In August of 1971, discontent with the raging war in Vietnam was bleeding over into the streets of cities and towns across America.  Out of this chaos came the Camden 28, an anti-war protest group largely made up of conscientious objectors from the Catholic left.  They set out to break into a New Jersey draft board office and destroy as many records as they could.  This was their attempt to strike a fierce, practical blow to the system that set young men off to a foreign land to die.  Little did they know, they had a mole in their operation and, hours into their mission, they were arrested by members of the FBI under the guidance and authority of J. Edgar Hoover.

Thus began a three-and-a-half month trial that made legal history.  Every member of the Camden 28, both active participants and conspirators, were acquitted of any wrongdoing.  Never before or since has such a vindication been ordered in the U.S. court system.  This ruling spoke to the overwhelming sense of loss and devastation that the Vietnam war inspired throughout the country at that time. 

This largely forgotten piece of history is the subject of Anthony Giacchino's new documentary film "The Camden 28", an inspiring, visceral and frighteningly relevant film that reunites members of the group over thirty years after their seminal, groundbreaking efforts.

Over ten years in the making, "The Camden 28" shows you the broad, far-reaching strokes: the ugliness of the war (the financial commitments overseas, the loss of youth) , the burdensome effects it inspired here at home (burning cities, unemployment, rioting), and the breadth of influence the anti-war movement had on our government (the Camden 28 group watch went as far as the White House). It also asks difficult, moral questions; the challenge of when civil disobedience should become a conscientious American's responsibility being chief among them.  

But "The Camden 28" works primarily because it pays delicate attention to the human elements of its story.  These were working middle-class citizens who cared deeply about their country and their families.  For them, forming a fellowship of revolt was the most American of actions.  As they reconvene in 2002 in the same courtroom in which they were vindicated, the emotions run high as they reassess their actions and the legacy they will all leave behind.

As a piece of filmmaking, Giacchino has whittled down a daunting number of interviews, archival documents and newsreel footage to create a seamless, clearly defined whole.  The film achieves a maximum level of dramatic tension throughout – playing at times like a suspense thriller, and at other times like a deeply human social statement.  Every technical aspect of the film, from the carefully controlled editing to the beautifully composed underscore that plays throughout, feels true and makes the film a rich, emotional and deeply satisfying experience. 

While the turmoil in Iraq is never mentioned, present-day viewers will not be able to view the film without drawing the parallels in their minds. For this time, it's hard to imagine a more pertinent documentary work.  This should be required viewing for the under-30 set.  As evidenced by the last shot of the film, featuring a hopeful look upward to the heavens, the treasures in this film should inspire our youth to carry the torch of peace and make their own difference in the world, much as the Camden 28 did many years ago.

To hear an exclusive interview with director Anthony Giacchino and Camden 28 member John Swinglish, tune in to the MOVIE GEEKS UNITED! movie talk radio program hosted by Jamey, Chris and Jerry on Sunday, April 22 at 6pm eastern!