Interesting fact- in my late teens I became a fan of the long-running television series, “Duck Dynasty,” the A&E Network series about a duck-hunter, whistle-blowing, manufacturing family, the Robertsons. Including their patriarch and founder, Phil Robertson. Despite our not-so-shared views on politics, theology, near-constant publicized faux-pas, and hunting, Duck Dynasty’s Phil Robertson became both a reality TV star and someone I admire for his frankness and family ties.
Set amongst the turbulence of the deep south in the early 1960s, the film, The Blind, showcases the true story of clandestine love between Phil Robertson, the Robertson clan leader, his future wife, Miss Kay, and what would become of his clandestine family. Despite personal, and professional demons threatening to tear not only their personal and professional lives apart, but also delay, and ultimately destroy his dreams of being an American footballer and businessman, The Blind speaks to audiences of a desire to conquer all of life’s greatest roles- life, liberty, and most importantly, love.
Set in the backwoods swamps of 1960s Louisiana, The Blind shares never-before-revealed moments in Phil Robertson’s personal story. Chronicling his sojourn from student-athlete to recovering addict, the ultimate struggles that freed a man from the slow grip of relapsing alcohol and substance abuse, the coping mechanisms used to conquer the shame of his past, and ultimately finding redemption in the most unlikely of places, a newly forged family, and most importantly, God.
A cinematic journey chronicling personal demons and the breaking of familiar struggles, all while creating a lasting, solidified story of love, creativity, and the personal vindication of self. The true story of the Robertson family- a love that launched a dynasty only in theatres beginning 09/28! Click here to find showtimes in your area, inquire about group rates, view with your local church groups, and purchase tickets online to see this film.
Moreover, the good people as Momemtumn, are offering one Theladyprefers2save.com reader a chance to win their own ticket to see this film. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post or accompanying social media outlets, listed below, for your chance to enter into a drawing for a $10.00 Amazon.com Gift Card– a fun, festive way to treat yourself after seeing this awesome film in theatres only, this season.
Friends, you’ll want to see this film-trust me. Now, I have to ask, why do you want to see The Bind in theatres this season? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. And of course, Happy Fall, ya’ll.
Many thanks to TBN for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.
From learning about the Egyptian pyramids to the crash of American Wall Street, I love history in most forms-particularly film. This season Israel’s Route 60, featuring its famous biblical sites, as it’s commonly known, the Biblical Highway, is no exception. Former U.S. Ambassador David Friedman and former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo help to bring new information about the promised land to life in the new film, Route 60: The Biblical Highway, in theaters on September 18 and 19.
This powerful story of the 146-mile asphalt and concrete road begins in Nazareth, Israel’s largest Arab city. Later, it weaves its way through Samaria south to Jerusalem, then through Judea, and ends in Beersheba, Israel’s high-tech centers. Route 60 connects both ancient with modern Israel, Jews with Christians and Muslims, and Israeli citizens with Arabs living under modernist Palestinian governmental control.
Far more than a mere two-lane highway, Route 60 offers a historic link to the roots of both ancient and modern Judaism and Christianity, riddled with both tales of modernism as well as stories of both the Old and New Testaments. As Friedman and Pompeo travel this ancient thoroughfare, walking in the footsteps of Judeo-Christian heritage, the forefathers Abraham, Jacob, King David, and Jesus, viewers are brought along on this inspiring journey of post-modernism and religious understanding.
“We hope that audiences are left inspired and encouraged to continue their walk-in faith,” said Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Events. “Reading about places rich in history is one thing, but `Route 60’ will allow audiences to get a firsthand look at what these places and cultures were like.” I couldn’t agree more. This film was both inspiring and a true start to the Autumnal season in theatres.
For more information on this film or to buy tickets today to see Route 60 in theaters ONLY on 9/18 & 9/19, visit Route 60: The Biblical Highway, via Fathom Events, here.
Plus, readers of Theladyprefers2save.com, can begin their fall season with a $10.00 Amazon gift card for Theladyprefers2save.com reader. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post letting me know your reasons for wanting to see this film in theaters this fall.
Thanks to Amazon Freevee for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
I love few things more than spending time each fall watching quality documentaries and series that better my world perspective. A small tradition Uncle Danny had as a child, and eventually, with me. Time to rewind, relax, and reenvelop my belief in the human spirit each autumn at home. Which, for me, now includes Freevee’s “God. Family. Football” series.
