SOUND OF FREEDOM - Movie Review
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- čas přidán 31. 07. 2023
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“i really don’t need a heart of darkness for basic bitches” 😂 love your reviews.
After red letter media, youre my favorite movie reviewer. Youre actually way better than anyone else on youtube at reviewing movies.
She’s what Stuckmann used to be like
@@g.williamwoodward6676 Stuckmann has been a robot since the mid 2010s. It's weird...
@@g.williamwoodward6676 Stuckmann never had this insight and knowledge of films to discuss, he just reviews the most popular films and repeats the main points one can find anywhere else.
@@g.williamwoodward6676 f stuckman
I’d like to see her cut loose a little bit on an episode of Best of the Worst with Mike, Jay, and Rich Evans
with movies judged (hyped?) through lenses of politics and money in the media, your critical review of the film itself is refreshing and important as it is that experience that matters most to cinephiles.
Finally, a reasonable perspective that doesn't overrate or downplay the merits of this movie
yes, this is my favorites movie review channel right now
That’s the weirdest thing about this film being weaponized by both sides of the political aisle, the film itself is pretty benign and straight-laced. Any controversy comes from forces outside the movie itself.
@@ArizonanSummer This is why I became apolitical. The woke and anti-woke crowd are both crumb dusters, looking for anything that they turn into a political narrative. They've become two screaming idiots circling the same drain.
@@ArizonanSummerseriously. I don’t even know when it got hijacked or how, but it’s a true shame
it originates in a false political ideology. How is that to be characterized as "merits"?
Second! New subscriber since last month, love your reviews - really surprised you're reviewing this one, even though it has done so well at the box office.
if theres one critic/personality i can trust with movie reviews, it's you :) thank you for upholding your professionalism
At the screening I went to, it was all people middle-aged or older who were in attendance. It's like they took a dark subject matter and made a hallmark movie out of it. I do appreciate it when indie films get their foot in the door in getting mass distribution. But I don't feel like it was because of its merits as a stand-alone film, as much as it was because of the message.
There was a Greek film called "Landscape in the Mist" and it came out in the late eighties or so, and that film had a scene in it similar to the subject matter of Sound of Freedom, and it was much more harrowing than sound- if you have not seen it, I recommend it. The Director was Theo Angelopoulous.
That was a weird comparison. Angelopoulos's last great film, though.
@@sandorx4 You clearly haven't seen Eternity and a Day or the Weeping Meadow
@@roadhouseblues6748 Unfortunately, I have. His best days were in the seventies, and even then he was merely a third rate Jancsó.
So you're saying it's even better than freedom? It's tough for older movies to compete with today's modern movies with bigger budget, better film and digital editing technology, better sound, advanced directorial skills and in many ways superior acting. But every now and then there are rare gems.
@@jonfreeman9682 What are you talking about? Films are worse than ever.
There were reports this movie sold out audiences -- but then I saw video clips where they peeked into the auditoriums and the place was barren and empty. It seems that some rich entities bought up tickets to try and juice ticket sales, and make headline news that it was a popular movie; when it wasn't. They were giving tickets out for free on social media sites
Wouldn't be the first time that right-wing pundits have tried to pass off astroturfing as genuine "grassroots" popularity
They do the same thing to books. Jack up books on the NYT bestseller lists by buying copies and handing them out.
It’s possible, but I was at the theater for this second week, and it was pretty packed. It probably depends on what city you’re in. I’m sure this happens across the board.
I think it really depends where you go. I bought the last ticket at a sold out show, and the auditorium was genuinely packed, but I also live in a big military town with more conservative leanings. Personally, I really didn't feel any overtly political messaging in the movie, it's just a fairly competent, by-the-numbers procedural.
Who cares if Sound of Freedom beats Indiana Jones and Mission Impossible? Angel Studio cares about making money. And they have made tons of money. The film is successful whether you like it or not. The people giving free tickets is the audience...I donated two tickets myself. It was a genius marketing to be honest.
Very well said. I agree that it was 15-20 minutes too long and the performances were a little underwhelming and on the nose at times- (they really milked that tear dripping out of Jim Cs eye)… it also didn’t dive overly deep into Tim’s character and psychology, and there were some moments that it felt like were tonally out of place…. BUT I was never really bored by it… I think there was something about the films genuine earnestness that kept me engaged throughout. Overall, if you go into it with reasonable expectations, I think most people will be satisfied.
The length was okay but I was hoping for a little more action. I get that this was more a docudrama and police procedural so it's not gonna be like Liam Neeson kicking butt taking down an entire syndicate like Rambo. In fact there's little bad assery fighting at all so it was a somber realistic take. It was more educational than entertaining but I'm glad to support the cause and especially to help this passionate producer who fought so hard to get this film released. It almost didn't happen. Plus Angel studios was sued into bankruptcy by Disney before so happy to support them.
@@jonfreeman9682 I agree with you, I think the movie needed to pay off with one good action scene (in some form or another) at the end as a payoff. I think that final sequence in the camp just didn’t deliver in the way I had hoped. That final fight scene for example, I didn’t care the stylistic choice of showing it from the little girls perspective and obscuring most of it… I enjoyed it and was never bored, but yeah- I agree that is one area that could have been improved on for sure.
@@brianhoward3645 The last fight you could only see shadows as they fought in the dark so we didn't even get one good Liam Neeson butt kicking. In an interview with Tim Ballard they asked him did he ever actually kill anyone and he says no. That final fight with the drug lord never happened and was added to the film to make him a bigger hero. Yes he admits that and laughs. 😂
I was pretty much riveted to this film the entire running time and found it surprisingly well produced, paced, acted, and not falsely emotional. It wisely avoids towering emotional crescendos, and it could have easily fallen into this trap. I found Caviezel’s performance to be full of psychological subtlety. His emotions aren’t showy, but certainly palpable. Overall, the film well balances the journey into some very dark places without exploitation yet without sanitizing it either. I found no political agenda in it. Of course, the MSM will find it where it doesn’t exist. For the record, I’ve loved and studied film for over 50 years and enjoy a wide variety. I’m just as likely to appreciate the films of Ingmar Bergman as Michael Bay.
This film is about as subtle as Sam Bacile's 2012 cess-pool "Innocence of Muslims" and has the same production value.
@@scipioafricanus5871 you should seek help
@@scipioafricanus5871 Okay
@@scipioafricanus5871 That is certainly your opinion, and a respectable one.
I agree with everything you wrote. The movie was extremely well done, on every level. I typically don't get behind most of the "blockbuster" films - I'm more of a Cronenberg, Jessica Hausner type of non-mainstream fan, but this film definitely felt real and compelling.
