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Parents' Guide to

Priceless

By Yvonne Condes, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Strong message, weak story in faith-based trafficking drama.

Movie PG-13 2016 97 minutes
Priceless Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 8 parent reviews

Glendafunez
Glendafunez Parent of 11-year-old
December 11, 2021
age 12+

This “weak faith-based” movie was one of the best movies i’ve watched with my family

I think this is a great movie. It doesn’t cover up the truth about sex trafficking and provides a good opportunity to talk to our teens about the reality and danger of sex trafficking. I’m disappointed with the common sense reviews. They give better ratings to movies with graphic violence, cursing & sex. Overall, I highly recommend this movie.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
James Hedrick
James Hedrick Adult
July 18, 2019
age 16+

Should have been rated R

Right off the bat this is a great movie with a great message. The story is strong and surprisingly well acted considering the relative inexperience of some of the cast. Characters are relatable and show great courage and compassion particular the depiction of James willing to do anything for the girl he loves. If I have one complaint it is that it feel too short and as if they did not explore enough of events in sufficient detail. There is a book version (also by Joel Smallbone) which I just finished, and in my opinion it is far better than the movie providing much more detail and vivid character development. However it is also grittier and less family friendly than the movie is trimmed down to be. I give it four stars for the story and characters but I think this one would be better if it were targeted more to adults and had more impact with an R rating.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 8 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In PRICELESS, James (Joel Smallbone), an unemployed widower, hits rock bottom after his daughter is taken away from him. He agrees to drive a van full of "cargo" to earn money to get her back. But the cargo -- two scared young women who agree to make the dangerous journey across the border to pay off their father's debt -- isn't as easy to unload as he expects it to be. Once he gives Antonia (Bianca A. Santos) and Maria (Amber Midthunder) over to a human trafficker, James realizes he must figure out how to save them -- and himself.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (8 ):
Kids say (8 ):

This faith-based drama isn't particularly subtle. James is searching for some meaning in life after his wife dies and his daughter is taken away from him. He drinks too much, gets in too many fights with strangers, and takes a job that he knows is against the law. Antonia, the beautiful young woman who's forced into prostitution, wears a cross and says she'll pray for James because she knows they aren't alone in the universe. There are many religious metaphors and references (as well as stereotypes), and you can see where the plot is going from a mile away.

That said, Priceless also conveys the message that the bad things that happen to us don't define us. And there's help out there for people who've been exploited or, like James, have lost their way. This drama will give families of older kids a lot to talk about, but viewers looking for nuance and strong storytelling may be disappointed.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the themes in Priceless. How do characters demonstrate courage, compassion, and empathy? Why are those important character strengths?

  • Do you have to share the filmmakers' beliefs in order to appreciate this movie/other faith-based dramas?

  • How does the violence in this movie compare to what you might see in an action/thriller movie? Does all media violence have the same impact?

  • Have you ever thought about why people do the things they do? Do you try to put yourself in their shoes?

Movie Details

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