The Freevee six-episode series, titled God. Family. Football., debuting September 1, 2023, created and produced by Aaron Benward of Watershed and Russell Wilson, the Broncos QB, produced by Propagate and Ascending Media Group, shares the coming-of-age story of a group of young, high school Christian athletes, led by Denny Duron, the legendary high school football coach and former American football player who played for the Louisiana Tech from 1970 to 1973. Later he served as a head football coach at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, from 1977 to 1982.
Currently, serving as the chancellor at Evangel Christian Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana. Returning from retirement to oversee the football team he started in the southern community of Shreveport, Louisiana. Helping the student-led effort to recover from a decades-long slump, as seen in the brutal 0-9 2020 season. Coach Denny comes out of retirement at seventy to commander the team into a better, more well-rounded program. Changes that lead to drama along the way.
With an optimistic outlook toward life, Coach Denny inspires the new team to rally around him in his calling for youth-led greatness. Encouraging players to take up the mantle of post-pandemic high school sports, while learning to become the great team and teammates, the veteran player knows his fledgling team can become.
Alongside Denny, a number of different student-athletes are also interviewed throughout the season. Featuring a myriad of troubling moments for the adolescent players, as well. Plus, a sprinkling of romance, in and off the field, too. As players explore and compare their roles as student-athletes, and adolescents, along with being Christian adolescents. As the series progresses, the student-athletes rely on football, with its many practices, to guide them down both the field- of life and the game.
This docuseries features much on-the-field tribulation, from tackles to plays, sharing the progression of the players throughout the season. With the tribulations of adolescence shaping both the time and scoreboard. The varied synchronicities of life on and off the field. The final episode shares a montage of various unseen episodes of the student’s season-long turnaround.
God. Family. Football. uses the medium of film to reeducate viewers on the sport as well as a reference for facing the problems facing small-town southern life. It’s as much about a high school football team’s personal and sports comeback. A mission leading not only to a football program’s reemergence in forming a new, stellar national prominence but also speaks to the heart of personal growth for players and coaches alike. The academy, winners of 29 District Championships, 14 State Championships, and 1 National Title, had its worst season in 2020, scoring 0-9. It turned its team around a year later, as Duron came out of his 30-year retirement to lead the football program, and its students, to excellence on and off the field.
Executive Producer Russell Wilson was inspired by “Duron’s faith-first approach to the game.” An overall winning formula for success, is “God first, family second, and football third.” The docuseries shows that football, indeed, matches the season-long belief. Giving more than a cursory glance into where the game of football displays the rigors the young men will take throughout their lives.
Learning about the players’ personal lives, God. Family. Football also shares how many of Evangel Christian Academy’s best and brightest behave on and off the field. From pep talks and training sessions, to harder issues over life choices, this series has something for everyone. Showcasing the team’s beautifully delivered and continued message of God and glory, mixed with Southern charm and friendliness shown as both solid and palpable for viewers of all ages. God. Family. Football establishes a genuine sense of camaraderie between the players and inspires viewers, too! The docuseries present this team in all of their togetherness-perfect for viewers of all ages.
The series sincerely explores the student-athlete’s vulnerabilities in a time-honored way. Making this documentary perfect for viewers of all ages. For viewers looking to pack their seasonal evenings with feel-good television and streaming, God. Family. Football is a must-watch. As Amazon Freevee is a premium free streaming service. Where you can watch thousands of hit movies, shows, originals, and live 24/7 entertainment channels to match your at-home seasonal mood.
To get started, download the Amazon Freevee app to get started. Then, simply watch God. Family. Football for free on Fire TV, Roku, the Amazon Freevee app, Prime Video, or your favorite streaming device. As Freevee is free it always will be streaming to consumers with no cost, no subscription, and no payments. Just free, premium, quality hit movies and shows on demand. Supported by Ads, so you’ll never need to pay any subscription fees to watch your favorite shows and movies all season long. So, give this series a try.
Plus, check out Freevee across social media at @AmazonFreevee on Instagram, Twitter, Meta, TikTok, and YouTube. There, you’ll find thousands of hit movies, shows, Freevee Originals, and live 24/7 entertainment to match your seasonal mood on your favorite streaming services.
