108 reviews
The Dirty Little Secret of International Sex Slave Trade: A Wake-up Call
Based on an article written by Peter Landesman, who also wrote the story and co-wrote the screenplay with Jose Rivera ('The Motorcycle Diaries'), TRADE literally forces us to experience the cruel, vicious international market for sex slaves. It is brutally captured on film by director Marco Kreuzpaintner ('Summer Storm') in a manner that spares nothing to unveil the atrocities created by the many people form all countries who ply this trade. It is a tough film to watch, but it is also an important film to see: the public MUST be made aware of this criminal activity that robs the lives of children and adults around the globe.
The setting is Mexico City and in the poor sector lives a fatherless family supported by the oldest son Jorge (Cesar Ramos) whose 'occupation' is petty crime that allows him to bring in money for his mother and his beloved sister Adriana (Paulina Gaitan). We see the abduction of a beautiful young Polish girl Weronica (Alicja Bachleda-Curus) in the Russian sector of the city. Soon after Adriana, trying out her newest bicycle gift from Jorge, is likewise abducted. The girls (and boys) are kept in filthy apartments awaiting border crossings into the US where they will be shipped to New Jersey for sale after being advertised for auction on the Internet. Jorge discovers the absence of his sister, traces her to the Russian sector where he sees the filth in which the victims are kept, but where he also encounters a Texas policeman Ray Sheridan (Kevin Kline) who is continuing his years long search for his daughter. The two 'meet' and join in the chase for the lost girls. And it is the manner in which Jorge and Ray gradually become friends and the clever way in which they cooperate that forms the rest of the story.
Yes, the film is overlong and borders a bit too closely on soap opera techniques, but the acting is so committed and the story is news so important that any flaw in the film can be forgiven because it opens the door to a crime that is all too unfamiliar to most citizens. It is a true story and therein lies the terror. It should be seen. Grady Harp
The setting is Mexico City and in the poor sector lives a fatherless family supported by the oldest son Jorge (Cesar Ramos) whose 'occupation' is petty crime that allows him to bring in money for his mother and his beloved sister Adriana (Paulina Gaitan). We see the abduction of a beautiful young Polish girl Weronica (Alicja Bachleda-Curus) in the Russian sector of the city. Soon after Adriana, trying out her newest bicycle gift from Jorge, is likewise abducted. The girls (and boys) are kept in filthy apartments awaiting border crossings into the US where they will be shipped to New Jersey for sale after being advertised for auction on the Internet. Jorge discovers the absence of his sister, traces her to the Russian sector where he sees the filth in which the victims are kept, but where he also encounters a Texas policeman Ray Sheridan (Kevin Kline) who is continuing his years long search for his daughter. The two 'meet' and join in the chase for the lost girls. And it is the manner in which Jorge and Ray gradually become friends and the clever way in which they cooperate that forms the rest of the story.
Yes, the film is overlong and borders a bit too closely on soap opera techniques, but the acting is so committed and the story is news so important that any flaw in the film can be forgiven because it opens the door to a crime that is all too unfamiliar to most citizens. It is a true story and therein lies the terror. It should be seen. Grady Harp
This is an excellent movie
I had never heard of this movie and just stumbled on to it by accident. The story was very powerful and meaningful. The acting was absolutely awesome, especially by the two major stars playing the parts of brother and sister, more of the younger girl, but that is not to take anything away from the part of her brother Jorge. He was outstanding. Also, the part of Veronica was superb. She made her scenes gripping. Especially one, and you'll know which one I mean just by watching the movie. Your jaw will drop just like mine did and it will stay with you even after the movie. This is a must see. It is in subtitle and English, so it it easy to follow. Oh yeah, Kevin Kline was an excellent surprise.
Gut-wrenching and Genuine
Trade is not really the kind of thrilling crime movie that I was expecting, it's about something I thought I might have heard about quite a lot yet actually never really felt: trafficking children and women from the third world to be sold for forced sex. Trade exposes the whole chain of the business with great genuineness.
For a subject like this it's handy to come up with much more gore and sex to attract some eyeballs, but not with Trade, there is nothing gratuitous here. At several gut-wrenching scenes, at the edge of my seat I longed to see some resistance or retribution, I didn't, but when I sat back and cleared my thought, I knew that was what would happen in the real world. Nevertheless although there are many broken hearts, twisted minds and lost souls in the movie, and even the last scene gave me a groan, I am not left with despair in the end.
Quite a few characters have been developed into some depth, while supported by first-class performance(excellent casting!) this doesn't cause confusion or dilution, but rather delivers me the feeling of the whole big picture. It does feel a bit dragged at the beginning, I guess it is needed to expose all the details of the business chain, the storyline flows naturally and keeps me hooked for 2 hours.
