Easily one of the biggest surprise hits of the 2023 movie year is “Sound of Freedom”, a gripping fact-based thriller that was completed five years ago but struggled to find distribution. With the help of crowdfunding rather than big studio backing, “Sound of Freedom” has finally made its way it to theaters and has found itself a passionate and vocal audience. To no surprise the movie has also found plenty of detractors.
Unfortunately slanted positions on politics and faith have clouded much of the discourse surrounding the film to the point that its overarching message is often being overlooked. That’s a shame because “Sound of Freedom” strikes up a sensitive yet necessary conversation about the world’s fastest growing international crime network – the under-reported human trafficking trade. It’s an issue we all should be affected by, and the film’s clear-eyed perspective shines a much-needed light on this horrifying reality.
Directed and co-written by Alejandro Monteverde, “Sound of Freedom” doesn’t sugarcoat the very real subject matter at its center, addressing it with an almost uncomfortable clarity. At the same time there is a deep sense of compassion that comes through in both Monteverde’s focused direction and the intense performance from the film’s lead, Jim Caviezel.
Caviezel plays Tim Ballard who in real-life quit his job as a Department of Homeland Security Agent in 2013 and founded Operation Underground Railroad, a non-profit organization dedicated to stopping human sex-trafficking. The film dramatizes his days working on the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. We’re also given a good grasp of the frustration that led him to break off on his own to track down and save captives (many of them children) and bring to justice their captors.
The film begins with a devastating gut-punch of an opening that paints for us a clear picture of how crafty traffickers can be in luring children into their webs. In this case it’s an 11-year-old girl Rocio (Cristal Aparicio) and her 7-year-old brother Miguel (Lucás Ávila) who are abducted in Honduras. In California, Ballard and his team arrest a local pedophile who they discover has deep ties with Central American human traffickers. Through the creep (and in a way I won’t spoil) Ballard finds out about Miguel and manages to rescue the young boy.
Afterwards Ballard learns of Miguel’s sister, Rocio who he pledges to find and bring home. He tracks her to Cartagena, Columbia where he teams up with a local police officer named Jorge (Javier Godino) and Vampiro (Bill Camp), a former cartel collaborator seeking to atone for his past sins. After landing some strong leads, the trio put together an ambitious plan. But just as they’re about to pull the trigger, Ballard’s agency pulls his funding and orders him back to California. Tired of the bureaucracy, Ballard promptly resigns and begins working on another way to save Rocio before it’s too late.
The film’s riveting first half is followed by a second half that draws itself out a little too long. Yet it remains enthralling throughout largely thanks to Caviezel. His performance is a captivating mix of steely determination and heartfelt vulnerability. Better yet, he’s no Rambo archetype. Instead we’re given wisely grounded portrayal that is exactly what the story needs.
And despite its meager backing and modest budget, the movie looks as good (and as expensive) as most Hollywood studio productions. Much of it is due to Monteverde’s keen instincts with the camera and the stellar lensing from cinematographer Gorka Gómez Andreu. Shooting on location in Cartagena only adds to the visual authenticity.
“Sound of Freedom” is a tough movie to watch and it should be. At the same time it never overplays the dangers or milks the audience’s emotions. Yes, it has specific scenes that are sure to provoke responses from those watching. But they’re mostly well earned rather than manipulative, especially if your heart is in the right place while watching. So say what you will about the movie. In the end it rises above the dubious claims and disingenuous concerns to offer a compelling and at times unflinching exposé that will stick with you for a long time. “Sound of Freedom” is in theaters now.
VERDICT – 4 STARS
Keith & the Movies 
Definitely a tough film to get through. One of the best of this year. Caviezel is excellent. The b.s. about a political connection to an unnamed internet conspiracy group is a distraction from the real focus here.
I agree. And it’s such a shame. I really appreciate how it tackled the subject. The outside nonsense is really frustrating.
A very fair review. Unfortunately, I don’t think the review will encourage the average movie goer to see the film.
We want our fantasies stoked as in, ” It’s a Barbie World.” If we don’t see the evil, it doesn’t exist and we don’t have to do anything about it.
Love the comments. Sadly they’re spot-on and people don’t want to face a topic this ugly. That’s why I’m so glad this movie has gotten traction. Hopefully it’ll get even more.
I need to find this one. Sex trafficking is just one type of human trafficking. Labor trafficking is another huge one. Maybe someday someone will make a movie about that also. So disgusting that there always seems to be money to make another marvel universe soap opera chapter but crowdfunding got this to the screen. The information will not be hidden anymore. Epstein opened that door and it will not be shut again.