Moreover, the great folks at Momentum Publishing are giving one Theladyprefers2save.com reader the opportunity to win a $10.00 Amazon.com gift card. To enter, please watch God. Family. Football. streaming now, for free, on Amazon Freevee on September 1st, 2023. Then come back to this post and leave me a message letting me and other readers know why this is the must-see series this season. Bonus points for including #GodFamilyFootballFV and #GodFamilyFootballMIN on this post and across social media. There, I will choose one response from this site, and across social media as a winner. This giveaway ends on 9/5/23 at 11:59 pm. Winners will be rewarded directly from Momentum publishers. Good luck, friends!
Now, I have to ask, what’s your favorite part of the Freevee six-episode series, God. Family. Football.?
Many thanks to Briarcliff Entertainment, LLC for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.
With the fall season quickly approaching, and with many kiddos entering, and reentering the halls of academia, there’s never been a better time to head to the theaters and watch a new film. Especially, when it involves hard work, grit, baseball, and even apple pie. Making the upcoming film, The Hill, directed by Jeff Celentano, produced by Warren Ostergard and Jeff Celentano, and starring Dennis Quaid, Colin Ford, Joelle Carter, Randy Houser, Bonnie Bedelia, and Scott Glenn ideal for kiddos of all ages. Now, you may be asking, is this film appropriate for your kiddos? I recently had the opportunity to review the movie before it is out in theaters this season, on August 25, 2023.
The Hill is based on the true story of Rickey Hill, a pastor who despite facing great personal struggles, played in Major League Baseball, despite growing up wearing restrictive, cumbersome leg braces. While facing down his greatest obstacle, his father, who greatly desired his need for his son to take on a community pastoral position, over popularized league sports, including baseball.
Despite his initial personal struggles, and Rickey’s dad’s earnest desire to see his only son become a man of God, his son eagerly wanted to find his vocation on the dugout mound. Turning his father, slowly, and deliberately, by way of his hard work and dedication, into not only his most ardent supporter but as a man truly grateful to God for his son’s earnest athletic endeavors. A life of his own making-where God, and playing ball, can coexist hand-in-hand.
Head down to the end of this post for your chance to enter to win a ticket to see this film yourself!
Is The Hill Movie Great for Families?
This true-life story of Ricky Hill’s improbable journey to play Major League Baseball opens in theaters on August 25, 2023. Making this PG-rated film, despite its sometimes course language and parental guidance rating, perfect for audiences of all persuasions. A great Christian-themed film about perseverance, faith, and following your dreams- the possibility that all things, truly are, and without end, are tenable through God.
Plus, there are several amazing themes sprinkled throughout the film. Making the piece great as a conversation starter for families of all persuasions. Especially with fairness and dreams being frequent discussions around schooltime dinner tables. Making this film a morality booster for children of various age groups.
With this film being only 2 hours in length, kiddos of all ages will easily be able to digest its positive messaging, great scenery, and constructive dialogue seen throughout the film-this film is sure to keep the interest all season long!
Including teenagers. An hour into the movie, the lead, Rickey, and his teenage girlfriend, are able to discuss various layered plots including teenage relationships with God, educational disparities, as well as how young love can navigate small-town living post-graduation. And while this film is Christian in nature, both believers and nonbelievers can easily and earnestly get behind the film’s true basis-how to facilitate lives where one can truly have it all.
As the film focuses on the varied aspects of Rickey Hill, an American minor league baseball player of the 1970s, both as an outfielder and first baseman, Hill is able to use weave aspects of his childhood and adolescence into a narrative of change, probability, and hope for moviegoers. The film is both aspiration and inspirational throughout its viewing.
Final Thoughts
This film, with Dennis Quaid, as James Hill, Colin Ford, as Rickey Hill, Joelle Carter, as Hellen Hill, and supporting roles from Jesse Berry as young Rickey Hill, and Scott Glenn as Red Murff, the MLB scout who discovers Rickey, are sure to delight audiences of all ages and religious orientations. Making this film the one to see during the dog days of summer in your area.
Watch the trailer, here. You can also purchase tickets today, here.
Giveaway
And without further fanfare, be sure to enter to win a $10.00 Amazon.com gift card. To enter, leave me a comment below or on social media letting me know why you’d want to see The Hill this film in theaters. Which, of course, you plan to see on August 25, 2023, too! Friends, will you be going to see The Hill? Leave me your thoughts below!
