Trade of Innocents

It simply amazes me how films like this, ones that show the contrast between depravity and compassion, are hated. I cannot understand how stories such as this get buried under misguided judgment. I hear and read reviews that entirely miss the heart of the story and interested only in pointing out ill-perceived shortcomings. How many critics have actually stopped and fully considered the intent of the writer and what he was trying to accomplish? How many have placed themselves in the story and asked "what if this happened to me" or "what would've I done"? How many reviewers have been to places such as Cambodia and seen the horrors that this director has? Instead of pushing aside bias and taken in the film for what it was meant to be, they've done a great disservice by asserting their opinion based upon ill-perceived notions and toxic world view.

"For evil to prevail, all it takes is enough good men to do nothing..." Christopher Bessette made a stand and a hard-hitting statement with this film. It has personally inspired me to keep giving my own money to support brave men such as those in an organization called "Underground Railroad" who put themselves at risk rescuing children from sex trafficking all around the world. I believe Mr. Bessette has done humanity a great service by awakening the hearts of those who'll listen to his stories. He's done his part and I can only hope he and others like him, will continue to make films of this magnitude to enflame the rest of us to do something.

I really want to like this movie and rate higher as an honest living person for its contents alone, but as a movie freak it was easy to say the screenplay was a letdown. Not based on the actual incident, but the film depicts how and where these things take place. In fact inspired by the director and producers of this film's own experience during a visit to the Cambodia. This was a movie about human trafficking, in the line of movies like 'Trade' and 'Eden'.

An American couple who recently lost their child on a mission in a Southeast Asian city to fight the crime. What they encounter is the crux of the story. Don't anticipate breathtaking stunts and wide human traffic network like the movie 'Taken'. As I expected in this low budget movie, everything was too short including the cast with a simple story. But there is a powerful message, that's the most important and everything else is just a formality for a movie to have a basic thing. Watch it or not its up to you, because in one way worth give a try and in another, it is not.

6/10

What a great film; poignant story, beautifully crafted, and a powerful message. Christopher Bessette and Philip Hurn make a dynamic team. This is a powerful treatment of a sensitive topic. Christopher's keen insight gave him the ability to thoroughly uncover a complicated topic. His recognition from the Breckenridge Festival of Film and The Canadian International Faith and Family Film Festival (CIFF) as best director testify to Christopher's consummate skills. He is able to draw out the subtle nuances of the characters that can speak louder than words. The veracity in the treatment of character, scenes, and all aspect of the story is impeccable. Don't let the ability of this film to express the delicate shadings of meaning, feelings, and value escape you if you are used to some films that are more superficial. Congratulations to Christopher and Mira Sorvino on the most recent of a growing list of awards garnered by The Trade of Innocents. I highly recommend this film.

Even well-made films dealing with truly disturbing issues have a hard time finding a sensitive and appreciative audience. This film unfolds like the great films of old when storytelling and solid acting were as much appreciated as people jumping off a hundred story building and everything blowing up (I like those movies too but sometimes I don't mind having to think when watching a film). Trade of Innocents is compelling to watch, makes me want to take action, all the while caught-up in a beautiful shot film with actors I have always enjoyed. Sometimes the best films simply make you feel something very human. This one did that for me and I don't ask movies to do much more. I'm glad I saw it.

At the film website, three awards were won at the Breckenridge Festival of Film, Best of the Fest Drama, Best Director, 2nd Place People's Choice and two other awards. This shows that this film is recognized as exposing an ugly truth that some would rather not hear about.

I did not like the facts presented but enjoyed this film because it dramatically portrayed the problem of porn prostitution of young girls in certain countries like Cambodia. It makes us all aware of the problem that most do not know.

The film presents the point of view of the parents of these horrendously treated young girls and the tragic exploitation of them for sex.

I was not aware of this before. I also discovered that yes, it occurs right here in Canada and I am sure other places in North America.

This movie points out that situation and makes those who care, aware. There are always some who do not care about anyone but themselves.

The film keeps you occupied and drawn compassionately into the lives of the characters as if you were there as a reluctant observer wanting to help but trapped by being on the wrong side of the screen.

There is something you can do.