“Sound of Freedom,” starring Jim Caviezel, sheds light on human trafficking.
Inspired by true events, it tells the story of a former Homeland Security agent Tim Ballard (played by Jim Caviezel) turned vigilante who embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue hundreds of children from sex traffickers.
After rescuing a young boy from ruthless child traffickers, Ballard learns the boy’s sister is still captive and decides to embark on a precarious mission to save her. With time running out, he quits his job and journeys deep into the Colombian jungle, putting his life on the line to free her from a fate worse than death.
Mira Sorvino and Bill Camp also star as Katherine and Vampiro in the movie, which was directed by Alejandro Monteverde, who manages to maintain a balance of hope and despair.
Monteverde co-wrote the screenplay with Rod Barr, which is moving, bold, and unflinching without getting too preachy. It does a solid job raising awareness on human trafficking with its sincere storytelling.
There is a rawness, authenticity, and vulnerability to Caviezel’s performance, and it appears he put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears in this role as he captured Ballard’s unwavering determination.
The film’s challenges include a plodding pace in the first half (the film picks up in the second) and a markedly inadequate amount of character buildup, which would have better served the story.
One thing is for certain, this is not for the faint of heart or those that suffer from severe anxiety.
The Verdict
Overall, “Sound of Freedom” tackles an important yet uncomfortable topic that merits discussion. Filled with action, mystery, and suspense, the movie takes the audience on an emotional yet exhausting ride
It sheds light on a subject matter that is not only a national problem, but a worldwide one as well. It also shares a message that standing up against injustice (especially injustice against children) makes a positive difference in the world, while raising thought-provoking questions on morality and humanity.
While it starts out heartbreaking, there is courage and optimism in it. The filmmakers and actors deserve to be commended for their part in bringing these dark issues to the forefront.
Its cinematography is striking, and it comes with a haunting musical score that adds to its overall appeal. It is one of those movies that will make viewers cry for joy in the end.
