User reviews

Powerful story about an impossibly difficult topic. Beautifully shot, incredibly compelling, amazing performances (the kids!!!!), gorgeous set design, and that it's based on a true story makes it even better.

Jim Caviezel is incredible in his role as is Bill Camp. I really wish Mira Sorvino had a bigger part as her character is strong and such an encourager (maybe the next movie will be about Tim's wife? I don't want to give it away - but she's a hero too!)

Bravo to the filmmakers for shining a light on a topic that I'm sure most people don't realize just how big this issue is.

It's an action thriller with a big call to action. Go see it - then go be a part of the solution!

I was really impressed with this film. At first thought, I didn't think I wanted to watch a movie about child trafficking. I felt like they would have made it graphic and evil. But this movie didn't do that. Instead of making you feel disgusting inside about the awfulness of child trafficking, it instead made you hopeful that something can be done about it.

The overall cinematography, storytelling, and interesting music made this film a perfect set-up for a powerful message. I only took off the one star because I think some of the acting could have been slightly improved, but the film still got it's point across: God's children are not for sale!

"Sound of Freedom" is based on the true story of Tim Ballard as he tries to rescue abducted children from sex traffickers. The movie was produced by "Angel Studios", and actually was made back in 2018 but faced a number of delays and finally saw the light of day in 2023.

It is important to be able to separate the theme of a movie, with the quality of the movie. I am 100% in agreement with the movie's message. Child slavery is an awful thing and this great evil should be stamped out. But that isn't the question, the question is: How is the movie? It is pretty good.

It is a very tightly edited, there is not a wasted minute of screen time. It is very well acted, from Cavizel to the children, there was not a performance in the film that I didn't believe. The music was also good, it set up the suspense and enhanced the action.

Don't be fooled by the marketing and genre, I wouldn't really consider this film an "action movie". It is much more a drama. They do a good job with suspense, but for the most part it is more focused on the depth of the situation. When they do action, it isn't all that well edited. But I do understand, that is not the focus of the film.

The movie also loses me as it approaches its final act. Most of the film felt grounded and real, it is based on a true story after all. But then the movie adds a bonus scene, that feels like it is from a different film. It may have happened in real life, I am just saying in the film, it felt out of place.

Overall, it is a really good film. I am glad it is doing well. I like seeing some lower budget films get a chance to shine, and I do think it has an important message to share. Let freedom ring.

I've never really experienced anything like this in a movie theater. Next to me a grown man sobbed the entire way through. I heard sniffles throughout the entire theater. I had to put my popcorn on the ground because it felt inappropriate to eat popcorn while watching this movie. I even felt wrong laying down in my recliner chair, so I moved it in an upright position. This movie holds a great deal of gravity. It's heaviness is devastating, and if you let it, it could flip your world upside down. The whole point of the film is to flip your world, because unfortunately we merely go about life as if these atrocities aren't happening. This movie will try and wake you up to the sick reality of child trafficking. I reckon it will be successful. It's incredibly well done, has a fantastic compelling script, for having little budget on the actor scene, I'd say it's performances were beyond excellent. Even had some real artistically beautiful shots.

Great film with an incredibly powerful message.

See this movie. Have your friends and family see this movie. Share it with all. Movies as important as this come once in a decade.

Let it flip your world.

Let it flip the world.

This was a tough movie to watch. It wasn't graphic, but to see, to an extent, what Tim Ballard saw, really hits right in the heart. The children in the movie were phenomenal actors is helping to understand the innocence and fear that one would go through in being in that situation.

My heart went out to each one of them, yet still hurts knowing that they are just actors and there are actual children being sold everyday.

There is a great understanding of what Tim Ballard went through to save the children he did. The sacrifice. The pain, and the darkness that lies within the hearts of people that would take children and destroy their souls and lives.

I give this movie a high rating because it wasn't just a good movie, it was a wake up call to all people that there are atrocities occurring everyday towards children and it needs to stop. I appreciate everything this movie sets out to accomplish and it was so well done. It wasn't graphic, but it told the story that needed to be told the way it needed to be told.

Every parent's worst nightmare is a reality for some. How is that possible?! This is a hard reality to address. I admire Tim Ballard and James Caviezel's dedication to this plight. Caviezel did an amazing acting job-as always. Was I uncomfortable during parts of the movie? I was, and everyone should be!! There is nothing graphic, but you understand what's happening. We need to be more aware of these things and be watchful and alert with our own children and all children!! For this reason I recommend that you see this movie. It will help us all to be more vigilant. Beyond that, it was entertaining and held our attention for what is usually considered a very long movie.

