Battle in Seattle is a 2007 film that dramatizes the events of the WTO Ministerial Conference protests in Seattle, Washington in 1999.
The movie follows a diverse group of characters, including activists, police officers, and city officials, as they navigate the chaos of the protests. The protesters, who come from all walks of life and represent a variety of causes, are united by their opposition to the WTO and what they see as its harmful impact on workers, the environment, and democracy.
As the protests escalate, tensions rise between the protesters and the police, who are under strict orders to maintain order and protect the WTO delegates. Violence erupts on both sides, with protesters vandalizing businesses and hurling objects at police, and police responding with tear gas, rubber bullets, and physical force. The movie focuses particularly on the experiences of a few key characters, including a young couple who become separated during the chaos, an African American police officer who struggles with his conflicting loyalties, and a city official who must make difficult decisions about how to handle the situation.
Ultimately, the protests lead to a State of Emergency being declared in Seattle, with the National Guard being called in to restore order. The WTO talks are also disrupted, with many delegates forced to flee the city without making any progress. The movie concludes with a scene that hints at the ongoing global impact of the protests, as news footage shows activists and workers around the world taking to the streets in solidarity.
