Sound of freedom (2023) Movie Review

 Have you heard about the movie 'Sound of Freedom'  It's creating quite a buzz, and here's why: It's not just a regular story; it's got a powerful message. The main takeaway? To make us care more about the terrible issue of child sex trafficking.

The movie achieves this by showing unsettling scenes of kids in danger, being moved around by shady adults. It makes sure we remember every face involved. The central character is Tim Ballard, a real-life hero. He's not a superhero with special powers, but his strength lies in how much he cares. This guy, a father and husband, cares so deeply that he quits his job at Homeland Security just ten months away from getting a pension.

Now, instead of focusing only on catching pedophiles, a job he's done almost 300 times before, he goes all the way to Colombia, working undercover to rescue children. The role of Tim is portrayed by Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus Christ in 'The Passion of the Christ.' He brings a gentle and serious vibe to the character, carrying the weight of the movie's message, much like he did in the iconic role of Jesus.

Sound of Freedom Review

The true story behind 'Sound of Freedom' has potential, but unfortunately, the best film struggles to bring it to life. It's a letdown because the director, Alejandro Monteverde, falls short of the basic expectations for a movie that prioritizes delivering a message, especially one with faith-driven support.

If you strip away the hype, 'Sound of Freedom' actually has some cinematic aspirations. It aims to be a non-graphic horror film with an art-house touch, exploring a dark world with muted rage and striking shadows. However, the movie's insistence on being 'important' hinders its potential. If it focused less on the message, it could be more than just a mood—it could be a compelling movie.

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On its own, 'Sound of Freedom' is a slow and dull experience with a narrative that's not particularly bold. Caring about the safety of children is an easy cause for any decent person, but the film fails to fully develop its ideas or characters. Even in Ballard's search for two specific children, the storytelling lacks intensity. The 'true story' label only adds so much before it becomes dull.

The film gets so caught up in worrying about the children that it neglects to create tension elsewhere. Ballard's interactions with one-dimensional villains feel uninspiring, and his undercover missions lack the mind games that could add intrigue. While it's interesting that the movie shies away from violence and machismo, it doesn't offer much in its place. If you're expecting an action-packed movie based on the poster, with Jim Caviezel holding a gun and a glare, think again—'Sound of Freedom' isn't that kind of film.

The movie 'Sound of Freedom' has some striking visuals, but its dialogue often reduces impactful scenes to just a few lines. The moment the main character, Tim Ballard, decides to combat child trafficking is hastily explained in a conversation with a coworker. Even though Mira Sorvino, who plays Ballard's wife Katherine, is credited with inspiring his journey, her character is given only a few cliché lines. Bill Camp, as Ballard's confidant, delivers a powerful monologue about the darkness of child abuse, setting up the movie's title and catchphrase.

Jim Caviezel, with his blonde hair standing out in the film's dark palette, serves as a crucial anchor for this character study. His restrained performance loses appeal as the movie fails to develop Ballard beyond being a symbolic figure. A quick search on YouTube reveals the real Ballard as more outspoken and hyper, suggesting a missed opportunity for a different tone in this character-focused story.

While 'Sound of Freedom' aims to be a serious discussion on child sex trafficking, it falls short on information, resembling a horror movie more than an eye-opener. A few facts about modern slavery are shared at the end, along with a note on Ballard's legislative impact. However, the film often veers into self-promotion, overshadowing the cause it intends to support. In the end, Jim Caviezel reappears to claim the movie could be the "Uncle Tom’s Cabin for 21st-century slavery." Despite urging viewers to spread the word and buy more tickets, there's little clarity on how the film contributes to combating child trafficking, leaving a sense of unease.