I thought it was pretty good. I definitely teared up several times, so it’s definitely touching. The kids were great. Might not watch it a second time (it’s pretty heavy), but I thought the pacing was mostly efficient.
I absolutely agree with you 💯 %!!!
"touching?"
You MONSTER!
You've got to be the most intelligent film reviewer on CZcams, even when i disagree with you i think you give such interesting perspectives. Because of the controversy I saw the film but I was mostly curious about how it would be as a film. I enjoyed it more than you but agree there wasn't anything about the film making aspect that really stuck with me after. What stuck with me was how much the film wasn't what the media said it was. I found it alot more tame than I expected. I COMPLETELY agree with you on the music
mayb they thought: if we hype this bad film, maybe we can get away with child trafficking after all.
Haven't seen the film (here in the UK) yet, but your articulate insightful analysis is much appreciated, getting over all the hype! Extremely interesting that you reference the story against The Heart of Darkness...
You should forget all the political attacks on the film and go see it for yourself and come to your own conclusions. I found the film extremely powerful and not political at all.
@@92ninersboyit’s political because of forces outside the movie itself. Both sides are irrational especially The Right with conspiracies of “they don’t want you to watch this movie” and “cineplexes are turning the AC off during showtimes”. You had a movie that could have focused on a serious issue but instead was sabotaged by their own side. After a few weeks, I wasn’t sure who the victims were. Was it the children being trafficked or the poor, dedicated people who tried in vain to see this movie. As for the movie itself, it’s a good movie on its own. Too bad it’s going to be surrounded by the crazy stuff which basically neutralizes anything the movie might have accomplished.
@@jeffreybucklen7505 The corporate media obviously doesn't want people to see the movie - that is in no way a conspiracy theory. Last time I looked it had only 50 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. It's being shadow-banned. If the movie has "a side" it certainly wasn't sabotaged by the right - that's simply ignoring the reality of why its being attacked and by who. I've been a Dem my whole life so its not like I'm some big proponent of the right, but I'm not naive as to what's going on, and I find it extremely troubling.
The rare piece of media that becomes known as a "tentpole for Conservative art" is almost certainly bound to turn heads. I'm glad I watched this movie for myself and came to my own judgements, and I'm excited to watch this and hear your own thoughts on the film. Thanks for making videos on films like this that many would just completely dismiss out of hand.
It's rare because so many movies are now 'tentpoles for progressive/woke art', although propaganda is probably a better description.
Generally speaking, however, I detest all 'art' that's politically/morally didactic or preachy not just because of the lack of creativity but because it feels like being talked down to.
I miss the days of conservative art like Dirty Harry, Death Wish, Rambo II. This new gen of right wing stuff is so weird, boring and preachy
@@PerryCoxPF93 Rambo II was a standard Left/progressive movie. Anti-Reagan really.
@@twt000 the Vietnam POW myth is a prfoundly right wing lie
First and thank you so much for these beautiful contents you always do enjoy your day
The director and writer of Sound Of Freedom, Alejandro Monteverdi, received the top prize at the Toronto Film Festival for his first film, Bella. He's extremely talented and is able to connect emotionally with an audience on a level that resonates long after the viewing of the film. Bella is available to watch (easy to find) and it is raw, authentic and communicates on a profound level - there is no misplaced controversy around it - its about human connection.
Also the producer deserves alot of credit for working so hard fighting with Disney to get his film back after they bought over Fox and knocking on every door only to get rejected. So he personally toured Mexico Spain London to promote the film himself until Angel studios called him outta the blue. It's funny how he tells it he doesn't even know where Provo Utah is. Great story.
@@jonfreeman9682 Yes, it definitely was a victory over great odds where all of the established powers (the machine) were working against them and casting totally transparent smears against the reality of what the film actually is. It makes me groan when people who haven't even seen the movie try to paint the filmmakers as incompetents or amateurs - its pure intellectual hubris that makes them feel superior as they hide behind their cultural tribalism. Alejandro Monteverdi is anything but an amateur and he knows how to communicate without being the least bit preachy - he is able to touch people's souls, at least those who aren't defended against them being touched.
Another movie that came out of knowhere was Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. That mvoie i think deserved its craze and hype in comparison with this film like as you said, it wasnt very full of substance. But Puss im Boots 2 was fantastic imo. I would love to see your thoughts on the movie.
Oppenheimer, Barbie and the Sound of Freedom made this a rare kind of summer movie season with no comic book films.
Spiderverse was released during the summer
I think you are forgetting about Blue Beetle
@@nerychristian Also the Flash, but that bombed so badly I doubt many have remembered it came out a few months earlier.
Spider Verse was a great comic book film
Mmm... What??? The Flash, Across The Spider-Verse, TMNT, Blue Beetle...
I haven’t seen Sound of Freedom, so I can’t judge the film. I do think it’s sad that people will often go to see a film because of a perceived political narrative rather than out of a genuine love for art. This happens across all ideologies, but conservatives will often flock to see “non-woke” films because so few of them get made.
first, let me say I do not believe in tribalism - so I am not a republican or democrat. I love the United States and its people. I believe in putting our country and our people front and center. But look into this assessment further... perhaps conservatives feel unheard and discriminated against in Hollywood. Constantly being told they "bigots, radicals, etc", when in reality they are just normal people that love their country. So they have a bit a resentment. They flock to see these films because they feel they aren't being marginalized like they typically are from Hollywood. So i understand why they do this. Just my thoughts and opinion. Have a good one!
@@AverageJoe483 I understand that, but if Sound of Freedom had been released in, say, 2008, it would have likely been considered just your standard action flick.
@@batman5224 probably right . But the political atmosphere and division in our country is much greater than in 2008. We are so polarized into an “ us” vs “ them “ sadly .
@@batman5224The Passion of the Christ came out in 2004. Look at what a phenomenon that turned out to be.
I don't think it's fair to call criticism of this film a "political agenda". If you do any research on the organization that the film is about, and learn about the financiers, you'll find controversy after controversy. Pedophilia within the organization, actions which increase the risk of children being trafficked, false leads that target groups based on ethnicity, an extremely bare bones training program, and actually engaging in child trafficking as a way to "fight" child trafficking. This film is a propaganda/damage control piece designed to make them look like heroes and not the pieces of shit that, hopefully, people across the political spectrum could see through
Your review was really good. I am sorry to say but i must say you look so nice while reviewing movies in opened hair.
"You were never really here" is a way much better movie that tackles the same subject matter. Also it was made by an actual filmmaker.