Overall this is a well-made untypical crime film with not so much easy entertainment in it, but if you want something genuine that will linger in your head, go see it and you won't be disappointed.
For a subject like this it's handy to come up with much more gore and sex to attract some eyeballs, but not with Trade, there is nothing gratuitous here. At several gut-wrenching scenes, at the edge of my seat I longed to see some resistance or retribution, I didn't, but when I sat back and cleared my thought, I knew that was what would happen in the real world. Nevertheless although there are many broken hearts, twisted minds and lost souls in the movie, and even the last scene gave me a groan, I am not left with despair in the end.
Quite a few characters have been developed into some depth, while supported by first-class performance(excellent casting!) this doesn't cause confusion or dilution, but rather delivers me the feeling of the whole big picture. It does feel a bit dragged at the beginning, I guess it is needed to expose all the details of the business chain, the storyline flows naturally and keeps me hooked for 2 hours.
Overall this is a well-made untypical crime film with not so much easy entertainment in it, but if you want something genuine that will linger in your head, go see it and you won't be disappointed.
- Stskyshaker
- Mar 7, 2008
- Permalink
A roller-coaster of thrills and yawns.
Based on Peter Landesman's cover story, the film follows a Texas cop (Kline) and Jorge (Ramos) who are on the trail to save Jorge's sister (Gaitan), a 13-year-old girl from Mexico City who was kidnapped to be sold in the sex-trade. A powerful story, with Kline and Ramos making an interesting duo. The conflict seems to always be easy to overcome, with the two leads never loosing the tail of the kidnappers no matter what the obstacle is. The tragic irony at the end is an eye-roller. The hunt begins to feel far-fetched as the film progresses, and Kline is as dull as usual. The Mexico City setting alone is a plus to this roller-coaster of thrills and yawns.
**½ (out of four)
**½ (out of four)
- Geeky Randy
- Jan 26, 2010
- Permalink
You can't TRADE the truth
"Trade" is an incredible film on many levels. The acting is superb by both the kids, Jorge (Cesar Ramos) and Adriana (Paulina Gaitan), as well as Kevin Kline. The cinematography was incredibly well thought out, and added to the depth of the message of the film. The film is successful in showing the raw dichotomy of the problems of suburbia-America and the horrifying crime that claims the second highest yield of money out of illegal activities just behind drugs.
Yes, this film is disturbing. It unyieldingly shows the gruesome truth of this business. Yes, it draws tears, as many flowed down my own face during these few hours of watching. But I must say that the truth and the tears stirred up within me a desire for change. A desire for justice. Is that not what true film is meant to be about? To bring forth revelation of self discovery, desires, dreams. To cause the viewer to step away from the film a changed person. This is exactly what "Trade" did for me.
I read multiple reviews about the movie "Trade" last night after viewing the film for myself. I discovered comments like, "hard to find it entertaining" and "playing up the terrorizing of the women detracted from the film."
Trade is not a film to entertain. The emotion evoked from this film was designed to have a purpose. The purpose was the change the viewer's perspective out of our cookie cutter American world view, into the grisly truth of sex trafficking that occurs around the world, as well as on our doorstep.
The viewer is invited by this disturbing film to not to be satisfied with ignorance, but to light the fire within them to want to make a difference.
Yes, this film is disturbing. It unyieldingly shows the gruesome truth of this business. Yes, it draws tears, as many flowed down my own face during these few hours of watching. But I must say that the truth and the tears stirred up within me a desire for change. A desire for justice. Is that not what true film is meant to be about? To bring forth revelation of self discovery, desires, dreams. To cause the viewer to step away from the film a changed person. This is exactly what "Trade" did for me.
I read multiple reviews about the movie "Trade" last night after viewing the film for myself. I discovered comments like, "hard to find it entertaining" and "playing up the terrorizing of the women detracted from the film."
Trade is not a film to entertain. The emotion evoked from this film was designed to have a purpose. The purpose was the change the viewer's perspective out of our cookie cutter American world view, into the grisly truth of sex trafficking that occurs around the world, as well as on our doorstep.
The viewer is invited by this disturbing film to not to be satisfied with ignorance, but to light the fire within them to want to make a difference.
stupid movie wasted its intent
1 Border patrol does not put Polish people back into Mexico! 2 people do not call in Mexico with 4 digits. 3 there is no web page with such info as shown in movie, 4 Iam tired of idiots who don't portray the real world then no one learns of issue of great importance
5 someone does not get kidnapped in front of police and a page,
6 collect calls to Poland do not happen,
7 I have never seen such stupid acting, stupid direction
this movie was a waste of money.
the scenery was great, but there are freeways even in Mexico and freeways in the USA, that are not depicted. I've never seen such a juvenile story line.
