Watch Trade of Innocents

Trade of Innocents is a powerful and sobering drama that delves into the difficult topic of human trafficking in Southeast Asia. The film, which was released in 2012, stars Dermot Mulroney and Mira Sorvino as a married couple who are working to uncover and stop a local trafficking ring. John Billingsley also appears in the film as a cynical journalist who provides a more critical perspective on their efforts.

The story is set in Cambodia, where Alex (Mulroney) and his wife Claire (Sorvino) have been working for several years to combat the country's rampant sex trade. The couple runs a non-profit organization that provides shelter and support to young girls who have been rescued from brothels and other trafficking situations. However, their work is complicated by corrupt local officials, who are often complicit in the trafficking and resistant to any efforts to stop it.

As the film begins, Alex and Claire are reeling from the loss of their own daughter, who was kidnapped several years earlier and presumed dead. This personal tragedy has strengthened their resolve to help other girls who are caught in similar situations. However, they are constantly confronted with the harsh realities of the trade, as they witness the brutal treatment of young girls at the hands of their captors.

One of the girls they meet is a 12-year-old named Mai (played by Mia Sorvino's real-life daughter Mattea). Mai has been sold into the trade by her impoverished family, who were tricked into believing that she would be working in a factory. Instead, she is forced to perform sexual acts for male customers, often several times a day. Mai is desperate to escape her situation, but her fear and trauma make it difficult for her to trust anyone.

Alex and Claire are also working with a local police officer named Sreypov (played by Vietnamese actress Trieu Tran), who is one of the few honest officials in the area. However, Sreypov is often sidelined by her male colleagues, who are more interested in taking bribes than fighting the trafficking trade. As the group gathers more evidence and tries to build a case against the traffickers, they find themselves facing danger at every turn.

Meanwhile, Billingsley's character, a jaded journalist named Donovan, has his own reasons for investigating the trade. He is initially skeptical of Alex and Claire's efforts, seeing them as naive and idealistic. However, he is eventually won over by their conviction and the hard evidence they provide. Donovan's cynicism provides a counterpoint to Alex and Claire's idealism, and adds some much-needed levity to the film.

Trade of Innocents is a harrowing film, with several scenes depicting the sexual abuse and exploitation of young girls. However, it is also a story of hope and resilience, as the characters work together to try to make a difference in a cruel and corrupt world. The film is shot on location in Cambodia, which gives it a gritty and authentic feel. The performances are strong across the board, with Mulroney and Sorvino in particular delivering some very emotional scenes.

One of the strengths of the film is its willingness to tackle a difficult and uncomfortable subject head-on. The trafficking of children for sexual purposes is a global epidemic, and Trade of Innocents does not shy away from portraying the horrors of this trade. However, the film also emphasizes the importance of taking action and making a difference, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Overall, Trade of Innocents is a powerful and thought-provoking film that will stay with viewers long after the credits have rolled. It is a reminder of the harsh realities faced by many vulnerable children around the world, and an inspiration to those who believe in the power of compassion and advocacy.

Trade of Innocents is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4 and a MetaScore of 29.