In every corner of the globe the powerful prey upon the weak and multitudes of people wake up everyday to go about their daily lives not knowing these acts of injustice are committed. If they do, often they will turn their backs to these atrocities. It’s easier than dealing with the pain of the persecuted. We have heard injustice most recently with the genocide in Rwanda and bonded slavery in third world countries. Then there is a form of pedophilia commonly known as sex trafficking. Children are being sold for monetary gain to be raped again, and again, every day. It’s a twisted mentality that could only come about through the corrupted minds of humans.
Trade follows the story of a 13 year old girl named Adriana who is suddenly kidnapped by a group of men driving by while riding her new bike that her brother, Jorge, gave her for her birthday. She is then shipped to the United States to be forced into prostitution. When Jorge discovers Adriana has been captured he embarks on a relentless journey to free his sister, and as the story progresses the film cuts between Adriana and Jorge, giving us both their stories.
When I began to view the film I was expecting an emotional piece, a film that would play with my emotions and cause a few tears. I was overall disappointed with the lack of emotion I felt throughout the film. If I wouldn’t have already been disturbed by the topic then I have a feeling I wouldn’t have much concern for the cause. The director does attempt to bring the audience into the story, though, and that is what helps viewers to become more than spectators. Most often while sitting and staring at the screen, we become a third party and we just sit back and coast through the ride. By using a hand held camera technique the director attempts to bring the audience as, not a spectator, but a witness of the events at hand, and when this happens the viewer can engage in the actions taking place.
Trade tells a story that is gripping and an important aspect to any story is its themes. Themes, aside from characters, help strengthen a story. The most dominant theme in is love. Jorge’s immense care for his sister and persistence to overcome all odds to rescue her from the situation showcase this theme. In the same direction is friendship. While the girls travel toward the United States, Adriana befriends a Polish girl. This friendship proves to be a blessing when the polish girl encourages Adriana through the grueling process. Then there’s justice, which is the only way to resolve a story such as this. This theme demonstrates there are people who care and want to help and on top of that all of the people in this film are from what’s labeled as “secular society.”
This film gives us a small taste of this twisted business. To hear about it should hurt and to see a recreation of it should have a greater reaction. It doesn’t quite accomplish as strong an emotional reaction as it should, but it should at least shed some light on the situation. As we go about our daily lives this occurs and goes unnoticed. As the credits rolled, a quote from a government official was stated that said we’re not finding the kids sold into prostitution in the United States because we’re not looking.
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