Acclaimed for his captivating performances in renowned films such as "The Passion of the Christ" and "The Count of Monte Cristo," Jim Caviezel has established a strong presence among Catholic audiences. His latest cinematic endeavor, "Sound of Freedom," which will be distributed by Angel Studios, is poised to make its nationwide theatrical debut on July 4th. Caviezel himself considers this film to be among the most remarkable achievements of his career.
Caviezel portrays Tim Ballard, a Homeland Security agent in the movie. After rescuing a young boy from traffickers, he discovers that the boy's sister remains in captivity. Driven by compassion, Ballard quits his job and embarks on a perilous journey through the Colombian jungle, risking his own life to save the little girl.
The film's storyline draws inspiration from real-life events. In 2013, Ballard, along with several former government operatives, founded Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.). This organization collaborates with law enforcement worldwide to combat child slavery and exploitation, facilitating the rescue of children trapped in such circumstances.
According to Caviezel, "This is the best film I've done since the 'Passion of the Christ.' It is a phenomenal film that deserves to be seen." He expressed his enthusiasm for the project and the significant role it holds in his career.
Caviezel was particularly drawn to portraying Tim Ballard in the movie. He compared it to a baseball player connecting with a favored pitch, where the potential for hitting a home run becomes evident. Caviezel believed he could achieve such greatness with this role.
The actor discussed the rigorous preparation that went into embodying the character. He and the real Tim Ballard underwent training together, focusing on close-quarter combat techniques. In a remarkable commitment, Caviezel even joined Ballard on actual missions.
"I would attend these missions, observing Tim and his analytical approach to the situations. It required a meticulous methodology. I aimed to understand who he is, how we are alike, and what defines my character," Caviezel shared, highlighting the depth of his research and dedication to the role.
Through his passionate portrayal and the compelling story, Caviezel hopes that "Sound of Freedom" will resonate deeply with audiences and inspire positive change.
During the filming process, a group of Navy Seals and other armed forces personnel were assigned to provide protection on set. However, Jim Caviezel, initially unaware of this fact, shared an extraordinary incident that occurred during a day of filming when no protection was present. It was later revealed that the same group of special forces had ventured out and successfully rescued 100 children from human traffickers on that very day.
Caviezel expressed his astonishment, stating, "You can't make this stuff up." The actor, known for his devout Catholic faith, has high hopes that audiences will depart the movie theaters with "a new heart."
He elaborated, "A heart that's not afraid. I was praying recently and posed the question, 'Can we love God's children more than we fear evil? Can we love Jesus more than we fear the cross?' Presently, this is the challenge faced by modern-day Christians. We often seek the path of least resistance. However, as the world undergoes significant transformations, we will eventually have to make a decisive choice."
Caviezel's profound reflections emphasize the need for courage, compassion, and a willingness to confront adversity. He urges individuals to prioritize love and faith over trepidation in order to navigate the challenges of our time.
"There exists both good and evil in this world, but a significant portion of that evil resides in those who sit on the fence," Caviezel passionately expressed. He emphasized the necessity to make a decisive choice. Some individuals lean more towards Jesus and the path of goodness, while others lean towards evil, but remaining on that fence aligns one with the forces of evil.
He further elaborated on the importance of making this decision, stating, "And so we have to make that decision... And I love that about Tim Ballard. He's a battle hero's story." Caviezel found inspiration in the character of Tim Ballard, recognizing the courageous path he chose and the battles he fought.
The chilling reality of child trafficking underscores the urgency of addressing this issue. Worldwide, approximately 2 million children fall victim to trafficking each year. The United States is identified as a prominent destination for trafficked children, with reported cases in all 50 states. According to the Human Trafficking Hotline's 2019 report, California, Texas, Florida, Ohio, and New York rank highest in terms of the number of cases. Shockingly, over 350,000 children go missing in the U.S. annually, with an estimated 100,000 of them falling into the grips of trafficking.
Caviezel's passionate words serve as a wake-up call, urging individuals to confront the reality of this heinous crime and take decisive action against it. His message emphasizes the importance of actively choosing the side of good and actively combating the forces of evil that perpetuate child trafficking.
In the film, the line "God's children are no longer for sale" resonates powerfully. In a conversation with CNA, Caviezel shared his belief that children are under attack, extending beyond the issue of child trafficking depicted in the movie. He expressed, "The most vulnerable are under attack for one reason — children are the most innocent of humans."
Caviezel further delved into the profound impact of these attacks on children, touching upon the tragedy of unborn babies being killed, and the unsettling reality of similar acts occurring even after birth. He noted that such actions deeply wound God at His core.
Looking ahead to the ultimate meeting with Jesus after death, Caviezel contemplated the importance of expressing love and faithfulness to Him. He expressed his desire to convey his love for Jesus and affirm that he endeavored to live a life in accordance with God's intentions. He emphasized his willingness to sacrifice his own life for the sake of his faith, recognizing that Jesus truly deserves to be loved.
Caviezel's heartfelt reflections highlight his unwavering devotion to God and his earnest desire to honor Him through his actions and choices in life.
"Pope John Paul said, 'Every generation of Americans needs to know that freedom exists not to do what you like but having the right to do what you ought.' That's the freedom I wish for you, for all of us. It is the freedom from sin, freedom from our weaknesses, and freedom from the enslavement that sin imposes on each of us. This is the freedom that is worth sacrificing everything for."
Caviezel acknowledged his presence in the film and drew parallels to the bravery and selflessness displayed by Tim Ballard, whom he referred to as a warrior saint. He emphasized how Ballard continues to risk his life by confronting cartels, drawing a parallel to the biblical figures of John the Baptist and St. Paul, both of whom faced grave dangers.
Angel Studios, recognized for their popular series "The Chosen," is an American media company and film distribution studio that employs equity crowdfunding to finance their productions. They are encouraging supporters and viewers of "Sound of Freedom" to 'pay it forward' by providing free tickets to those who may not have the means to see the film.
The studio aims to gather 2 million attendees during the film's opening weekend, symbolizing the approximate number of children trafficked annually. By achieving this goal, they seek to raise awareness about the magnitude of child trafficking and the urgency to combat this devastating issue.