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Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Sound of Freedom

As we round out the year, there's still a handful of films I hope to catch up on, depending on their availability and price to rent on streaming platforms. 

Sound of Freedom (finally) has become available to rent as it's probably the longest standing outlier on my list. It came out at a hectic time of year both personally (lots of work stuff going on) and in the movie world (wedged in between Indiana Jones, Mission: Impossible, and the looming Barbenheimer). I'm glad that some time has distanced Sound of Freedom from the unnecessary controversy - from both sides, mind you - that surrounded it. Some reviews were unfairly tearing it apart simply for the actor involved (among other things) while other groups were hailing it as the "Best Movie Ever Made". Spoiler: it's definitely not the best movie ever made, BUT what time has allowed is the ability to review this film objectively, as opposed to subjectively. 

The truth is that child sex trafficking exists. Human trafficking is a growing problem in our society (I still get creeped out by signs in airport bathrooms of "How to spot human trafficking") and the even darker layer to it all is the subset where children are trafficked for sexual acts. Director Alejandro Monteverde wanted to make a film that brought that to light, while telling the true story of Tim Ballard, an ex-Homeland Security Agent and founder of Operation Underground Railroad. It highlights some of his early sting operations in attempting to save children from these pits of hell as opposed to just catching the pedophiles. Now...there's the obvious reminder that "Based on a True Story" usually means "Fictionalized Re-telling of Events Where the Broad Strokes Are True" but again - I'm here to review the movie, not the validity as I've also seen reviews ripping this to shreds for making some moments more exciting, just like every other "Based on a True Story" movie has done in the past. 

But I digress. Sound of Freedom is an effective thriller. The marketing is a tad odd - e.g. Caviezel holding a gun - as I'm not sure he actually ever fires a shot, but that doesn't cloud the fact that this story and film balance tension quite well. The subject matter is about as dark as it gets and the PG-13 film can be an uncomfortable watch while staying within the confines of that rating. It [wisely] avoids heavy political leanings which I believe earn it credibility as it does what it sets out to: provide an eye-opening, intense thriller about a highly concerning topic. Jim Caviezel's central performance is subdued, but effective, somewhat reminding me of his time on Person of Interest (a fantastic show if you never watched it). Other performances are pretty good - Bill Camp being the best - including some surprisingly compelling work from child actors/actresses. The tension is supported by decent filmmaking and camera work and a surprisingly great original score with a handful of wonderful music choices. 

Sound of Freedom is not without its issues however. It's pacing can be a bit wild - probably my biggest issue with it - as it rapid cuts from what I'd call "micro scenes" in between key plot elements. Before Ballard goes down to South America, for example, we get all of 15 seconds (that's not an exaggeration) with him and his wife as the script and various scenes move the chess pieces in somewhat sloppy ways. Luckily, when the film focuses on its longer moments, it can be really effective. It's not short of some corny moments; a smiling Caviezel exclaiming "God's children are not for sale!" comes at a weird time and the delivery feels even weirder, for example, but overall the proceedings are focused on delivering a taut thriller that brings a very dark topic to light. 




Rapid Rath's Review Score | 7.5/10





 

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