That's a great movie. I wish Lynne Ramsay would make more movies.
Love that film
@@jmack8767Yeah, shit filmmakers.
@@edreynolds8721 He's clearly implying a subjective difference in skill level or artistic capability rather than literally implying they aren't film makers lol. A little harsh, but I don't necessarily disagree
I feel the character more than the issue when I watch that movie... Its a great movie, but not really make me care with the issue, because the protagonist already have a very strong problem in life.
I love your reviews so much
I will see the movie and then come back! Thank you for your insights!
Would love a video on your thoughts of Tokyo Drifter
Fair review, thanks.
I didn't find it boring myself, but there were a few moments that seemed to drag a bit. One of my criticisms was that they had spent so little time developing the relationship between Tim Ballard and his wife, his family. If they had trimmed some slower moments and worked more on his personal life, I think that it would have been a stronger story.
I also think that they excluded some darker elements in the film to avoid the appearance of exploitation. That might make moral sense, but it also limits the movie in some ways. More memorable films, like Sicario, pulled no punches.
I also enjoyed ShoeOnHead's disappointment that it wasn't the Qanon gateway drug that we were promised, so that was fun too.
Although Tim Ballard is a real person and the story is mostly true. I wouldn't say they need to flesh out his life, family and relationships. I would go as far as to say Tim Ballard is not the protagonist, but the catalyst. The protagonist are either the kids or the slavery itself.
@@mikejunior211 yes the protagonists are the CHILDREN not anyone else . people criticizing this movie because of pacing or the art of film making are missing the point !! maybe they just dont like this because it highlights a certain community !
Your criticisms are specific and you cite examples. This is head and shoulders above most other reviewers and why I enjoy hearing your opinions.
12:10 If “ruffling feathers” is a positive trait (not saying it isn’t) then that would apply to almost all divisive films in recent years, including Barbie, Dial of Destiny and The Last Jedi. Does more of that really need to be done?
I think this is the first legitimate criticism I've seen of the film. It's either rejected outright or praised blindly.
I haven't seen it, but want to.
I watched it twice before knowing of the controversy. and I thoroughly loved it...I wonder if I have seen it motivated by curiosity due to the controversy..Also I didn't have any high expectations and it blew me away...Sometimes when the hype (motivated for whatever reason) is too high it will take its toll on your enjoyment of it or on your unbiased criticism.
Always interested to hear your different, interesting input. I'm sure I will see it at some point.
Great perspective
Brad Jones mentioning someone like Paul Schrader being able to make a movie about this subject better
Thank you for an honest review of this film, finally! The whole situation with the political agenda was getting ridiculous. Someone in the comments mentioned "You were never really here" as a beautiful, more cerebral film with a somewhat similar story. Do you think you'll ever review that film?
Have you seen Sound of Freedom? Its not cerebral - its emotionally compelling.
There’s nothing political in the film.
If Martin Scorsese would’ve directed this film, this would’ve been a cruel emotional film.
That’s absolutely the level of a filmmaker that would really be needed for material like this
@@nationalcoasternews5798If he interested. Because most talented director choose what they want to make by if the issue resonate to them.
Have you seen the movie? If you haven't you might be better able to judge the impact of the film if you saw it yourself. Its very powerful.
@@92ninersboy I saw it, it’s pushing an agenda & I completely understand I’m all for it….. but sometimes mixing agendas & art don’t really mix well. But overall it’s a decent film.
@@mrbass093 I'm curious what agenda you see it as pushing - sincerely. The only agenda I saw was trying to shine a light on the reality of human trafficking, which is one that I would hope everyone would share. The director Alejandro Monteverdi is a real artist and his past work shows a consistent emphasis on human connections. He has no political agenda at all and has stated that clearly.
How would you compare/contrast this movie to Paul Schrader's "Hardcore"? Similar premise, kinda.
The appreciations in art vary according to the perspectives, from the optics of experts and connoisseurs, to the simple and direct opinions of common people. Both appreciations are genuinely valid, although probably divergent. Go see SoF!
Thanks so much for your objectivity. As a conservative, I too found the actual film to be a bit clumsy at times. I agree that the villian is by far the most satisfying performance. I've been following your critical analysis of films for 3 or 4 years. Keep it up !
"As a conservative"
Tell me what you do to combat this activity occurring DAILY, here in the States, in the following conservative, CHRISTIAN, cults:
FLDS, Mormons, Southern Baptists, Jehovahs Witnesses, Basic Life Principles, Branch Dravidians, Children of God, La Luz del Mundo, Catholic Church?
I'm not at all justifying child abuse of any sort. I was simply commenting on a film on purely artistically terms. Your critique of Christian involvement in such matters hits me as a bit one sided. Where's all that hostility coming from bro ?
I want to see this. I heard the movie is very sobering.
I mostly agree with your assessment, though I apparently didn't find it quite as boring as you did. I felt rather engaged the whole time, though it was average film making at best. I just hope this leads to more productions outside the Hollywood system getting some attention and talent working on them.
Okay, but what is your take on Zoey 102?
Just as a matter of interest did you take the trouble to look at the art hanging on Comet Ping Pong's walls.
Mature, objective, balanced---you are a gem. Thank You.
I went to see Sound of Freedom to form my own opinion based on the work itself and not the noise from both sides. You echo my sentiments exactly. I would add that the young boy/brother's performance was also excellent.
I went to support the cause and mostly the producer for working so hard to get this film released. Plus Angel studios who fought with Disney and went bankrupt. Happy to support them but felt the same about the movie itself.
Please review “talk to me” if you have the time or past lives
Yeah. The movie was just ok. I went in support of the guy's cause. Also, because the "entertainment" movies are dropping in quality and rehash very old actors and lack originality and have just become filler fluff. It's like they lost their heart to make something special, and Star Wars and Marvel used to be something special. They used to be great. I will support some, not all, faith films in the future because, usually, I get a theater to myself and I also get more of a sense of challenge and reflection from them. I like that kids in Colombia got a chance to have a future. That alone, this movie was a gift to South America. Goodwill and diplomacy there. The film was just ok, but there was a higher calling around it with or without any religion.
Yeah I felt the same. Kinda boring actually and more like a docudrama police procedural but I went to support the producer who tried so hard knocking on so many doors to get a distributor before Angel studios called and Disney sued Angel into bankruptcy a few years ago. Happy to support them. Also alot of big budget movies haven't been that great either. Flash was good. Mission impossible was okay nothing special. Fast x was sleep inducing.
