Chicago 10, a documentary-drama by director Brett Morgen, is an exciting film that will keep you entertained from start to finish. The movie blends archival footage and animation together in a creative mix that isn’t common in many historical films. The switch from archival footage to animation takes time to get used to and can sometimes be confusing, but this unorthodox use of animation adds comedy to the film, while the archival footage gives viewers a first-hand account of life in the '60s.

The film takes place in 1968, when thousands of antiwar protesters went to Chicago for the Democratic National Convention. The protesters felt the convention was the perfect place to let America know their feelings about the Vietnam War, which had already been going on for three years and had killed thousands of soldiers and civilians.

There were three activist groups that made plans to protest during the convention in Chicago: the National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam (known as “the MOBE”), Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and the Yippies (Youth International Party). The groups wanted to have a peaceful demonstration, yet instead the demonstrators clashed with police and a riot broke out that was watched on television by millions of viewers.

After the riots, eight defendants were brought to trial for intending to create disturbances in the city of Chicago. The two lawyers representing the defendants were found in contempt and sentenced to prison by the judge. Overall, there were 10 people tried in court—which is why the film’s title is Chicago 10.

The trial was hilarious at times, with defendants Abbie Hoffman and Jerry Rubin making sly remarks and writer Allen Ginsberg reciting several poems during his testimony. The contemporary music definitely keeps things exciting for viewers, as do the brief scenes of Hoffman doing stand-up comedy. But the comedy is balanced with frightening images of tear gas and police beatings that reveal the shocking truth that this brutal riot happened in our recent history.

This movie couldn’t be more relevant to America’s current involvement in the controversial Iraq war. After watching this film, people may feel encouraged to speak out about their views of the war in Iraq. But even if viewers don’t become activists, after seeing Chicago 10 they will learn about a momentous event in history that showed how all citizens have the ability to voice their opinions and make a difference in American society.

Note: This movie is rated “R,” therefore it might not be appropriate for younger readers because of language and violent scenes.

For a Chicago 10-related video montage about voting, appropriate for all audiences, click here.

Rachel Leamon is 19 and attends The Communication College at Boston University. In her free time, she loves reading and listening to The Dave Matthews Band.