Yes, yes, and yes. It’s kinda telling that a movie of this quality had such a hard time finding distribution.
On a technical level, Sound of Freedom is well-made. The problem for me is is that when you start digging into Tim Ballard’s past and his organization, red flags start popping up like weeds. A lot of what Ballard has claimed about being this “savior of children” has been proven false, and O.U.R. had been under investigation regarding its “non-profit” status. The movie throws a lot of misinformation at the audience, especially about how the kids are snatched off the streets. Ballard himself has been proven to be a glory-seeking grifter. If you talk to other organizations that tackle human trafficking, as well as the FBI itself, they’ll tell you that O.U.R. causes more problems than it solves. There’s too much baggage surrounding this movie, which sucks, because it IS an important topic that needs to be addressed, but the people involved in making this movie are NOT the ones to be doing that.
Look, I don’t want to take away people’s enjoyment of the movie. There is definitely some value to be had here, but I’ve always been very cautious about movies “Based on a true story.” The controversy surrounding the film as well as its main star is too much for ME to ignore, considering how passionate I am about the subject matter. I’ve always been good at separating the art from the artist, but when it comes to human trafficking films, it’s a lot harder to do.
I can completely respect that. It’s an interesting dichotomy. You’re right, there are those who have very strong opinions about OUR and Ballard himself. At the same time there are others (including those within our government) that have taken a very different opinion of their work and their ability to cut through bureaucratic roadblocks that have done more to contribute to the rise in human trafficking than stop it.
I hear what the two sides are saying but don’t claim to know definitively who is closer to the truth. For me the entire discussion reeks of political agendas and opportunism which makes it all the more easier for me to shut out that stuff and listen to what the movie itself is saying. I think that’s why it worked so well for me.
One of the things that bothers me about movies that tackle human trafficking, is that they often don’t focus on the results of the psychological destruction that’s wreaked on the victims. Most movies just skip the aftercare, which is incredibly important to the helping the victims of such a crime. It’s a detail that could make some of these movies a bit more realistic.
Oh boy, I see what you mean. I can’t even imagine the long-term trauma from something like that. Devastating. It would definitely bring a realism (and awareness) to these kinds of films.
I’m not seeing this shit. Especially from people who support QAnon bullshit and other ultra right-wing garbage. Plus, I’ve read a lot about Tim Ballard and he’s really a fucked up individual who works with a guy who did help him save those kids only to fuck them.
It all depends on how much of the noise a person buys into. Lots of people say the filmmakers support QAnon, etc. They have openly rejected the notion and challenged people to prove their affiliations. Personally I have no idea. But I do know modern politics is nothing short of toxic (from all sides). When I listen to the discourse surrounding this film all I hear are people deeply entrenched in their own politics. For that reason it was easy for me to turn that stuff off and let the movie speak for itself. Glad I did. It really worked for me.
Once I saw this movie caused a political firestorm I deliberately avoided reading anything about it. But I came here knowing you’d give an honest, sincere review of it, and that is exactly what you have done and I thank you for that. I’m still avoiding all the banter about it because it is a movie I won’t watch anyway. Movies are my entertainment, and while I can stomach some real life based dramas, something like this (whether embellished or not) is not something I could sit through. I’ve seen too much in my life I can’t unsee and movies are there to distract me, not remind me.
I really do appreciate your comments. They are an encouragement. I also completely understand why someone might pass on this movie. It’s a tough watch. In fact my wife (who works closely with children) is thinking hard about whether she wants to watch it or not. So I completely understand.
When I saw this was released on Amazon Prime I thought of your review and watched it, against my better judgment, since I knew it was going to be traumatic for me. But I almost felt I had to. First, I don’t care who is behind making it or what their agenda might be, it is a solid movie, as good as many big budget productions, and cast a light on a worldwide issue that is usually reserved to the shadows. So whoever made it, whether it be Charlie Manson, Hitler, or someone else, deserves praise for the work and the subject matter. It is done in a way that is difficult to watch, but possible to watch, and brings an important topic into the conversation.
As far as the subject matter being realistic, I can say from experience it is, and as anyone from a former law enforcement background can attest, the powers that be HATE when private citizens and organizations step on their toes and do the work they were tasked with doing. So before anyone jumps to conclusions that someone makes matters worse, they need to seriously consider the source that is making the accusation. In defense of law enforcement, again I know from experience, their hands are tied so many times by legalities, budgets, and borders. Yet instead of embracing those who can actually get things done without all those restraints, their instinct is to say they are just making things worse. Sorry, Charlie, but rescuing kids isn’t making the matter worse, or more difficult to law enforcement, it is saving kids. Full stop.