While I agree that a great, lasting movie will take heavy subject matter and make it memorable and engaging (The Killing Fields comes to mind) a reasonably good and financially successful movie might be enough to get people talking. I think that's what the filmmakers ultimately care about. Maybe that's to the film's artistic detriment but I don't see Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan, Greta Gerwig, Yorgos Lanthimos or any other artistic titan lining up to do a movie about child sex trafficking. In the end, this subject matter doesn't really need art for people to care about it. It just needs someone to ask the first question: "What can you do about it?"
Very intelligent and well thought out review, I was looking for someone that just talked about the movie as is, instead of the political debate for and against everywhere on CZcams right now. The movie is not available here in Norway. Since it's low-budget, is it just in USA, or elsewhere in the world? I think the actor from Passion of the Christ definitely have talent.
You nailed it. What you're saying is it's boring but it has a clear message. I agree. It plays like a police procedural and is nothing like taken. If Tim Ballard were to kick butt like Liam Neeson going all out Rambo then it would be thrilling. But this is authentic and wanted to support the cause and the Indy studio that Disney sued into bankruptcy.
This movie is an anathema to mainstream Hollywood (both in its subject and in the way it was funded) - there's nothing fake about it. The emotions expressed by the actors and felt by the audience are genuine and linger long after the film has been viewed, unlike a generic action/thriller. Personally, I was riveted throughout. People should see it for themselves.
@@92ninersboy You're right. This is not an action film which gets numb after so many mission impossible, fast x, countless superhero sequels. This is a docudrama and a somber true story on a dark topic that deserves attention. When I read how studios tried to bury the film and how hard Eduardo the producer worked to screen the film himself traveling to Mexico Spain London I thought wow that's passion. I gotta support the guy so bought a few tickets and dragged some friends along. I also read Disney sued Angel studios into bankruptcy so they restarted their efforts again and this was their first major success. Just a great feel good story I had to support. Frankly I don't know how Angel studios being such a small distributor manage to even get cinema screening but it seems there's enough support for this film to get a wide release. Kudos to their efforts.
@@jonfreeman9682 Yeah, and to be a giant, surprise hit despite the corporate media smearing it and trying to bury it as best they can. Against all odds its getting out the truth of the reality of modern day slavery and its selling children for profit.
I love your reviews, you do an outstanding job! However, I couldn’t disagree with you more on this one. Any if any movie needed to cut a half hour out of it to tighten it up, it’s Oppenheimer, not Sound of Freedom in my opinion.
Would you say one could "circumcise" Sound of Freedom, then?
@@CEWIII9873 If you read the comment you should see he was saying Oppenheimer was the film he thought needed cutting, not SOF.
Agree. This film is very straight forward. No character development. You can see it in the main character eyes the hatred he has for child traffickers
It's a simple story but effective as a police procedural. There's no Liam Neeson kicking butt action like in taken but that makes it more authentic although taken was more thrilling.
Interesting review.
Makes me harken back to my gut responses in the 1970s, to bad songwriting that grabbed onto a great topic or theme, and then wrote wretchedly about it, thinking the topic or theme itself would carry the day.
So with Sound of Freedom. As if millions of viewers and potential viewers will show up and be there to celebrate the mere fact that abused children will always proudly carry a flag toward a justice we (most of us) want.
What you say about the kind of dimensional myopia surrounding the lead character.
One part of that particularly bothered me, just because of its obviously shallow treatment.
When he had to "pretend" to be over there on the dark side (in order to facilitate the sting.)
That is one major wrestling of the human soul - like a Kapo in a German concentration camp, like one of Pol Pot's minions, executing fellow country persons, and so many more examples of this that have existed historically. These are not hired extras. These are (and were) real people. And for the viewer, reader, historian, always comes the question: going forward in the future - are we capable of these things now? Of course we are.
And there is the kick in the gut.
This entire impact was almost devoid from the movie.
One more observation.
The reality of abused children, enslaved children, drives an emotional engine right on through the film. That alone will engage many viewers. Which is fine, considering the purpose of the movie - to raise an awareness and consciousness of a real thing, that needs to be addressed.
I found it quite impactful - that there is more slavery in the world today than ever existed historically, and certainly in certain times, eras, that are studied to death not because it is slavery, but because of who was enslaved.
In a time when this word captures such political empowerment, it is a curious thing that so much slavery gathers so little notice - as if those slaves don't matter.
All this being said, this film gathers currency because of its purpose to inform, enlighten, and focus on a particular subject. Much less so, because it is actually a good movie.
It could have been. But that would have been a very different film. Think of an emotional roller coaster that has an entire audience wrung out like a dishrag - all the way through.
And just this: not because the movie is graphic. I agree, that graphic depiction was never necessary. Which in itself, could be one of the most important messages the film delivers.
I found SOF very well made and emotionally compelling - the director, Alejandro Monteverde, hardly an amateur, is very skilled (won TFF's top prize for his first film, Bella). I don't think that for me it would have been more effective as "an emotional roller coaster that has an entire audience wrung out like a dishrag - all the way through, " as you stated. I would tend to see that more as a generic action/thriller rather than something that gains verisimilitude through the weight of its more reality-based tone. As for the lead character having to pretend to be on the dark side in order to facilitate the sting, which you said bothered you, that was a very accurate reenactment of what Tim Ballard did by necessity - as was most of the film, including the boy who gave Ballard a pendant (he had been given by his enslaved sister) that bore the Spanish version of Ballard's first name - a bit of real life synchronicity. I definitely agree the film gains emotional currency by the gravitas of the subject - something that if it was dealing with international espionage, for example (a favorite subject of action/thrillers) would have not been as compelling. Strange, that with such a focus these days on the tragedy and outrage of slavery in the past, that the very real slavery of today is something many people now seem to want to deny, or politicize out of some knee-jerk cultural tribalism. This movie has gripped people because it possesses what is lacking in much of society today, a genuine commitment to an ideal and a moral compass. The film isn't overtly Christian but it is spiritual in its focus. Perhaps much of the conflict we currently see, acted out on social media, MSM and pretty much everywhere, is a clash between a materialist and a spiritual worldview.
Well for such dark subject matter it was handled well without showing kids getting raped. It insuates what happened and the message is clear. Overall the movie feels like a docudrama and genuine. Almost like a police procedural how they setup the sting operation. It's not an action film like taken with Liam Neeson kicking butt but it's realistic. In the end when Tim pulls a Rambo hiding in darkness to take out the baddie he says in an interview he never actually killed the guy. That was for dramatic purposes to make him more a hero than he is.