It's a drama about Tim Ballard, a former U. S. federal agent who rescues children from sex traffickers. It's set in about 2014 in California, Honduras, Mexico, and Colombia.

The film opens when a poor father in Honduras, Roberto (José Zúniga), discovers his son, Miguel (Lucás Ávila), and daughter, Rocio (Cristal Aparicio), have been kidnapped by sex traffickers after being enticed by an attractive young woman (Yessica Borroto Perryman) who promises them roles in the entertainment business.

The film then shifts to Tim Ballard (Jim Caviezel), an agent for Homeland Security who has investigated child pornography for 12 years. We see him con a pedophile and rescue Miguel and arrest several other perpetrators. The film then follows Ballard's efforts to rescue Rocio. These efforts include a massive sting operation assisted by Colombian police and a former drug cartel employee named Vampiro (Bill Camp). Eventually, the search for Rocio leads Ballard into the jungles of Colombia in a territory outside of government control. There is an appropriate climax.

"Sound of Freedom" tackles an important and difficult topic. At some levels, it's a laudable effort, but unfortunately, the film is more about making Jim Ballard a heroic Lone Ranger than it is about sex trafficking. Caviezel's depiction is mostly one-dimensional; Bill Camp is the most nuanced and interesting character. Lucás Ávila and Cristal Aparicio. Are excellent. Most of the villains are stereotyped and very easy to spot. As near as I can tell, Mira Sorvino as Ballard's wife was included to add name recognition to the credits. The film's language (there is no swearing) caters to a church-friendly audience. The jungle rescue scene is unrealistic and totally fictional.

Caviezel adds an unfortunate promotional message at the end encouraging viewers to pay forward tickets to the film, and compares "Sound of Freedom" to Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin."

Although "Sound of Freedom" engaged me, I would say that "Taxi Driver" makes a stronger statement about sex trafficking than this film does.

With the amount of attention, ratings, and d*mn near sell out crowds this film is garnering from almost every showing here at my local cinema I must say I expected something far more powerful and moving than this.

For starters, I'll say this film featured a good cast. Everyone involved gave good performances, including the child actors. As for Jim Caviezel, I think he's a far better actor than what he was given here. The subject is obviously very important to him and he gave a good performance but the material was just weak.

However, what holds up this average film is the cinematography, good performances, and a good score. But that's all there really is here.

The film lacks depth in story, character, and emotion. Now, admittedly, the first act does hold some emotion, but the film does very little to nothing else to keep the emotion going. It's all very surface and doesn't develop further in anyway. The story and characters are underdeveloped and at certain moments the "hard hitting" emotion came off as emotional manipulation or a reminder of "this stuff is bad" like I get it child sex trafficking is bad but do something else. The only amount of engagement or care I could give was just to the fact that this was based on a true story.

That's definitely where the film lost points for me. You have a subject matter that literally everyone can get behind, so nobody needs convincing that this is wrong. You're literally just preaching to the choir, so instead focus on making a good film.

Finally, this films rating puzzles me. Before going in, I was anticipating an R rated film based on the subject matter and audience reactions. I thought if this film is as powerful as people are claiming it to be, then R rated for sure. But it's PG13. Why? For a movie that claims to want to unveil the horrible ugly truth of child sex trafficking it pulls a lot of punches and lacked any significant impact. So I don't know what is trying to be accomplished here. If it's a faith-based film, then it's an extremely dull faith-based film, historical drama? Definitely needed more drama, action/thriller? Well, it had neither. The subject is powerful, yes, but this film has no bite and packs, no punch, and nothing new is being done here.

This film has clearly struck a chord with a lot movie goers which rightfully so the subject matter is an important one but at the end of the film I couldn't help but wonder that maybe it would've been better to take the $14.5 million that was spent to make this movie and maybe just donate it to organizations that fight this war.

Overall, I just found this film to be tremendously underwhelming and lacking. It definitely didn't help when Jim Caviezel gave a special message to the audience during the credits like what we just saw was the most heart breaking, tear jerking, emotional wrenching film since The Passion of the Christ.

