https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwSBQWI-bekI want to chat about a movie I just watched. Thing is, it's not really about the movie itself (though it's pretty intense), but more about what it represents. And more than that, it's about how people are reacting to it.
If you're still in doubt that some seriously messed up stuff is happening, just look at how a movie about child sexual exploitation, based on true and ever-increasing events, gets totally snubbed by the bigwigs of entertainment. Heavyweights like Amazon, Netflix, Disney, and the like don't even bother distributing the flick, even though they could make some serious dough... weird, right? Movie-loving YouTubers and critics don't even mention it. It's like it doesn't exist. I wonder why?
A lot of theaters aren't even showing it, and the media is branding it as "conspiracy theory" or "lunacy". According to so-called "official" sources like Rolling Stone, apparently there's no such thing as child trafficking, pedophilia, or kids disappearing for sexual exploitation on our planet... What about the whole Jeffrey Epstein scandal? Guess that was just a bunch of baloney. The kicker is, Sound of Freedom is based on a REAL story. So why are all these big shots and media outlets ridiculing a movie that's trying to raise awareness and fight against child abuse and pedophilia?
As for the movie itself, on the technical and narrative fronts, it's solid. Don't expect a balls-to-the-wall action flick like "Taken" with a ton of gunfights and grand explosions. This movie is more organic and psychological, more of a raw thriller about a reality that affects us all. If you're just in for action and fun, it might come off a bit bland.
The film has a good start, development, and end. The performances are top-notch, and you really feel for the main character, you feel their pain, you put yourself in their shoes. Truly, Jim Caviezel is the best thing about this production. Sound Of Freedom isn't violent per se and doesn't have any explicit scenes of child abuse or death. It's PG13, so if you're sensitive and well aware of the real-life issues this movie addresses, it might get to you. Me, I didn't cry, but I did feel a sense of helplessness and an emptiness that I can't really describe.
I recommend it 100%, though maybe it could've used a bit more grit.
But I think the most important thing about this movie is the deafening noise made by the silence of many about it.
You guys remember the incident I faced when my younger kid and I were held at gunpoint in Lima, Peru. This was a deeply traumatic experience for both of us. The fear and helplessness that we felt in that moment, it was indescribable. When I think about that, and then consider what these innocent kids around the world are going through every single day, it's beyond heartbreaking. I can't even begin to imagine their pain and terror, and it tears me apart. It's hard not to feel a personal connection to a movie like this after going through such a terrifying ordeal.