@@jonfreeman9682 Yes, I found that tone to be both respectful and effective. I also thought all of the performances were genuine and, as a result, far more moving than if they had been showy.
Now I wonder what are her opinions about Berserk Manga
I have not seen it yet, but the film sounds like it needed the Paul Schrader treatment.
I think this movie was more than entertainment but something that is important.
Movie was good message but we have to be honest and say it was a bad script. It was Lifetime movie network caliber. Where was the controversy? It was tepid
modern hollywood movies really has had a bit of a dry spell and i can’t help but feel many people have forgotten what makes a movie great.
however you are one of the few people whose taste i completely trust, your analysis and insight is unparalleled and there have been a few occasions where i’ve gone back and changed my mindset on movies i didn’t like. thank you
Why do you trust her "taste"????
Can't you make your own judgment yourself without others input?
I’m an RN. I nurse in Texas. You can verify my active licensure at BON Texas. This is real, we receive training about this and where to watch for it. It is part of our licensing.lWe have protocols on child abduction. If you were informed at all, this would not be the dialogue you are sharing in your narrative. Plse read up more on the topic.
Is it true that 80% of child abdution cases in the USA are children whose parents have lost their custody?
That's nice.
Tell me about your efforts to rescue children from the activity depicted in this film occurring daily in the following conservative, CHRISTIAN, cults:
FLDS, Mormons, Amish, Branch Dravidians, Southern Baptists, Basic Life Principles, Children of God, La Luz del Mundo, Catholic Church?
Even though the theme of sex trafficking is understated in the film, I do believe the masterful Eastern Promises approached this subject with much more gravitas.
I'm a huge Cronenberg fan and I love Viggo Mortensen but I don't consider Eastern Promises to have even remotely addressed the issue of sex trafficking on the level of Sound Of Freedom. It really does something altogether different.
@@92ninersboy Agree,although superficially related the two films are great but vastly different. Bit SoF might be the lesser as far as entertainment but way superior as far as placing the issue on the spotlight.
@@mikejunior211 I don't disagree with that. For me Cronenberg is always entertaining and, of course, thought provoking. I didn't see Sound Of Freedom as entertaining - for me it was compelling and emotionally moving - I found myself riveted throughout. As far as something to ponder it has a lot to say about the duality of human nature - the struggle between our dark inclinations and what Lincoln called "the better angels of our nature." And the overriding metaphor was enslavement - the struggle for liberation, both literally and psychologically and spiritually.
Actually you're right. That is a brilliant film with the amazing Viggo. Not based on a true story but just good story about undercover cop trying to crack the crime syndicate. It was about a sex ring but more than that as well. Excellent drama.
@@92ninersboy Totally agree. Freedom was more like a police procedural docudrama without any Liam Neeson kicking butt action going on a one man mission to take down the syndicate. Eastern promises was like in between taken and freedom. They're all enjoyable in its own way but for sure the more action the more thrilling.
The main character was so boring because they really cared about portraying him great than putting a story first. I felt like You Were Never Really Here did this subject matter a lot better.
Major league subject matter in the hands of minor leaguers.
Have you seen the film?
Great Thriller. Survival Story. Great Cast.
Sounds like it's so bad that it can't even be really offensive and/or controvercial! Hope that they'll release it in Europe as well.
I disagree with her completely. Watch the movie and judge for yourself.
I watched it and iis worst than expected! Bad movie, despite the politics.
This movie needed an actual filmmaker and a true writer to make it work.
Also people need to realize just because a movie talks about a "serious subject" that doesn't make the movie automatically great. This is not a documentary is a fictional movie, and as a narrative movie it doesn't really work.
That's what I've been seeing a lot of. People defending this movie because of the "serious" or "important" subject matter. So that means it gets a pass on everything else? Nope. Taken, with Liam Neeson, did all of this much better and it wasn't a great movie by any means.
Alejandro Monteverdi is not only an actual filmmaker and writer, he's brilliant. His first film, "Bella", received the Toronto Film Festival's top prize when it was screened. You might want to check out his body of work before you jump to conclusions.
Please no Christian propaganda Hollywood new wave
What kind of propaganda do you prefer?
A film that is Anti Child Trafficking is "Christian Propaganda" ... my God you are truly lost.
Imagine being so ideologically poisoned that you just automatically take the opposing viewpoint on any opinion that is made by "CHRISTIANS!"
Dun ... DUn ...DUN!
Thunder Crack!
Lightening Strikes!
Low rumbling noises!
Turn over, time for your meds.
Just saw the movie you were lied to about the propaganda. There was none in it. The movie was about rescuing children. There wasn’t any political stuff in it at all. Just after from the people protecting the pedos
I was reminded of the Netflix show Mindhunter in some regards although that series is a far superior piece of work. By that I mean there is a valid and important theme here of walking that line "between light and dark" as you put it. The protagonist is too much of a blank vehicle here I agree, by design no doubt but unconvincing for me. Not a great movie any more than the ridiculous claims that it's a trojan horse for QAnon. The movie has done extraordinarily well nonetheless.
Maggie Shoeonhead review of sound of freedom was funny she was dissapointed that the media sold this movie as a pizzagate movie and she liked the movie but called out the media for burying the movie
you call that a review? you think she's a critic or something?
@@nalday2534everyone's a critic
@@XavierGage elaborate
I saw this movie months ago and yes I’m just like you with your opinion. I don’t understand the controversy about this movie. I thought it’s a good movie but it does have flaws with the storytelling and lack of character development. I will say this: Sound of Freedom made me sick to my stomach with the issues about the human trafficking. Jim Cazevil gave a good performance as Tim Ballard.
waiting for you this.
was very good. especially in light of what they did with a (reported) ~15mil.
correct, it was too isolated in scale, within the transpirings of a single event, for the scope that it's main theme' magnitude reaches's.
perhaps if those redundant extra 20min or more which you endured were filled with around a 1/2hrs 's worth of a properly arranged collage of relative components from other stings that this organization had embarked upon(?).
then the weight of the monotone would lift some, permitting us to more clearly see beyond into the matter's fuller scope(?).
myself merely hypothesizing, know no "experts" providing me with hard facts for surer clarity into such a worse of societal dillemas but, it..
..may be argued that this high a risk occupation must carry the possibility of becoming fatal at a later, if the suggestion above were to provide too much classified information regarding the "good" players.
meaning that the how high up and..