5 someone does not get kidnapped in front of police and a page,
6 collect calls to Poland do not happen,
7 I have never seen such stupid acting, stupid direction
this movie was a waste of money.
the scenery was great, but there are freeways even in Mexico and freeways in the USA, that are not depicted. I've never seen such a juvenile story line.
Has its moments but too contrived
Powerful message with entertainment value, and it works
I attended a screening of "Trade" at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. All week, films had been relatively disappointing. And then this powerful work came along.
It probably is sufficient to say that its subject is child trafficking, in this case, from Mexico to the US. Audiences will recognize Kevin Kline. The other leads are a 13 year-old girl (Paulina Gaitan) and her 17 year-old brother (Cesar Ramos). The film rests largely on the shoulders of these two innocents, and it's on the basis of their performances, even more than the subject matter, that I consider this a must-see film.
Check out this pedigree. "Trade" was written by Jose Rivera (who wrote "The Motorcycle Diaries"). It is based on a New York Times Magazine article. It was originally supposed to be directed by Roland Emmerich (who wrote, directed, and produced "The Day After Tomorrow"). But Emmerich had a conflict, so he ended up producing it along with Rosilyn Heller (who produced "American Heart," a favorite of mine starring Jeff Bridges and Edward Furlong). In turn Marco Kreutzpaintner was hired to direct, a German filmmaker who had a connection to Emmerich through another producer. It was a fortuitous set of circumstances. It's a $12 million indie backed by German funds, Emmerich's own pockets, and Lions Gate, who will be distributing it.
This is quite a moving film and, although it's easy to argue the case, it does not exploit the kids itself in its effort to expose the horrors of child exploitation. While it has some Hollywood moments thrown in for commercial appeal, it's still as compelling as any film I've seen recently. The acting is frighteningly real. A good part of the film is a bit of a road movie where Kline and the boy bond -- he needs a male role model, Kline's life on the road is a lonely existence, you know the drill. Kline's relationship with the boy reminded me of his pairing with Hayden Christensen in "Life as a House." He's good at it, and it's a casting coup that helps put the icing on the cake. The other part of the film focuses on the harsh reality of child trafficking and follows several victims through their ordeals. But Kreutzpaintner's narrative never loses sight of its heartbreaking subject matter.
Director Kreutzpaintner and producer Heller were there for a Q&A. I asked about the casting. He said the boy and girl were found during auditions in Mexico City. He was just the second one they saw. They kept looking, but eventually came back to him. He had never acted before. The girl had done a bit before, but not much. What an auspicious debut. These are two to watch.
There are many "oh my God" moments. It ultimately is a "message" film in that it exposes the horrors of child trafficking, but it's also made for commercial appeal and should resonate with the larger audience. It's hard to pull off this kind of film and make it work. How does one entertain without hitting the viewer with a sledgehammer? It's a delicate balance, and this one weighs in perfectly.
It probably is sufficient to say that its subject is child trafficking, in this case, from Mexico to the US. Audiences will recognize Kevin Kline. The other leads are a 13 year-old girl (Paulina Gaitan) and her 17 year-old brother (Cesar Ramos). The film rests largely on the shoulders of these two innocents, and it's on the basis of their performances, even more than the subject matter, that I consider this a must-see film.
Check out this pedigree. "Trade" was written by Jose Rivera (who wrote "The Motorcycle Diaries"). It is based on a New York Times Magazine article. It was originally supposed to be directed by Roland Emmerich (who wrote, directed, and produced "The Day After Tomorrow"). But Emmerich had a conflict, so he ended up producing it along with Rosilyn Heller (who produced "American Heart," a favorite of mine starring Jeff Bridges and Edward Furlong). In turn Marco Kreutzpaintner was hired to direct, a German filmmaker who had a connection to Emmerich through another producer. It was a fortuitous set of circumstances. It's a $12 million indie backed by German funds, Emmerich's own pockets, and Lions Gate, who will be distributing it.
This is quite a moving film and, although it's easy to argue the case, it does not exploit the kids itself in its effort to expose the horrors of child exploitation. While it has some Hollywood moments thrown in for commercial appeal, it's still as compelling as any film I've seen recently. The acting is frighteningly real. A good part of the film is a bit of a road movie where Kline and the boy bond -- he needs a male role model, Kline's life on the road is a lonely existence, you know the drill. Kline's relationship with the boy reminded me of his pairing with Hayden Christensen in "Life as a House." He's good at it, and it's a casting coup that helps put the icing on the cake. The other part of the film focuses on the harsh reality of child trafficking and follows several victims through their ordeals. But Kreutzpaintner's narrative never loses sight of its heartbreaking subject matter.
