William Kunstler, born in 1919, was an influential American attorney and civil rights activist who gained national recognition for his defense of the Chicago Seven. Beyond his legal work, the multifaceted Kunstler pursued various acting roles throughout his life, making him a distinctive presence in both the legal and entertainment worlds. This roundup explores the movies and TV shows that represent this lesser-known aspect of his career, offering a closer look at the man behind the legal legend.
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Films
1. Malcolm X
Scholar, convict, leader, disciple, hipster, father, hustler, minister, black man, every man.
Enter the inspiring world of "Malcolm X, " a riveting biographical drama that explores the life of the controversial civil rights leader. From humble beginnings to his rise as a powerful figure in the fight for black liberation, watch as he transforms from a struggling individual to a revered figure. Despite his untimely assassination in 1965, his legacy lives on, leaving behind a powerful message of self-determination and racial pride. Don't miss this captivating story of a man who defied expectations and shaped the future.
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IMDb Rating: 7.7
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TMDb Rating: 7.534
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Metacritic Rating: 73.0
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Release Date: 1992-11-18
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Runtime: 202.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Budget: $34,000,000.0
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Box Office Revenue: $48,169,900.0
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Status: Released
2. Incident at Oglala
What are the facts - And what is the truth?
Unravel the gripping tale of "Incident at Oglala, " released in 1992. Set amidst the tense atmosphere of the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota, this 89-minute film delves into the shootout that left two FBI agents dead. The story questions the official narrative, hinting at an injustice in the conviction of Leonard Peltier. Prepare to challenge your perceptions on the events leading up to this tragic incident.
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IMDb Rating: 7.6
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TMDb Rating: 7.2
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Release Date: 1992-05-08
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Runtime: 89.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
3. We Can't Go Home Again
Nicholas Ray, the acclaimed director and actor, brings his signature raw energy to this 1973 film, where he plays himself mentoring a group of aspiring students at Binghamton University. Through his role as both teacher and artistic influence, Ray crafts an intimate exploration of guidance and creative collaboration.
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IMDb Rating: 6.2
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TMDb Rating: 6.393
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Release Date: 1973-05-10
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Runtime: 93.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
4. William Kunstler: Disturbing the Universe
The story of controversial civil rights lawyer William Kunstler as told by his daughters.
From civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. to anti-war activist Abbie Hoffman, William Kunstler represented some of America's most controversial figures. His explosive legal career turned him from a middle-class family man to "the most hated lawyer in America. " Now, in this intimate documentary, his daughters offer an unflinching look at the man behind the courtroom battles.
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IMDb Rating: 7.7
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TMDb Rating: 6.1
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Release Date: 2009-06-02
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Runtime: 85.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
5. Street Scenes 1970
This 1970 documentary captures real-time events of the anti-Vietnam War protests, filmed by New York University students in both New York City and Washington, D. C. The raw footage includes both black-and-white and color 16mm footage that was later compiled into this historical record. The film concludes with an unplanned conversation among young filmmakers, including future director Martin Scorsese, discussing their experiences and hopes for change.
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IMDb Rating: 6.6
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TMDb Rating: 5.4
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Release Date: 1970-09-14
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Runtime: 75.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
6. Breathing Together: Revolution of the Electric Family
Dive into the revolutionary times of the 1960s with "Breathing Together: Revolution of the Electric Family, " a Canadian documentary that explores the lives and trials of notable American militants like Jerry Rubin and Abbie Hoffman. The film also features interviews with cultural figures such as Alan Ginsberg and Buckminster Fuller. It's a fascinating look into a pivotal time in history, as the filmmaker delves into theories that powerful forces within the U. S. government suppressed American radicals.
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IMDb Rating: 6.8
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TMDb Rating: 5.3
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Release Date: 1971-04-11
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Runtime: 84.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US", "CA"]
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Status: Released
7. Growing Up in America
The Sixties - Then and Now
Fasten your seatbelts for a tumultuous time machine ride through the turbulent '60s! Morley Markson's "Growing Up in America, " a compelling follow-up to the filmmaker's 1971 masterpiece "Breathing Together: Revolution of the Electric Family, " transports us into the world of charismatic rebels like Abbie Hoffman, Jerry Rubin, Allen Ginsberg, and Timothy Leary. Experience the gritty honesty of their journey, then and now, as this documentary invites you to witness the transformative era firsthand. It's more than a story; it's a reflection of the past and the present, brought to life in an unforgettable display of revolutionary spirit and defiance.
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IMDb Rating: 7.5
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TMDb Rating: 10.0
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Release Date: 1989-04-16
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Runtime: 90.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US", "CA"]
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Status: Released
8. 60 Spins Around the Sun
"60 Spins Around the Sun" takes an unflinching look at comedian Randy Credico's unexpected career pivot from stand-up to social activism. While his candid approach cost him his entertainment career, it launched him into advocacy work, particularly against harsh New York drug laws. Through intimate conversations with former colleagues and girlfriends, this personal documentary reveals the man behind the microphone.
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IMDb Rating: 7.0
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Release Date: 2003-01-01
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Runtime: 60.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
9. Seven Songs for Malcolm X
Malcolm X's life and legacy form the subject of this experimental film, directed by the Black Audio Film Collective. The narrative, presented through the voices of Toni Cade Bambara and Giancarlo Esposito, draws from early 20th century funeral photography and Sergei Paradjanov's "The Colour of Pomegranates" to create a series of visually striking sequences.
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IMDb Rating: 5.2
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Release Date: 1993-10-01
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Runtime: 52.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US", "GB"]
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Status: Released
10. Warrior: The Life of Leonard Peltier
"Warrior: The Life of Leonard Peltier" offers an intimate look at the Native American activist's story, exploring the events that led to his 1977 murder conviction and subsequent imprisonment. Through firsthand accounts from those involved, including Peltier himself, this documentary provides a comprehensive examination of a complex chapter in American history.
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IMDb Rating: 8.5
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Release Date: 1991-11-01
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Runtime: 85.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
TV Shows
1. Law & Order
Truth leads the way.
Delve into the intricate world of law enforcement with "Law & Order", a gripping TV series that spans over 24 seasons and 500 episodes. Witness the dedicated police investigating life-threatening crimes, working hand in hand with district attorneys to bring criminals to justice. Through it all, the show provides a tense look into the complexities of the criminal justice system, striving to make New York City a safer place for all.
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Original Name: Law & Order
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TMDb Rating: 7.4
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Languages: ["en"]
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Episode Runtime: [42]
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Status: Returning Series
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In Production: 1
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Original Language: en
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Type: Scripted
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First Air Date: 1990-09-13
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Last Air Date: 2024-05-16
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Number of Seasons: 24
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Number of Episodes: 501