..the how low down that this desease runs will virtually always remain a mystery, relatively speaking.
from a major studio, think that stanley was the only one coming close enough to this subject matter with "eyes wide shut".
true, the score was nearly unbearable.
thanks again for another (freebie 😉), cool vid
What she said / I tried to watch this film but bailed at the scene where they had set up some sort of a "sting" operation on an island where as I recall they were luring in pedaphiles to a pedaphile "resort" of some sort. I just couldn't take the heavy handed amateurish quality of the film making and left feeling that it was so disappinting to see a subject of such importance handled so poorly. Too bad. I've seem many films that at least touch on the subject that to me seem to be imbued with far less "heart" that are made so much better. One could say that this is simply about lack of budget but in the right hands I think a far better film, a film the subject more than warrants could have in the right hands been made . . . . All that said IMO I doubt that had the film been "better" made it would make any real difference regarding the subject matter anyways . . . . Anyone want popcorn ?
You are so good at articulating your thoughts, its inspiring. Thank you for another excellent review!
"But is it a good movie on its own merits?" seems to be the last question asked for films that get politicized.
This was a solid review. I think both extreme sides on this are equally annoying. The side that calls it Right-Wing propaganda and the side that says if you don't love this movie then you don't think child trafficking is a serious issue (or worse).
As a movie I honestly thought it was just OK. I guess both sides won't like me, the Left because I watched it and the Right because I did watch it and didn't love it.
Honest review, good one
You were never really here with Joaquin Phoenix is a great movie about trafficking.
Hi thank you for being unbiased on the critique of the film.
Mel Gibson tricked us again 😂
"Would you still like this movie if it weren't for the politics surrounding it?"
Perfectly pointed question. I really hate your take on Licorice Pizza, but here I really appreciate your incite. I came out of the movie feeling exactly as you did, just didn't have the words for it.
Interesting. People drawn to this film motivated for the controversy or the curiosity might left the theater empty handed because you were expecting something diametrally opposed to what it was delivered. Lucky for me it was a blind pick and expected nothing and I got blown away.
@@mikejunior211 That’s good.
But can you see yourself enjoying it again in 5 years?
@@gianni206 I'll yell you this. I watched Top Gun maverick three times. By the third time, the movie started dragging a little bit, I knew then that I should stop or I'll be spoiling for me a great experience worth reviewing every two years or so. I have bought the 4k but I haven't watched it home yet... In contrast I have watched Sound of Freedom three times, It has never dragged a bit, no moment turning dull yet...So I might go for a fourth time before the film leaves theaters..and it's a film I will for sure buy on Bluray tp keep it in my collection next to "Little Boy" to experience at least once a year. I know is my own experience and taste and it doesn't have to apply to everyone...That is what's magical about entertainment and art..we all experience it differently based on many variables including personal experiences, and childhood traumas and memories.
Well, at least you finally got around to reviewing this film which has been ostracized for political reasons (50 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes) - I didn't find it political at all - human sex trafficking never use to be a partisan issue (calling it propaganda is absurd). I, and everyone I know, found the film extremely powerful - this includes people of all political affiliations (I'm a lifelong Dem). But I'm glad that you were finally willing to walk through the minefield of reviewing it.
I think the reason why people are saying it’s political is because of the Tim Ballard and the anti-trafficking organization that he has. If you read enough articles you can see it
@@nootnoot3454 I've read them all - or at least a very large portion of them. As is typical, many of them are simply partisan smears - you know, like RFK jr is an anti-Semite. A few years ago 60 minutes and the MSM were calling Ballard a hero for some of the very same actions that are depicted in this film. Its pathetic that people are swallowing this b.s. He and his organization, and others like it, are definitely heroic.
I agree that it's refreshing to see an actual review of the movie on its merits as a movie, but it's also ignorant not to point out that the subject of the film is a noted partisan grifter who is notable for lying and exaggerating his anti-child trafficking bonafides (he does next to nothing to combat child-trafficking in actuality), and Jim Caviezel the lead (who is a solid actor, regardless) is a far-right extremist who thinks the Democrats traffic and harvest children for their adrenochrome, and is very public about his extremist beliefs. I thought the movie was decent, but it's really negligent not to call out agitprop. You can review the art on its merits and still point out what it actually is!
@@Galumpa22 Sorry, but Ballard isn't a grifter, he's put his life on the line to save the lives of children and adults who've been sold into bondage. I wish I could say that I've done anything in my life that even approaches that kind of service and sacrifice.
We're Americans... We want to see the TAXI DRIVER ending
Who?
The most important thing is that the message gets out and children can be saved. GOD bless!
That's nice.
Tell me what you have done to "save children" from the following conservative, CHRISTIAN, cults here in the States:
FLDS, Mormons, Branch Dravidians, Amish, Children of God, Southern Baptists, Basic Life Principles, Catholic Church...
IThanks for the in depth review. I read and saw so many dismissive reviews parroting the MSM narrative by people I used to like.
You deserve double or triple your subscriber numbers. Great review.
Someone shold explain to this critic, this film was never trying to be Citizen Kane.. And Propaganda? Any further correction, or explanation, clearly would be wasted here....
I think she was pretty honest. This movie was not entertaining and kinda boring actually as it plays like a police procedural docudrama. Authentic and real. It's no taken with Liam Neeson kicking butt like Rambo taking down the entire kidnapping syndicate and torturing baddies which was thrilling complete with gravely voice catch phrases but that ain't real. I bought a ticket just to support the cause but mostly to support the Indy studio that Disney sued into bankruptcy.
...and maybe "someone should explain to" you that this Fabian Marta, a funder and creator of this film, was arrested for the same activity depicted therein?
You put words to what I felt. I wanted it to be awesome, but IMO it was a Paint by the Numbers movie. I know very little about movie-making, but I thought I could direct this. Sigh.
What THIS review is is the sound of Intellectual Honesty--Let it ring!
More like the Sound of Intellectual Hubris.
@@92ninersboy "hubris?"
Like when your pals Warren Jeffs and Josh Duggar were convicted?
@@CEWIII9873 Hubris: "a personality trait that involves excessive pride, confidence, and self-importance. Accordingly, hubristic individuals tend to overestimate things such as their abilities, knowledge, importance, and likelihood of success." That's what I'm talking about. Not sure what ax you have to grind but it probably has something to do with being resentful of religion. We all have our burdens, I guess.
@@92ninersboy "religion" IS poison...as evident from the actions of religious people like Warren Jeffs, Josh Duggar and you.
BTW, how many care packages have you sent to your heroes Jeffs and Duggar?
