Its greatest achievement, no question, is simply that it rescues a period of modern history from its suffocating blanket of respect and worship.
Chicago 10 (2008)
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Reviews Counted:77
Fresh:61
Rotten:16
Average Rating:6.7/10
Consensus: Brett Morgan's half-animated, half-documentary film is an arresting, sometimes visionary portrait of the historic and chaotic trial.
Rated: R [See Full Rating] for language and brief sexual images.
Runtime: 1 hr 43 mins
Genre: Education/General Interest
Theatrical Release:Feb 29, 2008 Limited
Synopsis: Brett Morgen follows up his dazzling THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE with another daring, inventive work of nonfiction. CHICAGO 10 tells the raucous story of the trial that resulted after the... Brett Morgen follows up his dazzling THE KID STAYS IN THE PICTURE with another daring, inventive work of nonfiction. CHICAGO 10 tells the raucous story of the trial that resulted after the tumultuous Democratic Convention in Chicago in 1968. During the convention, a group of Yippies and other confrontationists pulled off a series of sit-ins and pranks that led to an eruption of violence. The result was a trial that simultaneously amused, thrilled, and challenged the nation and our notions of freedom. The supposed leaders of these insurrections became defendants, who used their position in the spotlight to further provoke the powers-that-be. They included Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Bobby Seale, David Dellinger, Tom Hayden, Rennie Davis, John Froines, and Lee Weiner. In addition to providing a solid historical context using stock footage of actual events, Morgen takes Rubin's claim that the trial was a cartoon to a literal level by recreating the trial's most infamous moments in full-blown animation. Famous voices (Hank Azaria, Nick Nolte, Dylan Baker, Mark Ruffalo, Roy Scheider, Jeffrey Wright, Liev Schrieber) provide the energetic dialogue that brings these scenes to electrifying life. Morgen also uses a sonic onslaught of aggressive modern pop music (Eminem, Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine) to remind younger viewers that at the time, these were the voices of genuine anti-authority. CHICAGO 10 works as an invigorating history lesson that aims to wake viewers up and remind them of their ability to help determine where American society is headed. [More]
Starring: Hank Azaria, Dylan Baker, Nick Nolte, Mark Ruffalo
Starring: Hank Azaria, Dylan Baker, Nick Nolte, Mark Ruffalo, Roy Scheider, Liev Schreiber, Jeffrey Wright
Director: Brett Morgen
Director: Brett Morgen
Screenwriter: Brett Morgen
Producer: Brett Morgen, Graydon Carter
Composer: Jeff Danna
Studio: Roadside Attractions
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Reviews for Chicago 10
Indirectly scolds today's meek populace for letting its war-minded government rage unchecked.
A documentary that somehow manages to capture the anarchic spirit of those topsy-turvy times without devolving into anarchy itself.
For those who don't mind their history pre-seasoned with a little phantasmagoria and a lot of sarcasm, Chicago 10 is a hugely entertaining piece of pop fluff, as dynamic and modern as the Beastie Boys cut on the soundtrack.
The animation may be 3-D, but only in live-action snippets like this does Chicago 10 become multidimensional.
Brett Morgan's intriguing, partially-animated dramatization of the 1968 protest of the Chicago Democratic National Convention dimly shines a light on how far we've come, and how far we haven't.
Brett Morgen's tiresome recreation of a watershed 1960s political trial shoots at fish in a barrel -- and misses.
The ultimate lesson? Sometimes you make a noble point by acting like a jackass.
As an activist documentary with a contemporary agenda, it doesn't pretend to be "objective" (whatever that means), but to find inspiration in the passion and irreverence of its heroes.
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.
Worth seeing for the expert archival selections, but a decidedly mixed bag for anyone familiar, or unfamiliar, with the times.
The filmmakers' hope, presumably, is that kids will see Chicago 10 and get stirred into action%u2014taking to the streets to take down The Man, Yippie style.
A riveting work that's hilarious, accessible and, sure, timeless in some ways. But still maybe a bit useless, too.
Here is an unabashed call to a new age of protests. Is it agit prop propaganda? You bet.
The film uses voiceover actors and Waking Life-style animation to re-create the infamous trial with amazing effectiveness and intimacy.
Remarkably imaginative: Director Morgen merges archival film with animation to bring to life the excitement of youthful demonstrations against the Vietnam War during the '68 Democratic National Convention.
Latest News for Chicago 10
August 27, 2008:
Docu-drama revisits historic free speech trial of anti-war activists arrested during the 1968 Democratic Convention. ![]()
More...
February 28, 2008:
Critics Consensus: Semi-Pro is Semi-Good, Boleyn Girl Not Quite Movie Royalty
This week at the movies, we've got hapless hoopsters, snouted socialites, and scandalous siblings. What do the critics have to say? More...
January 21, 2007:
Sundance News: "Chicago 10" Disappoints; Dakota Fanning's "Hounddog" Violating Child Pornography Laws? "Crazy Love" Causes Bidding War
Since the Sundance Film Festival started two days ago, three films have already drawn extra media attention. "Chicago 10," Brett Morgen's highly anticipated follow-up... More...
January 20, 2007:
Sundance Reviews: "Chicago 10" Is Unique But Flawed; "The Savages" Is Wrenching And True
Here are some short reviews of "Chicago 10" and "The Savages," both of which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. More...
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 77% 77% | The Hangover |
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
| 66% 66% | Public Enemies |
| 24% 24% | G-Force |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 82% 82% | Paranormal Activity |
| 58% 58% | 9 |
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