The Trials of Henry Kissinger

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The Trials of Henry Kissinger

Released Sep 25, 2002

1h 20m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

57 Reviews

78%

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1,000+ Ratings

Decades after he left Washington, Henry Kissinger remains a divisive figure in American politics. Journalist Christopher Hitchens, who believes Kissinger should be labeled a war criminal, builds his case by shedding light on the high-ranking diplomat's many shadowy foreign actions, including an unauthorized bombing raid in Cambodia and a purported plot to oust Chilean leader Salvador Allende. Legal experts and former government officials also discuss Kissinger's controversial career.

Critics Consensus

This compelling unauthorized biography takes a muckraker's view of the controversial diplomat.

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Peter Rainer

New York Magazine/Vulture

In a larger sense, this powerfully muckraking film is about the accountability of public figures and about how, in regard to international justice, there can be no exceptions.

Aug 7, 2004

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Marrit Ingman

Austin Chronicle

Eugene Jarecki amasses a compelling body of evidence suggesting that Kissinger should be formally investigated for a possible role in the CIA-supported coup.

Rated: 3.5/5

Mar 10, 2003

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Steven Rosen

Denver Post

The film is insightful about Kissinger's background and history.

Rated: 3.5/4

Dec 13, 2002

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Jay Antani

Cinema Writer

An Incendiary piece of a rather innocuous order

Rated: 2.5/4

Sep 6, 2010

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Kelly Vance

East Bay Express

Much of Kissinger's career has been spent smoothing the way for rich industrialists, ambitious rightwing politicos, military men, and, of course, himself.

May 5, 2010

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John A. Nesbit

Old School Reviews

provocative study

Rated: B-

Dec 3, 2009

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Audience Member

Though a bit dated, The Trials of Henry Kissinger provides a brief summary of the controversial career of one of America's most (in)famous diplomats. Based on the book, the film covers both sides of the debates against Kissinger. Presented in a trial format, the film allows the viewers to develop their own opinions. Whether Kissinger was a war criminal or a pragmatic realpolitik apparatchik, we decide. The film also delves a bit into Kissinger's personal life to help us understand his evolution. Viewers can emphasize why Kissinger adopts his own brand of amoral realpolitik over dogmatic idealism. As the film progresses, we see the adoption of Kissinger's rise to power/fame/infamy. 3.5 or 4/5. A bit dated, but a solid introduction to the career and life of Henry Kissinger.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/07/23

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Audience Member

Lauding and riveting. This sheds light on the war crimes of former secretary of state Henry Kissinger.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/24/23

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Audience Member

on sided but good. makes you ask if the ends justify the means. him and nixon were doing lots of dirty stuff against a dirty enemy. Hes undeniably smart and believes in his causes

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

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Audience Member

Hitchens, Gibney, and Jarecki make a great case against Kissinger, and you feel compelled to believe their impressions of the controversial figure. It's not quite as interesting as you'd think, but it's a good first outing for Eugene Jarecki and shows promise for his future career as a documentary filmmaker.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

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s r

A film that raises the important points about the two faces of international peace prizes and courts by showing how Kissinger manages to contradict them both. One sided, but informative.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

Gotta love the Hitch.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/26/23

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Eugene Jarecki

Director

Brian Cox

Narrator

Alex Gibney

Writer

Roy Ackerman

Executive Producer

Jennie Amias

Associate Producer

Alex Gibney

Producer

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Synopsis

Decades after he left Washington, Henry Kissinger remains a divisive figure in American politics. Journalist Christopher Hitchens, who believes Kissinger should be labeled a war criminal, builds his case by shedding light on the high-ranking diplomat's many shadowy foreign actions, including an unauthorized bombing raid in Cambodia and a purported plot to oust Chilean leader Salvador Allende. Legal experts and former government officials also discuss Kissinger's controversial career.

Director: Eugene Jarecki
Producer: Alex Gibney, Eugene Jarecki
Screenwriter: Alex Gibney
Distributor: First Run
Production Co: Jigsaw Educational Productions Inc., Think Tank Films
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 25, 2002, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 23, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $515.7K
Runtime: 1h 20m
Sound Mix: Stereo