The Trials of Henry Kissinger (2002)

A film about the war crimes of the American diplomat, Henry Kissinger.

Director:

Eugene Jarecki

Writers:

Alex Gibney, Christopher Hitchens (book)

Stars:

Brian Cox, Henry Kissinger, Anna Chennault

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Brian Cox	...	Narrator (voice)
Henry Kissinger	...	Self (archive footage)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Anna Chennault	...	Self
Amy Goodman	...	Self
Alexander Haig	...	Self
Seymour Hersh	...	Self (author)
Christopher Hitchens	...	Self
Barbara Howar	...	Self
Michael Korda	...	Self (Editor-in-Chief, Simon & Schuster)
Lewis Lapham	...	Self (Editor, Harper's Magazine)
Geoffrey Robertson	...	Self (Human Rights Lawyer)
William Safire	...	Self (New York Times)
René Schneider Jr.	...	Self
Michael Tigar	...	Self (Professor of Law)

Storyline

Part contemporary investigation and part historical inquiry, documentary follows the quest of one journalist in search of justice. The film focuses on Christopher Hitchens' charges against Henry Kissinger as a war criminal - allegations documented in Hitchens' book of the same title - based on his role in countries such as Cambodia, Chile, and Indonesia. Kissinger's story raises profound questions about American foreign policy and highlights a new era of human rights. Increasing evidence about one man's role in a long history of human rights abuses leads to a critical examination of American diplomacy through the lens of international standards of justice.

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Plot Keywords:

diplomat | diplomacy | american politics | power politics | political criminal | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Did You Know?

Connections

Features The Simpsons: $pringfield (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Legalized Gambling) (1993)

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Soundtracks

Mr. Big Stuff
(uncredited)
Performed by Jean Knight
Played during the segment discussing Kissinger's celebrity status

User Reviews

Kissinger on Trial (well, he should be!)

The news of Henry Kissinger being selected to head the commission to investigate the Sept. 11 attacks makes seeing the new documentary, `The Trials of Henry Kissinger,' required viewing.

Based on a book by Christopher Hitchins, the film shows many former Kissinger supporters - including Nixon speech-writer, William Safire - calling the former National Security Advisor and Secretary of State secretive, a liar and even a war criminal.

Kissinger's Cold War schemes of bombing Cambodia, the genocidal invasion of East Timor by Indonesia and the coup and related atrocities in Chile are all well researched in this 80 minute film.

One of the many documentary interviewees is René Schneider Jr. His father, Gen. René Schneider, was head of the Chilean military when Allende was first elected. The general was killed during an attempt to kidnap him, as he was staunchly committed to the constitution, and would not bow to a coup against Allende. Evidence points to Kissinger directing that botched kidnapping.

Near the end of the film, Schneider is asked if he planned to press charges against Kissinger for his role. His response was, `we are considering it.' The date when charges finally were first reported in the //New York Times// was Sept. 11, 2001. The $3 million civil suit against Kissinger quickly faded into the background in the wake of the terrorist attacks.

With Kissinger to chair the Sept. 11 probe, things appear to have come full circle now.

Details

Country:

USA UK Denmark France Canada Australia

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 May 2003 (France)

Also Known As:

Angeklagt: Henry Kissinger

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$14,667, 29 September 2002

Gross USA:

$516,726

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$521,266

Company Credits

Production Co:

Arte France Cinéma, British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Diverse Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

80 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1