@@92ninersboy I rest on your face
As someone who worked for two decades with abused and exploited and trafficked and street-involved kids, I usually welcome any piece of art or entertainment that shines a light on such things. And I don't generally care who is shining that light. _Taxi Driver_ is one of my favourite films (because it's morally nuanced and shaded with grey) and others have mentioned _You Were Never Really Here_ , which is also excellent. There's also _Lilya 4-Ever_ and _The Girl Next Door_ , two quite different approaches but both harrowing and based in actual reality, however much they're stylized. And for movies that deal with the ugly hysteria that can surround this topic, there's 2012's _The Hunt_ and many more I could name.
But back to that flashlight beam: you can read the novels of the late lawyer and crime writer Andrew Vachss, and they sometimes verge on a type of vigilantism that would have made Charles Bronson blush, yet they're darkly brilliant, and I have no idea what his politics were; all I care about is that he lived and breathed that dark and ugly world for decades and took on the forces that sustain it with courage and tenacity. But something I dislike a lot is when people jump on bandwagons and pretend to care about causes they've ignored until now, targeting the wrong "bad guys," enacting their political agendas without care or concern for the realities and generally stumbling around, muddying the waters, and often making things worse for the young people they claim such concern for. If you suddenly care about the issue, great. If your concern is genuine, maybe educate yourself by researching the realities of sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children and donate to the likes of Save the Children, ECPAT International, Shared Hope International, or, here in Canada, The Canadian Centre for Child Protection, and many other organizations, NGOs, nonprofits, etc. from around the globe.
I haven't seen _Sound of Freedom_ , and because of its associations with the far-right, I wasn't planning to, but I respect your reviews here, @deepfocuslens, so I'll give it a watch and try hard not to allow my disgust at this wave of faux concern for exploited children that's been emanating from the political right to get in the way of an objective response. We used to meet with right-leaning community stakeholders-law enforcement, conservative politicians, probation officers, etc.-and it was our job to advocate for the kids who were being exploited under the noses of these same people, yet they paid lip service at best and more often than not didn't lift a finger to stop what was happening in their communities. The right was never on board, and I just find it odd that they're only now doing so after some weird conspiracy theorists started accusing Democrats and Hollywood of committing these acts (I'm Canadian, so I don't have a dog in that fight, but I can detect agenda-driven hypocrisy when I see it). The reality is far less cartoonish and more complex than these conspiracy theories paint them, and if anything, it's authoritarian types and those who oppose diversity and compassion who are perpetrating these crimes or allowing them to continue.
Because of it's associations with the far right? I've not seen neo nazis promote this film? Anyone not left wing must therefore be "far" right. The media, government, entertainment industry and social media platforms push left wing ideologies/agendas whilst censoring the truth. Anyone who can't see that is blind.
So, in summation, you're a partisan leftist that lets other people do your thinking for you. At least you admit you're a leftist hack.
p.s. I didn't read your entire novelette.
With your real concern for the issue you really should see the film for yourself. I didn't see anything political, whatsoever, about it. It was emotionally moving and compelling to watch. If shining a light on child sex-trafficking is now somehow a right wing talking point then there's very little hope for raising awareness of it and confronting the problem. This should not be a partisan issue - to me that's really perverse to paint it that way.
@@92ninersboy I probably will give it watch as I respect Maggie's reviews. But you've misread my comment. Nowhere have I said that "shining a light on child sex-trafficking is a right-wing talking point"; if anything, I'm saying the very opposite, and asking where those folks were when we were trying to address this issue literally decades ago. I welcome anyone who is genuinely concerned about the issue, of course, but I can't countenance faux agendas, which the far political right has brought to this discussion elsewhere, via the likes of 8Chan and QAnon and that kind of lunatic fringe. They've merely hitched their toxic wagon (filled with their usual antisemitism and other assorted bigotries) to something no one can ostensibly argue with-child sex trafficking-and it's utterly disingenuous, pure lip-service. So while I'm suspicious of this movie's motives, I respect Maggie's views enough to give it a chance.
They do all of this Alex Jones, QANON theater to distract from what their founders and funders like Fabian Marta do themselves...
an awesome movie. And being made in the world we live in now was brave. Of course they don't want this movie to get out to the masses. And knowing that Disney scrapped this years ago and didn't want to release it tells a lot about Disney and our morals going down the shitter
The film's star is a member of a church that is also one of the biggest grooming organisations in the world. Try harder.
A good critic can separate the message from the execution. We basically all agree that s trafficking is one of the most vile and disgusting thing ever, on the other hand SOF is still a movie and should be considered as such, analyzing all cinema elements like screenplay, photography, acting, direction, etcetera. Those are two totally different topics, following the logic "I agree with the message=it's a good movie" is profoundly wrong. You can have horrible movies about the Holocaust, that doesn't mean that the Holocaust ain't terrible and you can absolutely despise those actions. Unfortunately in this time and period people tend to like or dislike something based on the political party pushing that specific "product", instead of analyzing it from an artistic perspective.
You need to watch some better movies if you think this was “awesome and brave”
we have four generations living together. some like living in anxiety. some like greatness. some like it crazy and some dont now what they like. options.
of course you live with all of those people
You are Mexican
What is your point?
This movie was NOT that good. I will say it almost made me cry 3 times and I am extremely callous. The main character is uninteresting, but how could you not cry when children are being hurt? I think you're being a contrarian.
Honestly.....how many resources can a typical female director like Greta Gerwig usually command for a project that she's passionate about?
And I don't get how Hollywood would be "afraid" or "against" the success of this film....they'll use it as a template to make similar projects to be profitable.
Sound of Freedom has only been politicized because the folks who made it and promoting are POLITICIZING it....I guarantee you there is not ONE Hollywood studio executive who sees the success of this film and is "scared." 😄
1st. Greta Gerwig obviously commands a huge amount of resources considering she turned a potential family friendly movie like Barbie into a gender studies lecture. Have you seen how huge the budget, actors, marketing and production on this film is?!?
2nd. I won’t be holding my breath for Hollywood to make a similar project anytime soon. Please feel free to reply here when you see such a thing.
3rd. The marketing for this movie by the developers may have been politicizing, I never seen any marketing from them so I’m not sure, maybe you can point me to something they said or did in interviews or something prior to release. However, I know it generated a lot of buzz in conservative media because they were reporting on how the left wing media was bashing it as a right wing, conspiracy, qanon etc. film, so the left leaning media definitely created all the political buzz around the movie…for free!
Nah, politicized pr campaigns for Hollywood releases are the norm now, and are a careful and concerted industry wide effort. Tho this one feels like an experiment in spiking profits for what they know is a "only release in January" mediocrity, by releasing during the blockbuster season with the mother of all "the petos don't want you to see this, but all your favorite famous Hollywood chads do want you to see it. Don't let the pederests win" marketing campaigns. Watch it break records and we enter the age of "no special effects/only depressing quests" cockblockbusters
@@earlpipe9713 What was the marketing budget for Sound of Freedom out of interest? I've only heard about it because the likes of The Guardian declared it a QAnon film. Streisand effect?
