Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heavy-handed child trafficking drama depicts sexual abuse.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Sound of Freedom
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 107 parent reviews
Parents say this film sparks significant discussions about difficult subjects such as child trafficking and abuse, although opinions vary greatly on its execution. Many praise it for raising awareness and presenting a powerful message, while others criticize it for simplifying complexities and distorting the realities of the issue, as well as for its portrayal of the protagonist and alleged factual inaccuracies.
- powerful message
- awareness raising
- controversial portrayal
- mixed reviews
- emotional impact
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 31 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a powerful yet heartbreaking drama that sheds light on the disturbing realities of child trafficking. While it contains emotional and intense scenes that may not be suitable for younger audiences, reviewers stress its importance in raising awareness and educating viewers on a pressing issue.
- emotional impact
- educational value
- intense themes
- not for young children
- powerful message
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In SOUND OF FREEDOM, Tim Ballard (Jim Caviezel) is a Homeland Security agent who's good at his grueling job: catching child predators and putting them in prison. During an arrest, he recovers a young boy who's being trafficked and returns him to his grateful father, Checho (Ariel Sierra). Checho then asks Ballard to find his daughter, Rocio (Cristal Aparicio), who was abducted at the same time. Realizing that individual countries don't have the jurisdiction or resources to pursue the children who are being used and moved across the globe, Ballard makes it his mission to find the missing girl at any cost.
Is It Any Good?
What's vital isn't always cinematic, and learning about the horrors of humanity -- even in the most heroic and epic takedowns -- may be better read than watched, especially when it comes to teens. The events (and the hero) of Sound of Freedom might be better digested if they were fiction, partly due to the story's heavy themes, but also because some of the set pieces are somewhat unbelievable -- like when Ballard singlehandedly takes down a highly protected drug lord. And while the movie's cinematography and acting are solid, the way the trafficked children are depicted is designed to exploit viewers' emotions, and the end credits explain why: To continue the Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) mission, the organization needs people to spread the word ... and open their wallets.
In real life, Ballard has received criticism for self-mythologizing and raising millions of dollars from those who are eager to write a check in the hopes of rescuing children. Bringing attention to the realities of child trafficking is, of course, extremely important -- as is the need to prevent it. But this movie plays like a piece of propaganda aimed at guilt-tripping audiences into donating money to a foundation that, among other things, has been accused of having connections with conspiracy theorists. There's valuable information to be gained from Sound of Freedom about how traffickers operate (although some experts question the tone and accuracy of the depiction), and the sting in Cartagena is a stand-up-and-cheer victory for good over evil. Just recognize that the film has an agenda beyond simply "saving kids."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Sound of Freedom's violence. Did the images seem designed to entertain or to warn? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How accurate do you think the film is to real-life people and events? The studio that made the film says creative liberties were taken with some of the people and events depicted in the movie -- why might filmmakers decide to change facts?
Tim Ballard and his O.U.R. organization have received criticism for politicizing their work and supporting conspiracy theorists, and some trafficking experts object to the sensationalized way this extremely serious problem is portrayed in the film. Why is it important to do your own independent research using credible sources before deciding whether to support a cause?
How does the movie depict drinking and smoking? Was it glorified, or were there consequences? Why does that matter?
How does Ballard demonstrate courage, integrity, self-control, compassion, empathy, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important life skills?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 4, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : November 14, 2023
- Cast : Jim Caviezel , Bill Camp , Mira Sorvino
- Director : Alejandro Monteverde
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Angel Studios
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 135 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic content involving sex trafficking, violence, language, sexual references, some drug references and smoking throughout
- Last updated : November 16, 2023
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