Director Kreutzpaintner and producer Heller were there for a Q&A. I asked about the casting. He said the boy and girl were found during auditions in Mexico City. He was just the second one they saw. They kept looking, but eventually came back to him. He had never acted before. The girl had done a bit before, but not much. What an auspicious debut. These are two to watch.
There are many "oh my God" moments. It ultimately is a "message" film in that it exposes the horrors of child trafficking, but it's also made for commercial appeal and should resonate with the larger audience. It's hard to pull off this kind of film and make it work. How does one entertain without hitting the viewer with a sledgehammer? It's a delicate balance, and this one weighs in perfectly.
Serious and Important Subject Matter, Muddied By Goofiness
"Trade" is the story of a young boy from Mexico City, Jorge (Cesar Ramos), who is tracking down his kidnapped sister, Adriana (Paulina Gaitan), as she is sold through a human trafficking ring throughout the United States. Along the way, he meets Ray (Kevin Kline), a police officer who lives in El Paso, Texas, and the two travel to New Jersey to find Adriana.
This movie deals with its very serious subject matter in a mixed way. At times we are shown the truly dirty and disgusting side of the whole thing. There were times when I shuddered and felt genuinely shocked at what I was seeing. But when these moments do occur, the very next scene often gives us awkward banter that tries to connect us more with Ray and Jorge, who are just uncharismatic characters and lack a real chemistry with each other. The whole idea of it being revolved around a road trip between the two feels kind of disrespectful to the entire topic that the movie is based around. Bizarre attempts at humor just come off as really out of place. I also wish that the movie had more scenes focused around the women themselves. We are shown a little bit in terms of the filthy vans and motel rooms that they are forced to stay in, but I would have rather seen an in-depth look at their lives and the psychological horrors of human trafficking than the generic buddy road trip thriller that we are given.
The movie also just has this odd brown tint and it looks unappealing. I don't know if that was the intent of the filmmakers, but something just feels wrong with the color pallet. Performances are okay, but Kevin Kline sometimes just comes off as a discount Bryan Cranston. There's this weird subplot involving Ray's wife and his cat that never really goes anywhere. The ending wraps up everything in such a nice little Hollywood bow, which I normally wouldn't have that much of an issue with. But again, considering the subject at hand and the real world fact that the majority of humans trafficked are never redeemed in such a movie-esque fashion, it comes off as really insensitive. Maybe that can be spun into an even deeper critique on the way that movies of any kind are normally wrapped up in general, but that's a topic for another day.
In all, this movie should be commended for at least being mildly competent and showing a modicum of respect for the world that it is attempting to bring light to. Perhaps given a more focused script, characters and actors that the audience can truly bond with, and some better production, this would have made for a very good movie. As it stands, "Trade" will have a very mild affect on the viewer who wishes to learn more about this evil that plagues modern society. I would recommend finding a good documentary or book on the subject instead.
This movie deals with its very serious subject matter in a mixed way. At times we are shown the truly dirty and disgusting side of the whole thing. There were times when I shuddered and felt genuinely shocked at what I was seeing. But when these moments do occur, the very next scene often gives us awkward banter that tries to connect us more with Ray and Jorge, who are just uncharismatic characters and lack a real chemistry with each other. The whole idea of it being revolved around a road trip between the two feels kind of disrespectful to the entire topic that the movie is based around. Bizarre attempts at humor just come off as really out of place. I also wish that the movie had more scenes focused around the women themselves. We are shown a little bit in terms of the filthy vans and motel rooms that they are forced to stay in, but I would have rather seen an in-depth look at their lives and the psychological horrors of human trafficking than the generic buddy road trip thriller that we are given.
The movie also just has this odd brown tint and it looks unappealing. I don't know if that was the intent of the filmmakers, but something just feels wrong with the color pallet. Performances are okay, but Kevin Kline sometimes just comes off as a discount Bryan Cranston. There's this weird subplot involving Ray's wife and his cat that never really goes anywhere. The ending wraps up everything in such a nice little Hollywood bow, which I normally wouldn't have that much of an issue with. But again, considering the subject at hand and the real world fact that the majority of humans trafficked are never redeemed in such a movie-esque fashion, it comes off as really insensitive. Maybe that can be spun into an even deeper critique on the way that movies of any kind are normally wrapped up in general, but that's a topic for another day.