There are films that create wonder in the watcher-this is one such film. The Hiding Place, taken from the Book of Psalms, comes to theatres on August 3, 2023, as a limited-release film from Trafalgar Studios, directed by Laura Matula, featuring performances by Nan Gurley as Corrie ten Boom; Carrie Tillis as Betsie ten Boom; and John Schuck as Casper ten Boom.
Plot
The film is set in 1942 Europe, during the height of the conflicts of World War II, the Boom family, living in Haarlem, Netherlands, settled in an old cooper’s shop, the family makes great strives to survive war-torn conditions at home. The family’s oldest daughter, Corrie, practically runs the family shop, with sister, Betsie helping, too—though her real gifts lie not in metal gears and gizmos, but in floral arranging. Adding fresh color to the family’s drab interiors whenever possible.
Yet, inholding on strongly in the Netherlands, now occupied by Nazi Germany, the Booms are faced with unexpected circumstances-and visitors. The Caspers take on a new shop apprentice, Otto, a young German man, who seems to work far more than he lives. Quoted as saying, “I work as efficiently as possible, and I expect my time to be treated likewise.” As the young German has neither interest nor time in Betsy’s floral innovations, the two are often at odds over time and access within the family business, and home. Seen in the background of various scenes depicting family dinner’s-including dining with SS Officials.
Despite this depravity, other visitors come to the Boom home-Jews, hungry, afraid, and scared. Worsened by the Booms’ hospitality having gotten around, underground resistance messaging, and otherwise. Creating pragmatic conditions for daughter Corrie, who despite her best efforts to minimize unwanted attention, Casper insists on keeping the door spaces, and community communications open. Stating that “In this house, God’s people are always welcome.”
For those familiar with the story of Corrie Boom, you know what follows: lives lost, lives saved, with the hope that always remains. Creating a powerful rendition of a true story of familial sacrifice, forgiveness, redemption, compassion, and purposed joy.
A great scene in the movie is depicted when Otto first came to the Boom home, Corrie stated that “I cannot see what good can come of it.” Afraid of the time when more Jews would come, too. Struggling with her own family’s sorted past. Behind this lingered compassion and understanding that people, and their various religious, gender, races, and socioeconomic statuses, like her beloved flowers, were truly worth aiding, even in the height of skirmishes in the war-town Netherlands. And it is through these differences that the wonder of humanity truly blooms.
Historic Significance
The heroic take on Corrie ten Boom, by way of her book, The Hiding Place, upon which this stage-to-screen production was based, chronicles her and her family’s work to save nearly 800 Jews during World War II and her later experiences in a German concentration camp. Throughout such trials, she clung to her faith, was later knighted in the Netherlands for her work, and was honored by the newly formed Israeli State, which named her as one of the “Righteous Among the Nations.”
Truly captivating is that Corrie doesn’t begin her journey in the film as that beloved hero. Instead, she is dragged into heroism by her father and sister. The Caspers bravely welcome Jews into his shop despite the dangers they brought unto themselves. Showing strength and compassion to both German occupiers and Jews alike, sharing with audiences the true spirit of the Netherlands,’ despite their occupying forces, the Germans. Who’s familiar essences shine true in another great film quote in which Corrie exclaims, “When we find something in the world that is wrong, we must not hate it. We must help it to become something different. To see something rightly, you must see it with love.” That sensibility seasons the narrative of this warm-hearted film.
Views on the Film
Taking this philosophy to heart, and believing that “Christ stayed in the garden when he knew they would come,” referencing Gethsemane and the Romans, in that, on behalf of the family, Otto would “Stay in my home and hope they will not,” leading the family to more continued perils at the hands of Nazi Inspectors. When the Nazis, do come, taking Betsie and Corrie to a concentration camp, their optimism and compassion remain.
Despite flea-ridden barracks and scant meals, the sisters believe there is still hope and purpose to be found. And in so doing, Betsie the sisters unify their belief in humanity, their faith, and their creator. Forging their family backbone, and story, along the way.
