Chicago 10

Name: Chicago 10
Genre: History, War, Animation, Documentary
Released: February 29, 2008
Duration: 110 min
Rating: 69
Cast: Jeffrey Wright, Nick Nolte, Roy Scheider

2008

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 24 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 12 Ratings

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5.7

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5.7	User Score Mixed or average reviews based on 12 Ratings

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Chicago 10

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Movie Details & Credits

Roadside Attractions | Release Date: February 29, 2008 | R

Starring: Jeffrey Wright, Nick Nolte, Roy Scheider

Summary: Chicago 10 tells the story of the buildup and unraveling of the Chicago Conspiracy trial--not as history but as an electrifying experience felt with up-to-the-moment immediacy. Interweaving footage of the brutal clashes between police and demonstrators at the 1968 Democratic convention with 3D animated reenactments of the outrageous trialChicago 10 tells the story of the buildup and unraveling of the Chicago Conspiracy trial--not as history but as an electrifying experience felt with up-to-the-moment immediacy. Interweaving footage of the brutal clashes between police and demonstrators at the 1968 Democratic convention with 3D animated reenactments of the outrageous trial that followed it, the audience becomes eyewitnesses of violent turmoil, as well as absurdist spectacle. Set to a blazing soundtrack that ranges from Black Sabbath and Steppenwolf to the Beastie Boys and Eminem, "Chicago 10" is a stirring account of young Americans taking a stand in the face of an oppressive government--a story that resonates deeply in our world today. (Roadside Attractions) … Expand

Director: Brett Morgen

Genre(s): History, War, Animation, Documentary

Rating: R

Runtime: 110 min

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Critic Reviews

100

Ann Hornaday

Morgen plunges viewers completely into the anarchic, exhilarating, finally ambiguous world of 1968 America; his final stroke of genius is his choice of music, which includes a breathtaking use of Eminem's "Mosh." Read full review

Shawn Levy

Sometimes the best way to relate history is to tinker with it and make it feel like a living thing. Read full review

Michael Sragow

The movie conveys the drama of the moment but eschews context. The result is an arresting yet frustrating experience. Read full review

Sid Smith

Morgen’s best achievement is the news footage, more detailed looks at events outside the Conrad Hilton Hotel and in Chicago parks than you typically see on TV rehashes. Read full review

Carina Chocano

Morgen's decision to avoid talking heads recounting events and find a way to dramatize them instead is consistent with his intention for the film. The director wants to bring recent history to life for people who weren't around to witness it, and in that he succeeds pretty admirably. Read full review

J. Hoberman

However authentically chaotic, Chicago 10 is insufficiently frenzied. Read full review

Carrie Rickey

Given the filmmaker's privileged perspective of hindsight, to not consider the real-world repercussions of their theater, to not connect the dots between 1968 and 2008 is a squandered opportunity. Read full review

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User Reviews

Dave

Mar 6, 2008

Very interesting film. Since I was very young during the DNC in Chicago in 1968, this was very educational to me. I thought there would be more animation, but overall very good.

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KenG

Nov 9, 2008

As an extensive history lesson this is a bit fuzzy, but what this film does very well is capture the spirit, mood and the tone of both events (the riots and the trial) in a way that is intense, powerful, and harrowing.

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JayH.

Aug 21, 2008

Great subject, very informative, but the animated segments are irritating and distract from the power of the subject matter. It's amazing that it all happened to begin with.

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Susie

Aug 21, 2011

The movie is just not focused and for someone who wants to know about the persons in the film, there is not enough background info. I agree with one other review which states they are presented as young prankster. That trial set the tone for all future "political" trials in the U.S, and itThe movie is just not focused and for someone who wants to know about the persons in the film, there is not enough background info. I agree with one other review which states they are presented as young prankster. That trial set the tone for all future "political" trials in the U.S, and it affected the rest of the world.
What happened to these people. I saw on PBS TV on its Independent Lens program. Very disappointing.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Djd

Feb 29, 2008

Pretentious and tedious, this film tries so hard to be hip it might as well have prohibited any viewing except on the 16 GB iPhone. Morgen's very self-conscious direction provides no context for the events of the film leaving most viewers scratching their heads and unmoved. This lack Pretentious and tedious, this film tries so hard to be hip it might as well have prohibited any viewing except on the 16 GB iPhone. Morgen's very self-conscious direction provides no context for the events of the film leaving most viewers scratching their heads and unmoved. This lack of background does a disservice to his heroes by not showing the tiniest bit of the reasoning and provocation for their actions which would've humanized them. Instead, they come across as immature pranksters. When the climax of the film comes, the protesters being throttled by the police, all Morgen can do to try and make you feel something is crank up the score which just feels manipulative and diminishes the emotions that could've been felt. A perfect example of style over substance. Is it that hard to achieve both?… Expand

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JohnR.

Mar 15, 2008

Pretentious, boring and manipulative.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

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