In all, this movie should be commended for at least being mildly competent and showing a modicum of respect for the world that it is attempting to bring light to. Perhaps given a more focused script, characters and actors that the audience can truly bond with, and some better production, this would have made for a very good movie. As it stands, "Trade" will have a very mild affect on the viewer who wishes to learn more about this evil that plagues modern society. I would recommend finding a good documentary or book on the subject instead.
- xiaoli7377
- Aug 30, 2020
- Permalink
Very Powerful Film
This film was very powerful, deeply moving and excellently humanized the underground sex slave trade it portrayed. Both my girlfriend and I were near tears watching it. Truly remarkable.
The acting is nothing short of incredible, I really felt for everyone involved from Adriana's helpless brown eyes, to Jorge's honorable vigilance and and Kevin Kline's tempered patience.
The worst part of seeing this film was realizing that every day people get away with this kind of thing and the real victim's stories will never be told.
Warning for parents, some of the scenes are pretty difficult to sit through.
The acting is nothing short of incredible, I really felt for everyone involved from Adriana's helpless brown eyes, to Jorge's honorable vigilance and and Kevin Kline's tempered patience.
The worst part of seeing this film was realizing that every day people get away with this kind of thing and the real victim's stories will never be told.
Warning for parents, some of the scenes are pretty difficult to sit through.
- AshleeQuick
- Oct 18, 2007
- Permalink
Harrowing and Compelling, but Ruined by that Final Reel
- JoeytheBrit
- Jul 6, 2009
- Permalink
Not for the Feint of Heart
Better than Taken, but too many incoherencies
Trade(2007) is a better movie about kidnapping for prostitution than Taken(2008), both as a film and as a vehicle of social awareness. Rather than focusing on a Jack Baur-ish tough guy who storms the thug stronghold and shoots hundreds of people with a pistol, Trade takes a more realistic approach. The police officer tracking down the victims is actually cautious and in fact doesn't so much as knock anyone down the entire film. This leaves the focus on the victims themselves rather than generic bloodlust.
Unfortunately there are quite a few incoherencies that make this film painful at times:
*SPOILERS BELOW*
The attempts to poke fun at Americans in Jorge's dialogue with Ray is very predictable and unfunny.
When Veronika and Adriana escape, Veronika sends the 13-year-old Adriana to get the police while she calls her family. Then, when she sees the thugs coming, she continues her phone conversation. This is such an incredibly stupid failure of prioritization that I was disappointed when she committed suicide because I was looking forward to her getting whipped.
Throughout the movie the thug Manuelo's conflict between his religion and his job is highlighted. It seems to lead him either into repentance,suffering for his crimes, or some combination of the two. In the end he helps Adriana escape, but is then hit over the head by Jorge (who somehow, after about 15 minutes, was just then walking the 30 yards or so to the house) and is arrested. He doesn't really repent or pay for his crimes.
When Ray finally gets Adriana out of the house, the cops show up in force. Not only is this completely unnecessary, but Ray previously found out that this case is beyond the local cops jurisdiction as the CIA is waiting to make a big bust.
While the cops are making the bust, Ray realize that the female trafficker who is pointing a gun at his head is his daughter. This would have been a good opportunity for a dramatic dialogue, but the cops are there already so they never speak. At any rate he seems to have forgotten a few minutes later and nothing ever comes of this. The only indication that this is his daughter is that her green eyes flash, which he had mentioned previously. This makes me wonder if this plot twist was not thought of until post-production.
The final scene is of Jorge knifing a trafficker in the back in Mexico. This trafficker was not a memorable or important character, so this is rather insignificant to the viewer.
Unfortunately there are quite a few incoherencies that make this film painful at times:
*SPOILERS BELOW*
The attempts to poke fun at Americans in Jorge's dialogue with Ray is very predictable and unfunny.
When Veronika and Adriana escape, Veronika sends the 13-year-old Adriana to get the police while she calls her family. Then, when she sees the thugs coming, she continues her phone conversation. This is such an incredibly stupid failure of prioritization that I was disappointed when she committed suicide because I was looking forward to her getting whipped.
Throughout the movie the thug Manuelo's conflict between his religion and his job is highlighted. It seems to lead him either into repentance,suffering for his crimes, or some combination of the two. In the end he helps Adriana escape, but is then hit over the head by Jorge (who somehow, after about 15 minutes, was just then walking the 30 yards or so to the house) and is arrested. He doesn't really repent or pay for his crimes.