Throughout the film, a Christian ethos is woven into the film’s main plot line and extensive familiar dialogue. Motivating audiences to consider their own faith, choices, and circumstances. An example is the nightly dinner where the Bloom family read from the Bible. As such, various Biblical passages, from both testaments, are depicted throughout the film-reflecting both the difficult season this family finds themselves in as well as that of their guests, colleagues, and community members. Despite this, the Booms never try to convert their Jewish guests but do invite them, along with all their homes guests, to read Scripture aloud nightly. Even as Otto reluctantly exclaims the Bible is a “book of lies” and flatly refuses. To which, the father, Otto, replies, “We have learned better than the keeping of fairy tales.” Stating that “In Holland, we respect even those with whom we disagree.”
Further, the Nazis seen throughout The Hiding Place have little patience with Christianity. One Nazi inquisitor even goes as far as to use Corrie’s faith against her, telling her that lying is a sin. Reminding her that the Bible commands the faithful to respect leaders placed in authority. And when that doesn’t produce fruit, the Nazi suggests that “If there is a God, He’s shown nothing but contempt for the plight of the Booms.” Warning that “Before the end, you will see much more of what your God is willing to allow.”
Later in the film, Betsie proves to be a counterbalance to the clan, as she smuggles a Bible into the concentration camp, and reads it out loud so that others may be comforted in its word. Nightly leading the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Clinging steadfast to her own faith, and her personal truth that “There is no darkness so deep that He is not deeper still.”
Meanwhile, Corrie and Betsie’s brother, Willem, despite their father Otto’s misgivings, announces he’s leaving the ministry to help the elderly. Becoming a key piece in Netherlands’ underground work against the Nazis.
Takeaways
While The Hiding Place is a Christian story, several Jewish faith practices as documented throughout the film. Such as a woman lighting a candle and covering her eyes as she recites a blessing. And despite the unimaginable cruelty set within Nazi concentration camps, were places of unimaginable cruelty, violence, and death. As viewers aren’t subjected to graphic visual depictions of violence, yet are given a true sense of the tragedy depicted there. Sharing Nazis vandalizing, theft, and humanist blasphemy. Including the stealing of gold fillings and the teeth of interred camp prisoners. As women gently hold the sides of their faces in unison, illustrating the pain and loss of their health and humanity. In another scene, a man is tortured by Nazis, depicting the crucifixion of Christ, as a Nazi pulls out a revolver, killing the prisoner, and causing an uprising of violence within the camp itself.
With fairness and transparency in mind, the film shows locals and prisoners alike, accousted by Nazi agents. Others die from communicable, yet curable, illnesses. Or conditions within the camp, including the rampancy of lice, and inclement weather. The prisoners are plastered with an embroidered triangle on their person, indicating what crime they committed against the Reich-with red indicating a political prisoner; green meaning they’ve broken a law; and yellow indicating the crime of being born Jewish. While audiences are told of a death of an elderly gentleman, who’s buried in an unmarked grave as onlookers laugh. Having lost my own father figure, Danny, in an LGBTQIA Hate Crime in 2000, bringing home the true gravitas of the film.
While in the camps, Corrie does do things that would run counter to biblical teachings. Taking ration cards to feed the ten Booms’ Jewish guests, lying to Nazis officers, and while in a concentration camp, Corrie and others work to build faulty radio equipment, to throw off Nazi lines of communication in-camp. Showing that sometimes humanity’s best work isn’t Biblically-based.
Conclusion
Corrie ten Boom’s autobiographical The Hiding Place, published in 1971, and this latest depiction, is a truly heartwarming depiction of, her story. In this stage-to-screen take on that story, Corrie ten Boom is not its hero-that accolade goes to her father, depicting common mainstream patriarchal Christian cinema fans expect and demand. Despite this, her good works shine through- to her sister, herself, and most importantly, her God.
The film gives watchers, especially women, and girls, the sense that Corrie is not simply a heroine of the silver stage or perhaps a positive footnote in history, that possibly, maybe, Corrie is like me. Perhaps you, too. Sharing that her strength is not in adjudicating those who’ve cast disparity and alienation among her family and guests of her parent’s home. Instead, offering social and familiar empathy with those whom she finds herself amongst-even those who seek her demise. Only, she does so in an uncanny, offhanded way. Leaving viewers to see that the bravest of roads often are paved with the unlikeliest of circumstances.
In The Hiding Place, we see Corrie distracted by life’s gears, the springs, and the cornucopia of instances that change the entirety of her circumstances, allowing her to become whole within her work-aiding Betsie’s figurative love of her flowers and Otto’s pragmatic views. Making Corrie less an untenable heroine of faith, and more a woman of value, even in times of great uncertainty. Giving watchers a sense of how they themselves can make significant changes in their own lives, and that of the framework of humanity, too.
