SOUND OF FREEDOM REVIEW!!!
- Matt Palmer
- Jul 17, 2023
- 3 min read
Studios: Angel Studios/Santa Fe Films
Plot: Sound of Freedom, based on the incredible true story, shines a light on even the darkest of places. After rescuing a young boy from ruthless child traffickers, a federal agent learns the boy's sister is still captive and decides to embark on a dangerous mission to save her. With time running out, he quits his job and journeys deep into the Colombian jungle, putting his life on the line to free her from a fate worse than death.
Cast
Jim Caviezel - Tim Ballard
Bill Camp - Vampiro
Cristal Aparicio - Rocio
Javier Godino - Jorge
Lucas Avila - Miguel
Yessica Borroto Perryman - Katy/Giselle
Manny Perez - Fuego
Eduardo Verastegul - Pablo
Samuel Livingston - Simba
Gustavo Sanchez Parra - El Calacas
Kris Avedisian - Oshinsky
Jose Zuniga - Roberto
Gary Bascaraba - Earl Backman
Gerardo Taracera - El Alacron
Scott Haze - Chris
Valerie Dominguez - Tanya
Mira Sorvino - Katherine
Kurt Fuller - John Bryant
Writer(s): Rod Barr
Alejandro Monteverde (Little Boy)
Director: Alejandro Monteverde (Little Boy)
Rated PG-13 for thematic content involving sex trafficking, violence, language, sexual references, some drug references and smoking throughout (131 minutes)
Sound of Freedom is pretty much the surprise hit of this year's summer movie season. Before I saw that this film was coming to town, I honestly didn't know much about it and wasn't on my radar. Once I saw the trailers for the film, I knew that I had to check it out.
This has to be one of the most thought-provoking films to be recently released. There are several moments that can be really emotional, and yes, very disturbing.
The topic of human/child trafficking really does make Sound of Freedom a tough watch at times. The entire story and the character's journey to find the girl and others is extremely captivating and it really hooks you in the minute the film starts.
There are definitely moments that will really have you feeling choked up and moved. It's also hard to believe that all of this could be happening this very minute! If you haven't seen Sound of Freedom yet, I highly suggest you do it !! The film is currently showing at the Dietrich Theater for a couple more days: Tue, Jul. 18 - 6:50P/ Wed, Jul. 19 - 12:50P/ Wed. Jul. 19 - 3:50P.
Here are some interesting tidbits for Sound of Freedom!
Angel Studios crowdfunded the distribution and marketing expenses.
Against the wishes of the producers, Tim Ballard personally insisted that Jim Caviezel plays his character's surrogate in the film.
Outgrossed its entire budget within ONLY TWO days of release.
The film was finished in 2018, but it would take years to release as the filmmakers were turned down by various distributing companies as they didn't want the film associated with their output, such as Netflix.
20th Century Fox was originally set to distribute the film, but it was shelved when the studio was bought by Disney.
Jim Caviezel confirms this is his most important acting role since playing Jesus in 2004s The Passion of the Christ.
Although viewed as a right-wing motion picture by some pundits, the real Tim Ballard considers himself and his organization Operation Underground Railroad (O.A.R) as very apolitical. Ballard has worked under both Democratic and Republican political leaders and has given praise and criticism towards them.
Work on the script began in 2015. Principal photography began in the summer of 2018. The majority of the film was shot in Cartagena, Colombia. Additional scenes were shot in Calexico, California.
Producer Eduardo Verastegui approached Angel Studios with the release rights. Angel presented the film to an online group of 100,000 in its past projects called the Angel Guild, which gave it a "yes" vote within days. On March 30, 2023, Variety reported that Angel Studios had acquired the worldwide distribution rights.
The film was released in 2600 theaters on July 4, 2023. On July 3, Deadline Hollywood reported that the film sold $10 million in ticket pre-sales across 2,626 theaters, ahead of its July 4 domestic opening.
Originally, the film was projected to gross $11-15 million over its first week of release, with some estimates reaching $20 million. the film grossed $14.2 million on its FIRST day of release, $3.6 million on its second, and $3.5 million on the third, for a Tues-Thurs total of $21.3 million, raising 6 day estimates to $36 million. It went on to make $18.2 million in its opening weekend (with a 6 day total of $40.2 million), finishing 3rd at the box office. *** AS OF 7/17, THE FILM HAS GROSSED $85.7 MILLION***
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