Upon viewing the film “Trade” (2007) by Marco Kreuzpainter, the scales have been removed from my eyes by this frightening film, which portrays the horror that goes on with in the world of sex trade. Jorge (Cesar Ramos Ceballos) is an older brother in a pursuit to rescue his kidnapped 13-year-old virgin sister Adrianna (Paulina Gaitan). During his relentless pursuit through Mexico he comes across Ray (Kevin Kline), a husband and Texas police officer who is also in search for something or someone. The alliance between the two to save Adrianna from a life of sexual slavery takes them from the underground life in Mexico to suburban New Jersey, in an attempt to find her before she can be sold through an Internet sex slave auction.

The film begins with an amazing array of colors, as the camera zooms in and out of various shots from with in Mexico City. The lighting and juxtaposition of each shot communicates the piece of art that Marco has created with in the first five minutes and prepares the viewers for what they are about to see. Although the color and cinematography are well done, the strongest part of the film lies in the content and the message, which is being communicated to the viewers. Marco does a fine job of building tension to a point in which it becomes hard to watch and then releasing the tension throughout the film. The dialogue between Jorge and Ray communicates a message about today’s youth and their lack of trust in adults however, as the film progresses their interaction is heart warming and comedic at times providing an emotional break for the viewer.

The truth that lies behind such a horrific act by perverse men and women who are engulfed in a life of sex trade is difficult for Americans to believe. For so many, including myself it is easy to believe it is happening everywhere else but America; however, there are an estimated 50,000 – 100,000 children sold each year within the United States.

There are amazing moments of hope and beauty throughout the film between Adrianna and another slave Veronika (Alicja Bachelda-Curus). Veronika’s character becomes a figure of strength in which the other slaves lean on and view her strength in standing against the henchmen who are delivering them to their destination. Hope is also communicated in which stands out between Veronika and Adrianna one morning when Adrianna roles over in bed, smiles at Veronika and says good morning amidst the pain, and evil around the two of them. The second reason for hope is conveyed by the religious tones throughout the film as a heavy Catholic emphasis is spoken of as well as the symbolism in different shots through the film. Even one of the henchmen is seen praying to the cross leaving the viewer with a mixed set of emotions on what prayers will be listened and or answered by God.

There are so many amazing moments in this film one cannot begin to bring it any justice from one review. Go see the film, dialogue with others about this topic and then look for a way to become more educated on this incredible tragedy going on with in our country and many others. For more information on sex trafficking see stopthetraffik.org

—Posted by Drew Girton

Drew Girton comes from Pasadena, California, and is a Fuller Theology student and current Windrider participant.