With strong performance and positive stagecraft, The Hiding Place gives viewers hope and faith in themselves and others. Something we can all spend time this season in. Leaving viewers to wonder how their own story will begin, as this film ends.
Friends, I take the opportunity to see this film in theatres this season, too. You can purchase tickets to this film, only in theatres on August 3rd and 5th, here and see my review of the film on Rotten Tomatoes, here. Also, you can find out more about these films on social media with the hashtags #TheHidingPlaceMIN, #TheHidingPlace, and #MomentumInfluencers across social media.
As an added bonus for Theladyprefers2save.com readers, you’ll have the opportunity to win a $10.00 Amazon gift card. To enter, leave a comment below or on my Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter post for the film. Winners will be selected on August 4, 2023- Amazon gift cards will be delivered from Momentum Influencers directly.
It’s no secret that my life, my lineage, and my family have faced more challenges than most. From the societal pressures of being the illegitimate child of drug-addled teens to dealing with the fallout of the death of my dad, Danny, in an LGBTQIA hate crime at fifteen, or surviving violation of being physically, mentally, financially, and sexually assaulted from an early age. Or the shame that comes from conflicts empaths face at the hands of individuals unable, and unwilling to live beyond the confines of their own sociopathy and psychopathy.
Issues that throughout my life, have left me feeling less than ideal in today’s modern world. Never being taught that sometimes, children are made to live down to the ramifications of being unbelieved by the clergy and greater Christian communities. It is far more than hyperbole to say, I’ve known first-hand what it means to fall between society’s cracks.
To find meaning in these experiences, I’ve tried a myriad of ways to bring myself closer to the vision of the kingdom I was presented as a child. From missioning in Central Africa, aiding children reeling from sexual exploitation to the social and the economic ramifications of the diamond trades, to becoming a civil rights attorney. Later, a writer. Granting myself permission to share my story, in prose and purpose, my own kingdom story. Experiences shading my perceptions of humanity.
Understandably, my past experiences require me to carve out time to watch the new film, Sound of Freedom, and to share my thoughts thereof with you, my readers, on Jim Caviezel’s disquieting thriller that seeks the individual to understand their part in child sex trafficking.
Sound of Freedom is a conservative thriller based on the true story of Tim Ballard, a former Department of Homeland Security special agent who has devoted himself to fighting child sex trafficking, and founder of Operation Underground Railroad, backed by Glenn Beck, a non-profit group that views the ideals of self-proclaimed freedom and healing, to rescue trafficked and exploited children, domestically and abroad. Starring Jim Caviezel, who also starred in the title role of Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ,” working on the likes of other faith-based projects for the past two decades.
The movie’s Christian undercurrent remains consistent throughout the film. With Ballard’s calling, the crime of trafficking leads him to enter affected mission fields, “Because God’s children are not for sale.” Giving viewers a captivating glimpse into the horrors of criminality, and its effects on trafficked children. Despite the film’s adjacent alt-right referencing to 4Chan and QAnon, heavily references various domestic and international conspiracy theories. Including Washington, D.C., pizza parlors being fronts for supposed pedophile rings, extending into larger conspiracies delving within the supposed culture of liberalism, and covering up pedophile rings, both domestically, and abroad.
Let me state that, as my opinion sits, currently and for the foreseeable future, these message boards are utter nonsense. However, assuming that you, like me, aren’t a right-wing fundamentalist conspiracy theorist looking for dark, faith-based suspense films, whose views range beyond extremist-based feel-good films, Sound of Freedom is worth watching. Shining authenticity and light upon crucial civil and human rights violations, domestic and abroad. Themses Hollywood has shied away from in recent decades. Shining a less than congenial light onto the egregious issues involving human trafficking. For this reason, Sound of Freedom, completed in 2018, deserves its fair dues.
This also leads to other important questions, including viewer demographics and parallels to the specific numbers of movies and television shows we’ve all seen delving into drug trafficking. Personally, even as a legal professional, and excluding any obvious affection I have for Atlantic City-based docudramas, I’d say far too many. Conversely, child sex trafficking, documentaries, and docudrama alike, due to their inherent and subjective nature, are not as publicized. Yet, Sound of Freedom informs us of those like-minded individuals, like myself, who have aided, funded, or sought out information dealing with child sex trafficking.
