Sound Of Freedom

Many writers have avoided writing about this film so in case you’re wondering why KenKen did it, it’s because GODS CHILDREN ARE NOT FOR SALE! Sound of Freedom is the controversial film created 5 years ago but blocked by studios only to be released now… it’s important you go see this film on the big screen… please.

The incredible true story of Tim Ballard former government agent turned vigilante who embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue hundreds of children from sex traffickers. We learn he utilises trickery and deception to get into the heads of his suspects before trapping them. This movie hones on his journey to specifically save 2 siblings Rocio and Miguel who were abducted in their home town whilst in the care of their father who was too trusting with a con model agent who promises them big careers due to the children’s beauty. We follow the children’s horror journey’s from abduction to recovery and what a journey it is. Very emotional, insightful and educative.

Jim Caviezel plays Tim Ballard and takes us through this story. After seeing interviews of the real Tim you get to appreciate the dedication Jim put towards his role. He shows the range of feelings an agent can go through going undercover in such a dark dark industry. He lets us feel the challenges of his job. Having to watch terrible content on a daily, taking steps to get in the head of a paedophile, etc you can just feel the durability and robustness he put himself through to deliver this character. Bill Camp plays Vampiro in a supportive role and his performance is very good. He’s a source of comedy in a dark narrative and he delivers it with grace. Jose Zuniga as Roberto the father of the missing kids. His show of loss and grief is engaging and emotional even in the little screen time he gets. It’s the child actors that carry this film. All of them are brilliant. Cristal Aparicio and Lucas Avila are standouts as Rocio and Miguel. They had me in my feels with their tears, screams, rage etc. at such a young age to be able to cry on queue is a real talent and they did well to ensure us audience got to feel a fraction of what these kids in these positions go through. 

Majority of the film was shot in Colombia which gave it that busy, congested feel. We get to explore the jungles of South America also some trips via California. The music is composed by Spanish film composer Javier Navarette and its brilliant. The feel is very “opera style singing by a children choir” which helps amplify the anxiety around the theme of the child trauma. Some very dramatic camera work here also. There is a fight scene we witness through the eyes of a child and it’s well shot. We hear the sounds of the tussle and each time she closes her eyes the screen goes black, each time she opens we get a glimpse of the rumble. This was a captivating scene which ends with a positive sigh of relief.

FYI…MAKE SURE TO STAY SEATED DURING THE CREDITS FOR A SPECIAL MESSAGE!!

What I respect most about this film is the focus on the message. They could have chosen to get real graphic to really rock the world but the censoring is so well done where you get all the nasty feelings without the need to see what happens behind closed curtains. My anxiety was through the roof from the intro scenes all the way through. The thought that this is someones job whilst managing to hold it altogether with his own personal family. His selfless display is inspiring. The back story for each character as to why they are making this sacrifice is amazing with some really well put together monologues which are guaranteed to keep you sucked in. The movie makes me view the world very differently with some quotes that will stick with me forever as I embark on my new journey to be more vigilant in my surroundings to help with the fight against human trafficking.

“It’s already surpassed the illegal weapons trade, and soon it will surpass the drug trade. Do you know why? You can sell a bag of cocaine once. A 5-year-old child, you can sell them 5-10 times a day, for 10 years straight.” Powerful stuff.

It’s definitely a recommended watch but you also got to have a strong stomach. Some heavy messages here to open everyones eyes but will resonate heavy with parents. This film finally getting the platform it does will help encourage more people to tell their stories and grow more awareness around this all. Angel Studios scheme #PayItForward is a great tool to push this movie to great lengths. It’s where you are able to buy a ticket to this movie for someone else around the world to watch it. This film has been silenced for long enough… for what reasons? We dont know… but no more! As quoted “the most powerful person is the storyteller”. Definitely a must watch!

Were you able to last through the whole film? Are you capable of such a sacrifice? Do you plan on joining the #PayItForward scheme? Are these stories important enough to made into film? Why do you think it had so many roadblocks? React and comment below…