Movies with Isaiah: 'Sound of Freedom' has disturbing topic but deserves success
Angel Productions has made an impact in releasing films intentionally venturing away from the normalized formulaic storytelling. Its sole concept is providing authentic, inspiring, realistic-driven stories that have a way of opening the mind, heart and soul.
Actor Jim Caviezel is one of the rarities from the Hollywood spectrum utilizing his celebrity platform to bring awareness to prominent issues reverberating within the United States and abroad. He has found himself vehemently attacked for his faith-driven projects and discussing topics that prominent outlets are apprehensive to address. Those familiar with his work know he reached a level of superstardom during and after the controversial film "Passion of the Christ," receiving acclaim for his performance as Jesus Christ.
"Sound of Freedom" is based on a true story involving the realistic and nightmarish horrors of human trafficking and children sold into the slavery market. Former government agent Tim Ballard resigned from Department of Homeland Security to begin a personal mission to save children from sex crimes. Before I articulate details about the film itself, allow me to state the story itself is disturbing, horrifying, brutal and intense, and the feeling one experiences afterward reminds the viewer of how these atrocities are still happening.
Imagine being an agent assigned with the task of bringing those involved in the child trade to justice, having to sift through documents, interviews, footage, understanding all the legal ramifications and red tape involved in extraditing the criminals and at the same time having to accept the unfortunate fact of not being able to save every single child taken from the safety of his or her home. Pushing for the release of this project says everything about Caviezel's character and him being a faith-driven human being. The film is not an easy nor joyful experience. Its sole purpose is to intentionally create an atmosphere of disturbing imagery, intensity and how the notion of the horrors missing children experience have a profound effect on the soul. From an acting perspective, it is a vehicle for Caviezel, who in my eyes is vastly underrated. He has the ability to convey the most realistic reactions using his compassionate, emotive eyes and sincere facial expressions and at the same time channel a simmering rage of Ballard's conviction of wanting to save children from sinister forces.
His performance is a grounded version where it is like his role as John Reese from "Person of Interest." Interviews of him discussing the project had such a profound effect on him that he admitted to having to purge himself from the horrors of interrogations, written articles and footage of real children sold into trafficking. Judging by his reactions in the film itself, you can tell how the experience itself horrified him. There are moments when the intense atmosphere made me uncomfortable and horrifically disturbed. One scene occurrs where director Alejandro Monteverde uses a methodical camera technique of letting the image sear into the mind, simply by letting it remain on that image longer than you would like.
What he did was deliberately create a moment of making the audience uncomfortable, as they are fully aware of what is happening within that scene. All I will say is you will know when it happens. There is another disturbing element that I am not exactly sure is intentional or not. Certain scenes of the smugglers committing these acts physically portrayed them as mirroring prominent celebrities in the entertainment industry. I found myself immediately recognizing them and wondered if this was Monteverde's and Caviezel's way of exposing the depravity of certain individuals well connected in the world of filmmaking.
"Sound of Freedom" is an emotional rollercoaster of gut-wrenching tales of a modern-day hero refusing to accept the answer "no" and finding himself determined to rescue children. The acting is all too real, raw, emotional and powerful. If "Sound of Freedom" found itself labeled as a horror film, it would not be wrong with such a description. I do not recommend bringing young children to watch as there are myriad frightening images, innuendos, realistic disturbing elements and harsh themes that young minds should not experience. It is simply too raw for them to manage.
I am not saying there is no hope in the film. It is important to realize that hope means heroes must venture into the bowels of darkness for the light to emerge. Ballard, Caviezel, Monteverde and Angel Studios crafted a powerfully emotional film fitting the definition of required viewing. It is a must-see for teenagers, adults, elderly and churches because a faith-based studio fought to make this project happen, and it deserves massive success.
Admittedly, it is not a film that will have repeated viewers given the subject matter. However, from beginning to end, it intentionally holds your attention the way it should. I highly recommend "Sound of Freedom." A fair warning: After the viewing, you will feel emotionally drained, speechless and rightfully disturbed/uncomfortable. It is a 10/10 story, and my physical reaction is a resounding two thumbs up. Absolutely incredible and powerful in every way possible.
To watch Isaiah Ridley's movie reviews online, find him @Izzy's Cinematic Escape on YouTube.