You did a great job of separating the noise from the movie, and should be commended for giving it the score it deserves, as a movie. I agree, it gets a 9/10 from me on my IMBb profile, and the only reason it doesn’t get a ten is it sugarcoats reality just a little too much. Yet I’m sure that was done so they masses can actually sit through it and get the point it was making across to the most people possible.
Thanks so much for the great comments. I’m really glad you liked it as I do think it’s a movie worth seeing. Sadly too many people were gripping their personal animosities toward this or thought and skipped over it or downplayed its relevance. I really appreciate anyone willing to give it a fair shake.
We have to stop being such a morons, and embrace what is in front of us, which is a very horrible reality , this is an epidemic that we need to erase from the face of the earth. Otherwise we are not going to have a future. They’re doing this to our kids.
Great comments. You’re so right.
This movie was sooo good! I cried the whole time! I can’t believe there are people this evil in the world! Mel Gibson, Thank you for telling this story, you are amazing! Jim Caviezel what can I say you have done it again! People Please go see this movie! Holy Spirit filled acting! My favorite line in the movie, “ When got tells you to do something you have to do”!
It’s both powerful and illuminating. I love that it has found an audience.
Thank you for your heartfelt review, unlike some of your colleagues who accuse this movie as a right wing maga concoction! This is a monstrous
occurrence in our world and was disheartening to learn that there is so much trafficking in our USA! My husband and I are educators and have first hand experience with colleagues who were convicted of child pornography and sexual assault of minors. These evil monsters linger in all occupations, ethnic, political, and religious backgrounds.
Thank God for true hero’s like Tim Ballard to do his part in bringing this evil to light.
Thanks for the kind words. The movie shines a light on something that doesn’t care about ethnicity, politics, or religion. It’s an evil that we kind look away from. Too much is at stake. I really appreciate the movie’s willingness to tackle it head-on.
Thank you for your thoughtful review of this must see movie
Thanks for reading. I’m so glad the movie is getting attention.
Honestly until reading this review I just assumed this was a religious movie. I haven’t read any other reviews and have only seen a few headlines, which gave me that idea.
It’s really not. There are a couple of mentions that indicate that a character has faith, but it’s definitely not a straight faith-based movie. Give it a look. It is a tough watch.
I’ve watched the movie. It is nothing short of amazing. Everyone should go see it. Yes, if you’re a decent human being you will be affected by it. It’s astounding that people don’t understand the words “fact based” or “based on actual events”. it means it’s not lock step with all of the events. It could be a piece taken from a multiple of stories. It’s a shame that people want to investigate the story teller, the actors but not the situation being discussed. It’s really exhausting when someone tries to speak on behalf of children and the message is pushed to the back while people try to distract us with other things. Listen to the message!
You’re right. Practically every “based on a true story” movie is just that – BASED on a true story. Sure it dramatizes, as they all do. But the heart of the story is of major importance. So glad at least some people are hearing its message.
You talk about faith and politics being slanted? The exact things that gave it success. There are no others trying together for these children. The Biden administration has tied our homeland security and our poor boarder agents. If America wants to recover from four years of jim crow. This is the rally ,CRY FREEDOM!
Thanks for the comments. What I mean is that some people are so committed to their positions that they aren’t even listening to what the movie is actually saying. It’s sad because the film’s message needs to be heard.
Yeah comments like this are precisely why these filmmakers won’t get a damn dime from me. Trump Train rolls on! Kill all the blacks gays and Jews right? MAGA!!!!
Cry freedom? I cry myself laughing reading you fucking rednecks. You are fucking ungrateful colonists of King George III.
Another one that’s high on my list!
I was really impressed with it. Not an easy watch by any means. But well worth it.
We hear of this going on in our own country, but it kind of explains why rich successful men travel to foreign countries such as Columbia, Thailand, etc.. Never forget Epstein’s visitors. This movie was an eye opener. You can give bad critiques, but the message is clear.
Great observation. And you’re right…the message is very clear and necessary.
Thanks for reading.
Everything in this film is outstanding with a Oscar.worthy performance by Jim Caviezel who was specially chosen by Tim Ballard to play himself People need to wake up to what human trafficking means -its such a powerful film and very poignant but is hard to watch because it’s based.on a true story which hopefully will make us all more vigilant
I’m really looking forward to seeing it again.
I Think Jim Caviezel Is a Charlatan”
I Think QAnon Is a Despicable
Don’t Trust Jim Caviezel
I Think Jim Caviezel Is a Despicable Man