Directed by: Christopher Bessette
Starring: Dermot Mulroney, Mira Sorvino, John Billingsley
Distributed by Monterey Media
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 91 minutes
Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars
“Trade of Innocents” is a rare gem that will probably not be seen by many but it really deserves mainstream shot. The film contains some really amazing performances from Dermot Mulroney, Mira Sorvino and John Billingsley. Billingsley gives one his most intense and impressive performances to date. The film is very well shot and will directed by Christopher Bessette. The film is action packed and very suspenseful, as well as very dramatic. The content is a very difficult topic, dealing with human trafficking with young children but it really delivers from beginning to end. The running time tops just 90 minutes and I think that works in advantage for this film gives it just enough time to tell its story. Do not miss out on this film, it is one of 2012’s hidden gem and award worthy performances.
The film follows Alex Becker (Mulroney) and Claire Becker (Sorvino) who are both dealing with the loss of their young daughter. Alex is working in Southeast Asia in order to infiltrate the human trafficking and plays to expose the people behind it. Malcolm Eddery (Billingsley) finds himself as the main target, since he is looking for young girls and has the money to spend. As the couple find themselves being pulled together deeper and deeper into the lives of local girls, who lives are affected and threatened due to sex slave drives. With parallels stories and throughout twists and turns “Trade of Innocents”, takes us through the dangerous world of human trafficking.
Since the film is based on true events, the inspiration came from a personal experience of the director, Christopher Bessette, and the producers Bill and Laurie Bolthouse experiences during their trips to Phnom Penh. This is brutally raw and unsettling but also very true and needs to be addressed. If this film makes you upset and uncomfortable, then I feel that it is doing its job well. Monterey Media is a notable distributor this year releasing a lot of great films, also like Famke Jannsen’s “Bringing Up Bobby”. I know this is just a film but I hope that it will bring the public’s notice to become more aware of the issue and work to fight human trafficking.
This is one of the few positive reviews found on the web about the movie.
Basically i dont see why the other critics negative on the movie had to give it minuses simply because it was telling the truth and urging people to take action.
The other critics only want entertainment but when confronted by a horrible truth, child prostitution, they dont feel compelled to do anything to take part against it. They just want entertainment.
Thanks for this review, i agree with most of what you said.