actions. Even the sympathy they had shown turned into resentment. As the middle class turned away, the foundation of American capitalism hardened. The ground for radicals to penetrate became narrower. The Haymarket affair and the Pullman strike in the late 19th century are representative examples. The radicals’ extreme actions led to the Red Scare, and the reformist movement built over a decade collapsed. Governments supported by the middle class launched massive counterattacks whenever radicals acted violently, reversing the situation. The new left had forgotten this history. Their historical experience was too limited compared to their ideals.

Director Sorkin reveals the bare truth through Hayden’s confession. When the lawyer asks, "Who started the riot?" he answers, "Our blood." Hoffman, sitting beside him, is outraged. "'If we are going to shed our blood, let it flow throughout all of Chicago.' It wasn’t the police’s blood. It meant showing everyone how they beat us!"

In reality, the SDS collapsed not because of the government’s harsh response but due to the middle class’s anti-radical sentiment and internal divisions. They never combined with the poor or minorities to carry out social transformation movements. They failed to grasp their sentiments due to social and status limitations. The gap between wealthy students and unfortunate young people was a harsh reality.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.