As the film poignantly reminds the viewer that there are more people, more children, and young adults, currently enslaved by the insidious grasp of sex trafficking than during any previous period times of legalized, non-consensual domestic slavery throughout history. Speaking to the nightmarish realities imposed on minors. As of right now, children, domestically and abroad, are forced to live through the unspeakable, unimaginable, unforgivable realities of trafficking victims. Experiences that aid, perpetuate, and fund international cocaine and opioids industries.
The purpose of Sound of Freedom is to sound the alarm, in the way that a dramatic feature film can do, and as journalism often cannot in a world of mass hysteria and political misinformation, is to take viewers into an era of child re-enfranchisement.
Moments worth mentioning include Roberto (Jose Zuniga), a single father in Honduras, whoagrees to let his 11-year-old daughter, Rocio (Cristal Aparicio), and her 7-year-old little brother enter a music competition overseen by the glamorous Katy-Gisselle (Yessica Borroto Perryman), who gains control of perspective childhood participants. Instructed to drop his children off at an apartment building, where dozens of other child contestants were inside, and to return a few hours later to claim his children post-performance. When he does, the place is now dark, dank, and abandoned. Realizing he’s been deceived, seeks to find his children after finding out about the proverbial hell awaiting the siblings.
Later, Special Agent Ballard, while entrapping internet consumers of child porn, after twelve years of capturing 280-plus pedophiles, seeks to aid the case workers, wins the trust of his latest criminal discovers a link into a new trafficking chain, launches an operation to apprehend a new vein of traffickers. In doing so, saves a young boy from the film’s opening scene.
And the boy’s sister? Still trapped in the film’s central trafficking nightmare, Ballard makes her freedom, his mission. After Ballard and his wife, Katherine (Mira Sorvino), parents to six children themselves, share the film’s Christian view, with children being saved from trafficking extensions of their family- believing “All children are God’s children, and are therefore all of our children.”
Ballard, no longer connected to Homeland Security, and offered an off-the-books funding opportunity from his former supervisor, makes the decision to go after the traffickers themselves-with one week and one grand in-pocket. The film soon becomes an undercover thriller.
Ballard’s central contact, Vampiro, an American who used to launder drug money from cartels, and after spending a substantial time behind bars, helps his connection launch a fake members-only club for wealthy pedophiles, as a way of entrapping the local traffickers, including Katy-Gisselle, the beforementioned former beauty queen. A dirty, grotesque version of Miami Vice.
Ballard then travels down the river into the jungles of the Nariño Province, a rebel stronghold where the drug lord, Scorpio, has made Rocio his slave. Then, Ballard and Vampiro pose as United Nations physicians seeking to gain admittance to the rebel camp, a known cocaine factory. Whose manager, Alejandro Monteverde, stages a Rambo-esque scene. Where the deliverances become take-action, rather than take-away heart-of-darkness moments. we’ve been seeking arrives, it feels earned. In a conventional pulp way, we’ve glimpsed the heart of darkness. In typical take-action movie scenes. Leading the audience through an additional gritty, unpredictable, sinister two-hour look at saving the world’s greatest resource, our children.
This An Angel Studios release, featuring Eduardo Verástegui as producer, executive producers Jaime Hernandez, Patrick Slim Domit, John Paul Dejoria, Carlos Martinez, Anthony Robbins, Sean Wolfington, Whitney Kroenke, Sybil Robson Orr, Tim McTavish, Brian Norton, Delmont Truman, Matt Stover, Gladys Bolivar, Carlos Alvarez Bermejillo, Cecilia Coppel, Paul Hutchinson, Mickey O’Hare, Leo Severino, Christopher Tuffin, and Renée Tab, as well as direction from Alejandro Monteverde, and screenplay from Rod Barr, Alejandro Monteverde. Camera: Gorka Gómez Andreu, this is a must-see drama this season.
Angel Studio’s goal for Sound of Freedom is for two million people to go see the film in theaters the week of July 4- remembering the two million children who are trafficked annually. Propelling a movement that will save millions of kids around the world by watching this in theatres. You can find showtimes, here. For those seeking to help children, you can help pay for tickets so others may come to see the film, here. Helping the studio reach its goal of #2MillionFor2Million to help end child trafficking.