@@nighttrain1236 idk, but it had to be healthy, if all the clickbait narrative building going back weeks is anything to judge by. That's when I first noticed "they're book burning this movie" cheese, and even today there's multiple CZcams shorts interviews of celebs, that aint even in it, giving it positive pr
lol, if only it had a wildass scifi dystopian Q plot of satanist, sex magik ritualing politicians all going fullon savage against each other with every kinda plot, op and scheme in the playbook. That'd be amazing even if it sucked
Who is your favourite movie critic. I find Roger Ebert or his legacy staff to be very annoying and overly critical at times and he has a tendency to summarise the whole movie, almost a spoiler.
I feel True Detective S1 was already what I basically would've wanted Sound of Freedom to be.
Damn. Great point.
That would be something. 😊
I loved the first season of True Detective but I see no connection at all to Sound Of freedom - as good as True Detective was we certainly have enough serial killer movies (with or without the philosophical spin) - SOF was raw and authentic and has emotionally connected with a wide audience because of that.
@@92ninersboy True Detective isn't about serial killers. It's about elite pedophiles.
@@bigbeautifulape5283 What I remember of the first True Detective season (not the other seasons which I didn't get into) was more the serial killer angle - the insane killer - maybe as the show went on it got more into an elite pedophile thing, I don't know. But if you watched Sound Of Freedom you saw that it didn't focus on elite pedophiles - there was the island that catered to rich clients, who you didn't see - but mostly it showed the run-of-the-mill pedophile degenerate, along with the methods of entrapment used by the traffickers - and very much the tragic effects on the victims and their families. I don't see much connection with True Detective, at least with the first season.
your perspective is a breath of fresh air. thank you
I definitely want to watch it, but none of my cinema theaters have it and the streaming apps haven't bought it either.
There is one thing though. The movie is about Tim Ballard and according to some folks who claim to have done lots of research there are a lot of lies in this movie and basically it's making Tim out to be a hero, when he apparently isn't at all.
But first I'll watch it, somehow, after that comes research I guess.
Yes, I'm prepared to be open minded about this, but I saw an interview with Ballard where in the first minute he was slagging off teachers for introducing kids to pornography. His story may be completely true, but those opening remarks have planted the seeds of doubt.
@tonybennett4159 FYI: Tim and his wife Katherine have nine children, including two children they adopted, who Tim helped rescue from traffickers.
@@signposts6189 That's why it's key to do research, always. People nowadays too easily believe something and immediately condemn the individual without any research. I've also seen folks shit on Jim Caviezel, calling him all kinds of things. Whatever the case may be, spreading awareness of this is always a good thing.
@@tonybennett4159 I think it does depend on what age the kids are. Because I saw a video the other day that showed what kind of material is being shown to very, very young children and I can't condone any of that. That was all kinds of messed up.
@@signposts6189 that's nice
Did they adopt these children from Fabian Marta, one of the funders and creators of this film who was arrested for participating in the activity depicted in the film?
Lynne ramsays you were never really here!
Absolutely agree with all your criticism of the artistic aspects of the film. However the fact that as you pointed out this film 'ruffles some feathers' is very disconcerting to me. Who in their right mind could oppose a true story about rescuing the lives of children victims of sexual slavery is beyond me.
I found that very surprising and worrisome myself. I did enjoyed the film very much on their own merits. I watched it twice before I was even aware of any political controversy.
I don't know, were your "feathers ruffled" when they convicted your friends and colleagues Warren Jeffs and Josh Duggar?
@@mikejunior211 I see you have posted a lot in support of this movie.
Tell me, how many of Fabian Marta's adrenochrome parties did you attend?
How many care packages have you sent to your pals Warren Jeffs and Josh Duggar?
@@CEWIII9873 How are they my friends and what's your point exactly? You are an idiot if you think that if one type of child abuse is addressed it automatically means you only care about that one type and somehow support all the other types. They are all wrong and despicable if you want me spell it out for you.
YOUR PRESENTATION AND CHANNEL IS CONTRIVED AND PRETENTIOUS **AT BEST** GIVE IT UP
And your caps lock is broken and you sound like an angry (and semiliterate) old goon 🤣
Why do you say that? She's genuine and tells it like it is. Look at Chris Stuckmann review and the guy basically praises everything and he even admits it cause he's a film producer now. Jeremy is pretty direct but he softens his criticism. Then there's Dan's review who is one of the few who gives a score and is very honest but we got into a disagreement so I banned him. There's plenty of reviews and channels so no shortage of choice.
I'm thinking this movie is a quintessential post-modernist piece of art. It seems to mostly exist in the meta-space of the commentary several political actors made around it. 30 years ago a pretentious NY art gallery could have done a whole season riding this.
It's great to see someone looking at it objectively.
🙏🙏🙏
Thank you so much for reviewing this film. I've been following since 2018 and I always enjoy your analytical reviews. Obviously i will not always concur but I value your perspective and honesty. Same way as I disagree with you wholeheartedly about "The Northman" which you didn't particularly care about too much. I find myself in same territory with this one.
I watched "Sound of Freedom" twice July 3rd and July 5th before I even heard of the "controversy" surrounding it. I loved the film in every single aspect, score, cinematography, sound design, acting across the board. Also it's been by far the most entertainment film I watched this year over The Flash, Oppenheimer, Transformers and on par with MI7... I have recommended "Sound of Freedom" to five different people, all of them have loved it. Yes, I know, art appreciation is in the eye of the beholder. Same way as I think The Northman is a masterpiece, the film was not nominated and a few reviewers disliked it. It gets me thinking when you recommend a film to someone so sure he/she will enjoy it and the person does not share your opinion, you feel a little embarrassed and thinking that maybe your standards are too low, or maybe the person you recommended to has standards set too high. Very important to know who are you recommending a piece of entertainment to.
I loved how technical you get when you judge a film and that is a reason why I love your reviews so much. However after watching this film three times and particularly being a big admirer of Alejandro Monteverde prior works, specially "Little Boy," which I would love to know your opinion about it, I cannot identify any incompetence in the direction...Yes, I agree that maybe the film could benefit of a more experienced editor, because it has a few pacing flaws, but not enough in my perspective to notch it too many points. To me is a solid 9/10. Thanks again for giving the film a fair shot.