Sound of Freedom

We've all seen films based on a true story, however, "Sound of Freedom" has got to down in history as being one of the most, if not the most sobering films I have ever seen. It truly tackles a subject that has been swept under the carpet seemingly forever: child sex trafficking. This addresses it head on leaving no stone unturned which is an effective way of getting society's attention.

Based on the incredible true story, this film shines a light on even the darkest of places. After rescuing a small boy from ruthless child traffickers, a federal agent, Tim Ballard (Jim Caviezel) learns the boy's sister is still captive and decides to embark on a dangerous mission to save her. With time running out, he ultimately quits his job and journeys deep with the help of a local, Vampiro (Bill Camp) into the Colombian jungle, putting their lives on the line to save this young girl from a fate worse than death. 

Others to round out the cast are Mira Sorvino as Katherine Ballard, Tim's wife, Kurt Fuller as Frost, Tim's boss, Jose Zuniga as Roberto, Scott Haze as Chris, Eduardo Verastegui as Paul, Gerardo Taracena as El Alacran, Gary Basaraba as Earl Buchanan, Manny Perez as Fuego, Javier Godino as Jorge, Gustavo Sanchez Parra as El Calacas and Yessica Borroto as Katy Gisselle.

This was rivetingly directed by Alejandro Monteverde ("Bella" '06, "Little Boy" '15) plus shorts. This filmmaker obviously put his heart and soul into this movie considering all the detail of this story contents that were used. The pacing and staging was spot on--it exceeded a two hour running time, and one couldn't even detect it. Not having a plethora of experience, he will, undoubtedly receive more work considering the intensity and pathos this brought to the screen. It was equally well written by Rod Barr ("Is That You? (story) '14) and Alejandro Monteverde ("Bella" '06, "Little Boy" '15) plus shorts. Not only was this film incredibly penned well-with a tight script, was cohesive, sequenced well, but it was apparent that everyone connected to this production was a true believer in the story and shedding light as to expose the darkness that has, and still does, permeate the globe. And, Caviezel was simply amazing in his role as Ballard rescuing 100's of children from the clutches of these evil men and women involved in this child sex trafficking business. As the end credits were rolling, Caviezel gives a couple of minute talk of how devastating this horrific epidemic has become, and the more we know as a people by watching this film, the more we can make 'noise' in seeing that this has to come to an end. As he put it succinctly, "God's children are not for sale". 

This is a very sobering, but important film, and one that all adults certainly must see. Sometimes, it takes something so intense and descript to wake people up to the horrors that is happening to our children. Angel Studios released the film, and as part of the end credits, their website which is angel.com/freedom was on the screen to receive more information. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                         Rated: PG-13                                          131mins.