As previously mentioned, this movie was a film that everyone from the most principled to the most pragmatic can learn, feel, and empathize with. I recommend this film to others. From the film’s origin to its associated mission statement, remains its truest vantage point, “All children are God’s children, and are therefore all of our children.” While the film’s funding partners leave much to be desired, and its publicized aspects being tossed about underground media leaves my journalist’s heart saddened I can appreciate every aspect of this film. The film’s positive attitude and attribution, however disparaging in theme and available information, compared to other films and documentaries in its respective genre with greater respective information, including Lilya 4-Ever, Girl in Room 13, or The Whistle Blower, films sharing domestic trafficking practices, the film and its executive function do, however, leave my inner child at peace.
This is why I’ve partnered with Momentum who is giving one Theladyprefers2save.com reader a chance to watch this film themselves. Enter, here, for a chance to win a pair of tickets to view Sound of Freedom yourself this season in theatres-this contest will run from 7/4/23-7/7/23 at 11:59 p.m. central standard time. Enter by leaving a comment on this post as well as on my Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter pages. Good luck!
Friends, do you plan to watch this film in theatres? How do you celebrate trafficking survivors in your own walk? Leave your thoughts on this film in the comments below.
Spending quality time with your family can be a challenge. With work, school, and extracurricular activities, it can be hard to find time to just be together. But spending time with your family is important! It strengthens relationships, creates memories, and can be a lot of fun. Quality family time doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. So here are seven of the best ways to spend quality time with your family.
One of the best ways to spend quality time with your family is to go on a family outing. This can be anything from going to the zoo or an amusement park to going for a hike or playing mini golf. The important thing is that you are doing something together as a family. This is a great way to bond and has some fun! Family outings can also create lasting memories and inside jokes that your family will cherish for years to come.
Play Games Together
Another great way to spend quality time with your family is by playing games together. This could be anything from board games and card games to video games or even sports. Playing games together is a great way to have some fun and also compete against each other in a friendly way. With winter around the corner, you can turn game nights into a weekly tradition and hunker down with some hot cocoa and cozy blankets.
Have Family Meals Together
Eating meals together as a family is another great way to spend quality time together. This gives you all a chance to catch up on each other’s day and just talk in general. It’s also a great opportunity to teach kids about healthy eating habits. Enjoying a family meal together can also help to strengthen family bonds and create memories that you will treasure for many, many years to come. So put together a couple of delicious recipes or order takeout and enjoy a meal together at the dinner table.
Go On A Family Vacation
Family vacations are another great way to spend quality time together. This allows you to explore new places and have new experiences together. It’s also a great opportunity to unplug from technology and just enjoy each other’s company. Family vacations are definitely something that everyone will remember and cherish for years to come. So consider treating your family to a getaway this year and make some amazing memories.
Have Family Movie Nights
Family movie nights are a great way to spend quality time with your family. Pick a movie everyone will enjoy, pop some popcorn, and snuggle up on the couch together. This is a great way to relax and unwind after a long day or week. It’s also an opportunity to bond over a shared interest in movies and maybe even have some good laughs together. For example, you could watch The Chosen, a Hallmark Christmas movie, or even an animated movie on Netflix. Family movie nights are a great way to spend quality time with your loved ones.
Do Some Volunteer Work Together
Doing some volunteer work together is another great way to spend quality time with your family. Not only will you be helping out those in need, but it’s also a great opportunity for your family to bond and learn about the importance of giving back to the community. It can also create lasting memories and teach your children valuable lessons about kindness and empathy. So consider finding a local volunteer opportunity and spending some quality time with your family while giving back to those in need.
Get Baking For The Christmas Season
If you have a sweet tooth and love getting creative in the kitchen, why not gather your family for some Christmas baking? Not only is it a fun way to spend time together, but it’s also an opportunity to make delicious treats that you can give as gifts or enjoy throughout the holiday season. Get out all of your favorite baking ingredients and recipes and have a festive baking day with your family. It’s sure to be a sweet time spent together and create some yummy memories.
Conclusion
There are many different ways that you can spend quality time with your family. The important thing is that you are taking the time to bond and connect with each other in some way. So, consider one or more of the ideas mentioned above and have some fun, and make some memories with your loved ones.