When Ray finally gets Adriana out of the house, the cops show up in force. Not only is this completely unnecessary, but Ray previously found out that this case is beyond the local cops jurisdiction as the CIA is waiting to make a big bust.
While the cops are making the bust, Ray realize that the female trafficker who is pointing a gun at his head is his daughter. This would have been a good opportunity for a dramatic dialogue, but the cops are there already so they never speak. At any rate he seems to have forgotten a few minutes later and nothing ever comes of this. The only indication that this is his daughter is that her green eyes flash, which he had mentioned previously. This makes me wonder if this plot twist was not thought of until post-production.
The final scene is of Jorge knifing a trafficker in the back in Mexico. This trafficker was not a memorable or important character, so this is rather insignificant to the viewer.
- sadfslkjdfasd
- Nov 16, 2010
- Permalink
Review: Trade
- bloodymonday
- Apr 23, 2008
- Permalink
Great performances by the main female characters!
Girls -- Avoid Tier One Nations!
- rmax304823
- Aug 5, 2017
- Permalink
Amazing film - MustSee!!!!
This was the first time I had ever tears in my eyes in a cinema! This film absolutely blew me away.
Acting, Character development, dialogue and especially the camera-work was just extremely well done. This was a really gripping and very emotional movie, and in my opinion this was the best movie-ending ever, at least the best one I have ever seen.
You should not only watch it because of its important message, but also because its just a brilliant film!
So, the bottom line is, I've never been so moved by a movie and I can only recommend this film to everyone! Go see it!!!
Acting, Character development, dialogue and especially the camera-work was just extremely well done. This was a really gripping and very emotional movie, and in my opinion this was the best movie-ending ever, at least the best one I have ever seen.
You should not only watch it because of its important message, but also because its just a brilliant film!
So, the bottom line is, I've never been so moved by a movie and I can only recommend this film to everyone! Go see it!!!
- steven-fight
- Oct 13, 2007
- Permalink
Quick review-Over rated!
Delicate subject matter was fairly well handled and at least it wasn't too Hollywood-fied. There is good acting throughout, especially from the new find Cesar Ramos. Paulina Gaitan was convincing as the thirteen year old kidnap victim and the fantastic looking Alicja Bachleda-Curus also puts in a worthy performance as the victim of an modeling agency scam. Reliably, Kevin Kline also puts in a solid effort. The photography is beautiful and for the most part the dialogue is well thought through but falls apart at the end. The first part of the film is drawn out way too much and is essentially a chase movie. The film was obviously trying to show that Jorge would do anything to find his sister but too much time was spent on this. A few clichés slip in such as when Jorge spots the kidnappers van parked up in a dark street after losing site of it hours earlier when his car runs out of fuel. Another annoyingly unrealistic scene is the online auction of his sister. The whole thing would have been better if it had been more in the style of "City of God". The opening and closing music I liked very much, and overall well worth a watch.
Human Trafficking A Sad Reality of the Twentieth-First Century
- claudio_carvalho
- Jun 6, 2008
- Permalink
How this avoided a NC-17 is anybody's guess...
A Nutshell Review: Trade
The plight of innocent victims of human trafficking for sex has moved filmmakers enough to make movies addressing the issue. The last two in recent memory that I've watch are Your Name is Justine, and Lilya-4ever, both which put the spotlight specifically on the characters created, highlighting the abuse they receive and exposing some of the tricks that the conmen exploit in order to target and thereafter control their prey. Given that the viewpoint of the entire unfortunate ordeal from the perspective of the victims have been portrayed, and is easy and turning the same wheel if done again, Trade takes on a more macroscopic look, while still maintaining a finger in a more personalized tale, in order to ramp up the human drama and emotions.
While the other two movies mentioned take place primarily in Europe, Trade highlights a more international network involved in the supply chain, where increasing amounts of money get exchanged for women and children to feed the demand by perverts and paedophiles. While having its premise for the demand set in USA, it goes to show that the unfortunate victims come from all over the world, and suggests the use of Mexico as the proxy to get into the USA illegally, no doubt with the help of corrupted authorities. From then on, it's an established hush-hush protocol of transfers and transactions that take place in the most unseeming of places, and naturally technology comes to play in anonymous bidding on the internet.
Primarily, this story is a race against time, following a young Mexican boy, Jorge (Cesar Raoms), in his chase to rescue his sister Adriana (Paulina Gaitan) as she gets abducted randomly off the streets - being a young child, she is set to obtain record prices should she be auctioned off to be deflowered. While Adriana gets to enter USA through already established methods by the syndicate, Jorge has to rely on his street smarts, and unwittingly gets hooked up with US cop Ray Sheridan, played by Kevin Kline, who assists in Jorge's quest under moral circumstances rather than deporting Jorge straightaway for being a stray.
