Battle in Seattle (2007)

Activists arrive in Seattle, Washington en masse to protest a meeting of the World Trade Organization. Riots and chaos ensue as demonstrators successfully stop the WTO meetings.

Director:

Stuart Townsend

Writer:

Stuart Townsend

Stars:

André 3000, Jennifer Carpenter, Isaach De Bankolé

1 win & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
André 3000	...	Django (as Andre Benjamin)
Jennifer Carpenter	...	Sam
Isaach De Bankolé	...	Abasi (as Isaach De Bankole)
Woody Harrelson	...	Dale
Martin Henderson	...	Jay
Joshua Jackson	...	Randall
Ray Liotta	...	Mayor Jim Tobin
Tzi Ma	...	Governor
Ivana Milicevic	...	Carla
Connie Nielsen	...	Jean
Michelle Rodriguez	...	Lou
Rade Serbedzija	...	Dr. Maric (as Rade Sherbedzija)
Channing Tatum	...	Johnson
Charlize Theron	...	Ella
Christopher Jacot	...	Michael

Storyline

In late November 1999, masses are descending upon Seattle for the World Trade Organization (WTO) Conference, the first ever held on American soil. Beyond the several delegates, career protesters are also coming to Seattle, they who believe the non-elected organization only exists to support corporate interests at the expense of the poor, working class and the environment among other things. Before the conference, the lead known protesters vow that their demonstrations will be peaceful, while Seattle Mayor Jim Tobin promises that if that be the case that no arrests will be made and no aggressive action, such as the use of tear gas, will be issued. On day one of the conference, tensions on both sides escalate the confrontation between police and protesters, with many innocent people caught in the crossfire. As such, what was promised ends up not happening during the remainder of the conference, where many on both sides work not for the greater good of their side, but rather for their ...

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Plot Keywords:

world trade organization | tear gas | protest | political unrest | police arrest | 

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Taglines:

Based on true event.

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Genres:

Action | Drama | History | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language and some violence

Did You Know?

Trivia

Writing and directing debut of actor Stuart Townsend.

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Goofs

There are numerous changes to the Seattle skyline since the time of the riots. 1) The Kingdome should be present but isn't 2) Qwest Field is shown but didn't exist at the time 3) The new City Hall is featured in a shot but it wasn't built yet 4) There are several changes to the downtown retail core, and 5) Many buildings have been added and deleted from the Fourth Avenue scenes.

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Quotes

Jay: I don't blame you. I mean, I do, but... Shit, you're not the problem. You're just doing your job, i guess. The people I'm really trying to fight are the ones who destroy so much, and they hurt so many lives. Not just one. Literally, millions. And no one ever points a gun at them. You know, they just seem so, unaccountable. Untouchable. Just seems kind of fucked that you're... You and me are the ones that have to fight each other.

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Crazy Credits

A Special Thanks to AWI and Ben White (who passed away in July of 2005) for the creation of the sea turtle costumes and the coordination of their use in protests against the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Seattle, Washington in 1999. We are indebted to various non-profit organizations and individuals who aided with manufacturing the costumes, and to the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) and Ben White for creating the idea for the sea turtle costumes. It was AWI's international coordinator, Ben White, who created those costumes and came up with the idea to put hundreds of people in sea turtle costumes on the streets of Seattle. We will miss Ben and his dedication to make the world a better place.

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Connections

References Michael Jackson: Thriller (1983)

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Soundtracks

Don't Worry Be Happy
by Bobby McFerrin
Prob Noblem Music

User Reviews

Best film I've seen in a long time

I knew very little about this subject before watching the film... I expected to learn a little about it during the film and that was my primary reason for attending the screening at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin. Instead, I was blown away by an incredible story that weaves the events in Seattle with several inspiring and complex characters. In an amazing interaction that muddied the waters between the 'good' and 'bad' guys, this script moves you.

The theater cheered and yelled... an ovation throughout the credits in Austin as well... this movie is powerful and inspiring. I absolutely loved the cast as well as the style of film-making. Great work.

Details

Country:

Canada USA Germany

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 May 2008 (France)

Also Known As:

Battle in Seattle

Filming Locations:

Seattle, Washington, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$8,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$46,903, 21 September 2008

Gross USA:

$224,169

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$908,847

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hyde Park Entertainment, Insight Film Studios, Remstar Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1