I saw a pretty gut-wrenching - but ultimately powerful - movie last night. Trade tells the story of one girl's abduction from her home in Mexico and force into a sex slavery ring in America. Hers is clearly just one of many, as the closing frames of the film make sure that we know that there are between 50-100 thousand women, boys and girls forced into this tragic industry every year in the U.S. It's so easy to think that these grave human rights violations take place anywhere but in our own country, that our legal and justice systems would see to it that these crimes would be quickly eradicated if they were to be discovered. Unfortunately, it is clearly too large of a problem to make such assumptions about, and the young and vulnerable who are smuggled across borders, stripped of their rights and dignity, are desperate for a voice.
Trade makes an exceptional stride toward providing that voice. Telling the story from the vantage point of a young boy hoping to rescue his sister from a doomed kidnapping, we see how families are torn apart, innocence is stolen, and judgment keeps justice from being done. The film is beautifully shot and scripted with exceptional performances by Kevin Kline and an outstanding cast of young actors.
I would love to have learned more about what viewers can do after being moved, heartbroken, and inspired by the film. There are no direct calls to action within the body of the movie, but it is an excellent jumping-off point for learning more and getting engaged in fighting the issue. If you can bear the inevitably disturbing sequences that pepper Trade, then you must go see it when it comes to a theatre near you. Trade is not always pleasant to watch, but it is undeniably important to see and share with those around you who want to make a difference in this world

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