Nonetheless, I can appreciate the effort and what they were trying to do here, shedding light on a very important and what I imagine to be sensitive subject. But just because the subject matter is strong doesn't mean the film is.

IMDb: 5/10 Letterboxd: 3/5

Watched in Theaters.

After I watched Sound of Freedom, I felt the same as having just watched The Road. It was a deeply powerful movie, but the subject matter is so disturbing that it's difficult to bear it.

Sound of Freedom is an expertly shot, gripping, and powerful movie. At the end, I wanted to cry and vomit, yet those are not criticisms of the movie, it's the realization that this sickness actually happens every day all over the world. This movie is The Road + Taken, and amped up 500 times.

Jim Cavezel gives an incredible performance. The directing, pacing, and cinematography are perfect. This is definitely one of the most powerful movies I've ever seen, yet I'll probably never watch it again, because my heart won't be able to take it.

I was able to watch a screening of this film and WOW! It was powerful, eye-opening, heart-wrenching yet hopeful. I'm hopeful that millions of people will see this film, that more can become aware of the horrific atrocities that are happening to God's children.

The acting was superb. Jim is freaking amazing at what he does. He really made me feel the emotional torment that his character struggled through. I was anticipating a slower moving film but it was fast-paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. It kept me begging to please allow for a satisfactory ending. I wanted to see everyone get what they deserved. Unfortunately, this is real life and not everything has a happy ending. No spoilers at all - the ending is great but left me wanting to know what I can do to help end trafficking. How can I be more aware. What organizations are there to support.

Go see this film!

This is an absolute must see! Whether you have kids or not, makes no difference this movie is for everyone. If you have children, I suggest you have them watch with you because everybody needs to wake up to what is going on in this world! AN's children need to be very aware of their surrounding. I know it's scary, but better safe than sorry IMO. Im sad to know that in our country, of these United States, we are some of the worlds worst! Although this movie is absolutely heartbreaking, it also gives you a little bit of hope. Because we know God is with us, but also we know there are some really good people out there trying to make a change. Putting their lives on the line, putting their families in danger whether it be because their mom or dad is not coming home because they lay their life on the line to save somebody else's child, or they're made as cops/informants and families are killed. They are all heroes! I wondered as I was sitting in the theater watching this movie...in the two hours I was there I wondered how many children were trafficked or how many were sexually abused. It is absolutely heartbreaking and it is very real.

They say truth is stranger than fiction. Well, sometimes it is simply more interesting, too. And that's one of the reasons I couldn't rate this film higher. It falls into the fictionalization trap that too many "Based on a True Story" movies fall into.

While much of the story is accurate, I was disappointed to learn that the climactic search for the girl that Tim Ballard undertakes in the jungles of South America never happened. He really did quit his job with Homeland Security to pursue his passion to rescue children from trafficking, and the sting operation depicted in the film reportedly occurred pretty much as portrayed therein. Many of the characters are based on real people that Ballard encountered.

But trying to make part of it a (rather low-key) suspense film was unwise, and lessens the effectiveness of its message. A documentary on Mr. Ballard, or a more factual dramatization of his remarkable story in semi-documentary style would have been more interesting and impactful.

That's not to say it is a bad film. His concern for the children comes across as heartfelt and moving, and the story is told intelligently and coherently, with believable dialogue and good acting all around. The technical aspects are all likewise first rate. Although a little slow moving at times, especially near the beginning, it is well worth seeing. Viewers should however, be aware of the liberties taken with the true life story.

One more topic needs to be addressed here: the supposed "controversy" surrounding "Sound of Freedom." Everyone will interpret this movie differently, based on their own temperament and background. It may not be as earthshaking or profoundly life changing for some as it apparently is for others (it wasn't, for me), but neither is it some right-wing conspiracy theory thing. I don't know what "Qanon" is, but there is no mention or implication of anything like that in this movie. I think some activists are automatically against it because they don't like Jim Caviezel's politics.

It is really about the mission of one man, with agents of law enforcement, to save innocent children and bust the evil criminals who exploit them. There's nothing controversial about that.

I knew what the movie was about before going to the theater, but I was not prepared for what I saw. The true story of Tim Ballard's involvement - his sacrifice and courage - in trying to save children who had been sold into child trafficking was inspiring. His relentless determination to save those children was nothing short of heroic.

I think I had always assumed that children who ended up in this nightmare started as runaways who were preyed upon by those who stand to profit. It was eye-opening to learn just how easily, unknowingly, and innocently children can end up in this industry.

