Western Reader
Child sex trafficking is a serious problem that requires our attention. Highlighting an injustice in a film is common. Sound of Freedom, a great film based on true events, may or may not find a large audience.
Plot
Homeland Security special agent Tim Ballard (portrayed by Jim Caviezel) investigates online pedophile rings. He must sift through hours of terrible stuff, which weighs on him. After a successful raid, a novice agent confronts him.
He rescues his first victim, a ten-year-old Hispanic boy, after putting up a sting operation. Despite his terrible ordeal, this boy seems more worried about his elder sister, who remains captive in the sex trade.
This drives Ballard on an Orphean quest to save as many kids as possible, especially this young girl.
The pacing and acting are great. Ballard discreetly builds himself up as a wealthy businessman hosting a sex party for the perverse elite, while evading cartels, governmental red tape, and the persistent impulse to attack.
Child trafficking in the spotlight….FINALLY.
Conspiracy no more!#MelGibson #SoundsOfFreedom pic.twitter.com/MvUuX3tWbV— Purposed Rebel (@purplebanana75) June 29, 2023
Batman (Bill Camp), the film’s most intriguing character, buys kids to set them free covertly. He shows that even the worst sinners may become saints.
Ballard found numerous children, but not the sister. He confronts a rebel chieftain in the Columbian jungle, where the US government won’t go. This movie is PG-13. It masterfully depicts and discusses a difficult topic without being explicit or sensational.
Reality
Sound of Freedom is an adventure, but the real message is the enormity of child sex trafficking.
In the second half of the 20th century, pedophiles were considered lonely perverts in trench coats who kidnapped children from playgrounds. This representation is wholly incorrect.
The industry is smart and huge. Wealth, reputation, and political ties frequently shield. Today, at least 30 million people are enslaved, possibly as many as 50 million. This surpasses all human history, including 18th- and 19th-century American slavery.
I just got my free tickets.
It’s one of the most important films ever made. People need to see what’s going on with human and child sex trafficking.
Mel Gibson probably bought millions worth of tickets, so everyone can see for free.@SOFMovie2023https://t.co/P9quDOUKqd
— Machiavelli (@TheRISEofROD) July 3, 2023
The internet is the main cause. It lets consumers see this content discreetly and easily connect with like-minded others. As sexually explicit material becomes mainstream and society desensitizes, this scenario seems hopeless.
Though there’s still hope. In the past year, more people than ever have spoken out against child sexualization.
This article appeared in NewsHouse and has been published here with permission.
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