Like a buddy cop movie, Trade also looks at the unlikely partnership between street delinquent and tough nose cop with the heart of gold, as they try and penetrate the system, while leaving room for some clash of cultures and slightly comedic instances. The unfortunate circumstance of the victims are again getting a shiner in order to be subdued, and of course the weapon of choice, rape. And the movie results in you silently cursing the worst for those involved in the trade, and never sympathizing an iota with them when they receive their dues.
Technical wise, someone should tell the filmmakers that password fields are always asterisk, never in clear text, even the dumbest website programmer won't make that mistake. One of my other peeves here was the decision not to mount the camera on a tripod. While it's not the extreme kind of shaky cam like Cloverfield's, it did bring on some queasiness given the very minor movements, all of the time. I don't see the need for this, and wondered if it's because it might look cool and edgy with the fast cuts and all that the tripod was junked, wrongly.
Based on a New York Times Magazine article published on 25 Jan 2004 written by Peter Landesman, Trade offers to strike a balance between painting a picture of sympathy for the victims and disgust for the perpetrators. Unlike the other movies which has come before, Trade managed to spin a somewhat refreshing look at the worldwide sex slavery problem.
While the other two movies mentioned take place primarily in Europe, Trade highlights a more international network involved in the supply chain, where increasing amounts of money get exchanged for women and children to feed the demand by perverts and paedophiles. While having its premise for the demand set in USA, it goes to show that the unfortunate victims come from all over the world, and suggests the use of Mexico as the proxy to get into the USA illegally, no doubt with the help of corrupted authorities. From then on, it's an established hush-hush protocol of transfers and transactions that take place in the most unseeming of places, and naturally technology comes to play in anonymous bidding on the internet.
Primarily, this story is a race against time, following a young Mexican boy, Jorge (Cesar Raoms), in his chase to rescue his sister Adriana (Paulina Gaitan) as she gets abducted randomly off the streets - being a young child, she is set to obtain record prices should she be auctioned off to be deflowered. While Adriana gets to enter USA through already established methods by the syndicate, Jorge has to rely on his street smarts, and unwittingly gets hooked up with US cop Ray Sheridan, played by Kevin Kline, who assists in Jorge's quest under moral circumstances rather than deporting Jorge straightaway for being a stray.
Like a buddy cop movie, Trade also looks at the unlikely partnership between street delinquent and tough nose cop with the heart of gold, as they try and penetrate the system, while leaving room for some clash of cultures and slightly comedic instances. The unfortunate circumstance of the victims are again getting a shiner in order to be subdued, and of course the weapon of choice, rape. And the movie results in you silently cursing the worst for those involved in the trade, and never sympathizing an iota with them when they receive their dues.
Technical wise, someone should tell the filmmakers that password fields are always asterisk, never in clear text, even the dumbest website programmer won't make that mistake. One of my other peeves here was the decision not to mount the camera on a tripod. While it's not the extreme kind of shaky cam like Cloverfield's, it did bring on some queasiness given the very minor movements, all of the time. I don't see the need for this, and wondered if it's because it might look cool and edgy with the fast cuts and all that the tripod was junked, wrongly.
Based on a New York Times Magazine article published on 25 Jan 2004 written by Peter Landesman, Trade offers to strike a balance between painting a picture of sympathy for the victims and disgust for the perpetrators. Unlike the other movies which has come before, Trade managed to spin a somewhat refreshing look at the worldwide sex slavery problem.
- DICK STEEL
- Jan 18, 2008
- Permalink
Quite effective, but should have effected much more
The kind of movie that feels far more haunting conceptually then it's execution would suggest, Trade deals unflinchingly with the realities of sex-trafficking, but with the sensitivities of a made-for t.v. program. Despite the inclusion of Kevin Kline, this potentially harrowing experience is rendered weaker by some mediocre performances and a fairly bland script.
What the writers and director do accomplish with this bleak drama however is putting viewers closer into the uncomfortably realistic perspectives of these poor, young, beautiful victims in a noble attempt to increase awareness of this largely taboo subject in the west.
In the end, despite a certain emotional void created by the underdeveloped characterizations, Trade will burn it's way into our minds simply with it's authentic horror, an issue obviously close to these filmmaker's hearts. It is a shame then, that this important story had not been further fleshed out to make this moving plot-line all the more accessible to a wider crowd.
What the writers and director do accomplish with this bleak drama however is putting viewers closer into the uncomfortably realistic perspectives of these poor, young, beautiful victims in a noble attempt to increase awareness of this largely taboo subject in the west.