A definite "must-see" movie.

It could have been 100 times better if it wasnt a typical classic american hero movie with bad acting and zero emotions , and I m not just blaming the actor I also blame the director because he puts the actor under a heavy challenge , and it is drive emotions through facial expressions and it seems like it is the actor's bad spot .

The scenario wasn't stable sometimes it seems acceptable but other times it is flat , not deep enough and very bad . Character building was a huge waste especially for Vampiro it could have been better when you have a solid actor like Bill Camp but you have bad writing and bad dialogues.

The case was so important to talk about so I want to thank the filmmakers for the last 5 minutes that show some real informations and how the story was real and its impact.

Sound of Freedom provides a powerful message. It is a hard to watch thriller about a loosely true story of Tim Ballard and his experiences with trafficking. A lot of what happens in this movie isn't true but we all know Hollywood does that a lot. There's hard to watch scenes that make your stomach turn. They go almost too far showing stuff on screen then cut it off just in time. Which begs the question, this stuff could have just been implied? That aside this movie is a mess. It's cut up so choppy, like a play almost. The transitions aren't smooth, we jump scene to scene for the first hour and a half of the movie. The acting isn't the worst in the world but the main actor, Jim Caviezel, delivers a poor performance that makes the surrounding cast look like Oscar performances (they're not). There's random humor sprinkled in the film that is just so out of place, there's scenes where they try some sort of fancy cinematography that drags out and feels like they forgot to cut the film. I guess the best way to describe this movie is similar to a lifetime movie. It's choppy, messy and a fabricated truth of a movie. The best part is the special message when Caviezel says they basically couldn't get the movie out because of Hollywood but then they do the Hollywood thing of making Tim Ballard look like a crazy badass by making up the whole climax of the film.

This is a below average film about a serious topic matter.

I was worried there might be things in this movie that would cause trauma. There are no explicit scenes. That being said, this is an important movie and every parent should see it. Not only that, I would recommend it for teens as well. The acting, the script and the whole presentation is first rate. I think about this story, and it is true, and it cuts deep. It also keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. Sometimes movies with a message can be either over the top or boring. This was neither. You could hear a pin drop in the theater through most of the film. I hope you will give this movie a chance. You won't regret it and it may open your awareness in a way that could save a child's life (Maybe even your own).

"Sound of Freedom" fearlessly delves into the disturbing subject of child sex trafficking, shedding light on a growing and urgent problem. The film strikes a delicate balance by revealing the harsh realities without subjecting viewers to gratuitous and disturbing scenes. Its pacing allows the stories to unfold naturally, transitioning from heavy to hopeful and joyful moments, creating a compelling emotional journey. The beautiful cinematography showcases Colombia's landscapes and culture, respectfully. The film's impact is profound. My only criticism is that the film ends, leaving us with an urge for action but no direction on how to combat the crisis. It leaves an opportunity open where people naturally feel compelled to act but don't know how.

Sound of Freedom is based on the TRUE story of Tim Ballard, founder and CEO of Operation Underground Railroad. However, this film is not about Tim Ballard, as Ballard himself has said; it's about the 2million + children trapped in modern day slavery. They are worth saving, they are worth talk about! They deserve to be saved. That's why this film is so important. It's a sobering reminder of what's going on in our world.

Please consider seeing this movie.

The makers of the film did their best to capture the topic to the best of their ability, without being graphic. If you watch it, you get the picture. While it's a difficult film to see, it's important for people to understand what's going on.

First half is very original, chilling and strong, but it gets formulaic and predictable like a Mission Impossible episode toward the end. Mira Sorvino who plays the wife who allegedly inspired the real life hero of this story, could not have been on the screen for more than two minutes, which was a bit disappointing. After all the raves and earned press the film received, it's hard for it not to disappoint on some levels, but one still has to be in awe of the first film to expose the horrific truth about child sex trafficking originating in Latin America. I would have liked to see much more about consumer activity on the US side of the border, given that the US allegedly represents the biggest share of customers that keep this industry going. Perhaps a follow-up film needs to be made to show that side of the story and how the open border plays into it.

It's difficult to objectively review a film like this-one that goes beyond good intentions in telling an inspiring true story that needs to be seen.

Films like this can be manipulative, and at times this one is (such as with the tasteless insertion of real-world kidnapping footage in the opening credits).

