1971 Poster

1971 2014

★ 6.714 votes80 min📅 2014-04-18

"The year a few ordinary citizens took on the FBI."

Dive into the gripping true-crime documentary *1971 (2014)*, directed by Johanna Hamilton, which uncovers one of the most audacious acts of civil disobedience in modern American history.

Director: Johanna Hamilton

Cast

Bonnie Raines
Self
John Raines
Self
Bob Williamson
Self
Keith Forsyth
Self
Bill Davidon
Self
Peter Gregus
Bill
Lauren A. Kennedy
Lauren A. Kennedy
Bonnie Raines
Jonathan Joel Brennan
Bob
Rich Graff
Rich Graff
John Raines
Daniel S. Taylor
Keith

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *1971 (2014)* about?

*1971 (2014)* chronicles an unprecedented act of civil disobedience in 1971, when a group of anti-war activists broke into an FBI office to expose the agency's illegal surveillance programs. The documentary reveals their motivations, the meticulous planning behind the heist, and the lasting implications of their actions on government transparency.

Who directed *1971*?

The film was directed by Johanna Hamilton, whose work focuses on historical and political narratives.

Who stars in *1971*?

The documentary features firsthand accounts from the activists themselves, including Bonnie Raines, John Raines, Bob Williamson, Keith Forsyth, Bill Davidon, and Peter Gregus.

Is *1971 (2014)* worth watching?

Absolutely—if you enjoy true-crime stories with a political edge or historical thrillers that feel ripped from today's headlines, *1971* delivers. Its tight runtime, compelling narrative, and relevance to modern debates about surveillance make it a standout documentary that's both entertaining and thought-provoking.

How long is *1971*?

The runtime of *1971 (2014)* is 80 minutes.

About 1971 (2014) — A Riveting True Story of Citizens vs. the FBI

Dive into the gripping true-crime documentary *1971 (2014)*, directed by Johanna Hamilton, which uncovers one of the most audacious acts of civil disobedience in modern American history. Eight ordinary citizens, driven by anti-war fervor and a desire for transparency, orchestrated a meticulously planned break-in at an FBI office in Media, Pennsylvania. Their goal? To expose the agency's illegal surveillance tactics targeting law-abiding citizens during a tumultuous era. Decades before whistleblowing became a global phenomenon, these activists risked everything to shine a light on government overreach. Now, for the first time, the perpetrators share their untold story in a film that blends heist-movie tension with profound reflections on privacy, activism, and the ethics of secrecy. Hamilton crafts a tense, thought-provoking narrative that feels ripped from today's headlines, questioning whether breaking the law can ever be justified in the name of justice.

This isn't just a story about a burglary—it's a time capsule of courage and consequence. *1971 (2014)* immerses viewers in the paranoia of the early 1970s, where fear of surveillance loomed large and trust in institutions was crumbling. With a runtime of just 80 minutes, the documentary packs a punch, balancing the adrenaline of a high-stakes heist with the gravity of its real-world impact. Whether you're drawn to political thrillers, historical exposés, or tales of underdog rebellion, this film offers a riveting blend of suspense and substance.