In the end, despite a certain emotional void created by the underdeveloped characterizations, Trade will burn it's way into our minds simply with it's authentic horror, an issue obviously close to these filmmaker's hearts. It is a shame then, that this important story had not been further fleshed out to make this moving plot-line all the more accessible to a wider crowd.
- oneloveall
- Jan 25, 2008
- Permalink
Horror of horrors
Trade is an excellent, though somewhat ultimately unrealistic movie about the pedophilic sex-trade around the world. Children continuously have horrific atrocities committed upon them, and nothing seems to ever be done about it.
Unfortunately, as has been exposed in many cases, such as that of the infamous pedophile Lawrence King, who held pedophilia parties in the white house for politicians, as well as several nefarious characters in Europe, this goes all the way up to the higher echelons of the "elite" in the U.S and Europe (Consisting mainly of the royal families and businessmen - research the Belgian child sex-rings and how children are left to starve to death in makeshift basement dungeons)
In the movie, one might expect to see low-level child sex-ring thugs transporting them around the world. In real life, this trade is ultimately governed by the extremely wealthy.
Maybe we should reconsider how we treat our own children in America, like how we mutilate them by birth, and then maybe they will be able to effect change when they mature into sexually healthy adults.
I would also like to warn you that videos of girls like the "pre-teens" depicted in this movie, are widely available on file sharing services like Kazaa and "eMule". You are advised to look for yourself. Next time you come across one, you know what it took to make it.
Thank you for reading this, and may God have mercy on our souls.
Unfortunately, as has been exposed in many cases, such as that of the infamous pedophile Lawrence King, who held pedophilia parties in the white house for politicians, as well as several nefarious characters in Europe, this goes all the way up to the higher echelons of the "elite" in the U.S and Europe (Consisting mainly of the royal families and businessmen - research the Belgian child sex-rings and how children are left to starve to death in makeshift basement dungeons)
In the movie, one might expect to see low-level child sex-ring thugs transporting them around the world. In real life, this trade is ultimately governed by the extremely wealthy.
Maybe we should reconsider how we treat our own children in America, like how we mutilate them by birth, and then maybe they will be able to effect change when they mature into sexually healthy adults.
I would also like to warn you that videos of girls like the "pre-teens" depicted in this movie, are widely available on file sharing services like Kazaa and "eMule". You are advised to look for yourself. Next time you come across one, you know what it took to make it.
Thank you for reading this, and may God have mercy on our souls.
Well Shot, Good Dialog
Shamelessly manipulative and not engaging
I'm still in shock at the high ratings this film is getting, but I guess it shouldn't surprise me.
It's awesome for the black-and-white hit-me-over-the-head crowd. All the expected cutaways, shots, and edits are here. Girl abducted...shot of bicycle turned over. Another girl abducted...shot of rose on pavement. Characters who say exactly what you want them to say...all the time. No surprises, suspense, or plot twists need apply. Just a vehicle for the self-righteous to vent their anger. What a bore.
Kevin Kline tries earnestly to float this picture past the point of credibility, but as good as his performance is --- it's the only really believably rendered thing in the picture --- it isn't good enough. The direction and production values are incredibly amateurish. I couldn't figure out why I was basically unmoved with the heinous acts that occur at the start of the picture and finally realized...they were just too dead on. There were no nuances beside what you might find in a substandard TV movie.
This is an important subject and it doesn't deserve the pop culture "Traffic"-style treatment that the drug trade got in THAT overrated mess. But this makes even that look original and interesting by comparison. Look, all movies manipulate your emotions, but this one is almost masturbatory by comparison.
It's awesome for the black-and-white hit-me-over-the-head crowd. All the expected cutaways, shots, and edits are here. Girl abducted...shot of bicycle turned over. Another girl abducted...shot of rose on pavement. Characters who say exactly what you want them to say...all the time. No surprises, suspense, or plot twists need apply. Just a vehicle for the self-righteous to vent their anger. What a bore.
Kevin Kline tries earnestly to float this picture past the point of credibility, but as good as his performance is --- it's the only really believably rendered thing in the picture --- it isn't good enough. The direction and production values are incredibly amateurish. I couldn't figure out why I was basically unmoved with the heinous acts that occur at the start of the picture and finally realized...they were just too dead on. There were no nuances beside what you might find in a substandard TV movie.
This is an important subject and it doesn't deserve the pop culture "Traffic"-style treatment that the drug trade got in THAT overrated mess. But this makes even that look original and interesting by comparison. Look, all movies manipulate your emotions, but this one is almost masturbatory by comparison.