Do We Care Enough?
I didn’t want to see the Sound of Freedom. It’s a troubling film about a topic that decent people don’t usually discuss. But good people need to know that slavery is alive in the modern world and this multi-billion dollar crime network is growing. Each year hundreds of thousands of children are bought, sold, and used. This industry makes billions of dollars in profit for the criminals that traffic underage boys and girls.
The film is directed by Alejandro Monteverde, produced by Eduardo Verástegui, and stars Jim Caviezel, who portrayed Jesus in The Passion of the Christ. Also, starring in the film are Mira Sorvino, and Bill Camp.
Sound of Freedom is a powerful and moving true story that left me anxious to write this review and spread the word. The story focuses on Tim Ballard, played by Jim Caviezel, a homeland security agent who embarks on a perilous journey to rescue children kidnapped by human traffickers. As he moves deeper into this dark underworld of child exploitation the film does an excellent job of showing the psychological and emotional toll. The remaining cast also delivered outstanding performances. Bill Camp, played Vampiro, a cigar-smoking former cartel worker and convict that has had a change of heart. He provides both tension and a hint of comic relief. Mira Sorvino is equally compelling as Tim’s determined and compassionate wife, Sarah.
The Sound of Freedom shows the seamy underworld of sex trafficking without being graphic. There is some mild nudity, little more than breast cleavage, very short dresses, and provocative skin-tight clothing. There are also a few curse words but the film is rated PG-13. The pacing is well-balanced, as it shifts between heart-pounding action sequences and emotional moments with families and victims. Monteverde's direction expertly navigates this sensitive subject matter, treating it with respect and never exploiting the horrific nature of child trafficking for shock value.
The Sound of Freedom was completed in 2018 on a budget of $14.5 million. An agreement had been reached for 20th Century Fox to distribute the film. However, before distribution began 20th Century Fox was bought by Disney and they shelved the film. The filmmakers reportedly spent years trying to get the distribution rights back from Disney and take the production to theaters. Then the producer, Eduardo Verástegui, approached Angel Studios, most well-known for The Chosen, His Only Son, and Dry Bar Comedy. The studio presented Sound of Freedom to investors as a crowdfunding project and raised the $5 million necessary to buy the distribution rights. At this time the movie has made more than $41 million.
With the release of Sound of Freedom came mainstream media criticism of both the film and Jim Caviezel for supposedly being QAnon-tinged or QAnon-adjacent. The movie never mentions QAnon or any conspiracy other than the criminal sex trafficking conspiracy so, I’m not sure what point those reviewers were attempting to make. Furthermore, in a world where Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell can romp with business and political leaders for decades while the two openly abuse underage children and Netflix can release the film “Cuties,” featuring sexualized imagery of pre-teen girls, this writer wonders about what is really important to most of the mainstream media.
The Sound of Freedom is an extraordinary film that leaves an indelible mark on its audience. It succeeds in shining a light on the horrors of child trafficking while delivering a message of hope, courage, and the power of collective action. With its stellar performances, expert direction, and impactful storytelling, Sound of Freedom is an absolute must-see that will inspire and move viewers long after the credits roll.
Does the American public care enough to change the direction of our country or are millions of children going to suffer short, brutal lives, in sexual slavery? Have you seen the movie? What did you think of it? Let us know in the comment section below.