Films like this can be overlong, and this one is, with many shots and scenes overstaying their welcome. About 15 minutes should've been shaved off in the editing room.

But films like this can also be sincere and powerful, and this one certainly is far more often than it isn't.

Jim Caviezel comes in strong with a wonderfully subdued performance. This man needs to close himself off to get through his soul-shredding job, but emotions leak through at just the right moments. The rest of the performances range from good to terrible, with Caviezel being the indisputable standout.

With its depiction of child sex trafficking, this is one of the most disturbing films I've ever seen at times. It's wisely not graphic, which enhances the horror; the worst atrocities are left to the imagination, and it makes the story's stakes tangible and hard-hitting.

The script is largely strong, building character and plot at just the right rate. But it does stumble a bit with occasional melodramatic dialogue and horribly misplaced humor.

Sound of Freedom sheds emotionally deep light on oft-ignored modern horrors, and deserves to be seen, as its many faults can be looked past in light of its many triumphs.

This is a real story of TIm Ballard. The movie sheds like on a topic (Human trafficking) typically ignored by most of the population which do not know how vast this problem is and that this is the fastest growing issue worldwide.

It's a dark topic but with determination of those who are the strongest among us find and free those enslaved by others for profit.

The acting is well done, the editing is amazing and focuses on all the right points of Tim Ballards journey to save our children. The only thing that could have made this story more impactful is that Tim's wife was the driving force behind his decisions. It came across subtly, but could have added more value to the story. The movie was 2 1/2 hours but felt like 30 minutes. I was so engrossed.

I implore those who have not seen this yet to go see it, embrace the topic and if able help in the fight. This movie has touched me deeply as I know it will for you too. Keep your children safe, keep them close to you, and keep a very diligent eye on them at all times. They are the most precious thing in this world.

This film takes a large bite out of an under reported human tragedy; child exploitation. Set mostly in central and South America, it profiles an operation to liberate children, the men who under took it, and most importantly, the victims who endured unspeakable pain and suffering (a point the film seemed comfortable forgetting a few times in order to make time for long lingering shots of Caviezel. There more than enough dwelling on Cav' lemon juice streaked yellow/blondeness for ten films.

The music is a total downer. It wears one down with the deep cello laments mixed with chanting choir. The story is pretty slow although it frames the experiences of the children quite well. Caviezel, Camp and Sorvino all turn in rather forgettable performances; very reserved and almost fading into the background of the film. The children stand out, especially Elanna de la Rossa who plays Rocio, and who earned herself an Oscar nomination, if not a lot of very worthy chatter. Brava!

Otherwise, the film comes off as an anti Hollywood independent film with a strong spiritual or religious streak. I couldn't help but dwell a little bit on the recent social fascination with anything related to child sexual abuse; the way it has permeated politics in such a bizarre manner, and how this film either contributes to that idiocy or clarifies and dispels it.... I did not find it was clarifying.... Nor a contribution to idiocy.

I really loved watching this movie. Heartbreaking and difficult to watch, in terms, of content. Great acting and production. Informative, direct, clear story about dangers of human trafficking and the risks of not doing anything to address this growing form of human sex slavery, which effects a huge number of children across the world.

In leaving I'm still not incredibly clear about what the next steps are for continued advocacy. I envisage everyone (adults to teens to watch this film). There are some intense scenes involving children that may be too much for some.

Well done. Thanks for sharing this story and working so hard to make it happen.

Not the best but good enough to recommend all to watch. It's based on a real story, thinking about what happened to children kidnapped from parents, very heartbreaking and tragic.

Leading actor is ok, could be better, I don't see him as good as a real person did save those kids at all. Of course it is a movie some parts are unrealistic like any other action movies. Especially when he found where they are very exciting and thrilling how he rescue the girl.

At least this movie is telling what is happening in the dark side of the world, human trafficking and slavery.

So It's a good movie to see and think about it.

This was not good. I understand the reviews regarding the importance of awareness of the issue. But to me, they seem to be exaggerating the quality of the final product.

As a movie and in so far as entertainment value, this is not worth seeing. This movie has a poor script, poor acting, and disjointed storytelling. Normally I completely discount media reviews on movies. But in this case, they are more accurate than most of these user reviews.

Save yourself some time and money and read any one of the numerous in depth articles that outline the horrors of child sex trafficking and some of the tremendous achievements by law enforcement.