Review of Trade of Innocents (2012) by Donna H — 13 Nov 2018

There is an old proverb that says a man's gift makes room for him and brings him before great men. And in the case of filmmaking, brings him before great audiences. By the same token, the moviegoing audiences who receive the gift of an important film are also favored.

Trade of Innocents sublimely lives up to the proverb. Room has been made for the accomplished Christopher Bessette, his skillful cast and crew, and for the gift of his film, Trade of Innocents. Recognized afresh in 2018 and pitted against 2018 blockbusters, TOI receives a well deserved and newly awarded revival.

Originally released in 2012 to multiple awards (2 Best Picture, 1 Best Drama, and 1 Best Director), Trade of Innocents lives up to the definition of a true sleeper success today. Now six years laters, filmmaker and writer Christopher Bessette again wins Best Director and Mira Sorvino wins Best Actress at the 2018 Canadian International Faith & Family Film Festival.

Christopher Bessette's talent for storytelling and directing presents itself in this edgy 2012 film. The mature PG-13 audience is granted an unsettling dramatic story the deals with child sex trafficking in a southeast Asian location and highlights reformations desperately needed in our society. The main characters, married couple Claire and Alex, have devoted themselves to helping the cause of saving innocent children who have been traded for sex. Still tender over the death of their own child, Alex, a human trafficking investigator, and Claire, a volunteer in a shelter for girls rescued out of the sex trade, are passionately committed despite the dangerous exploits that unfold.

Do not overlook Trade of Innocents. A gem of a film guaranteed to entertain and provoke you. Truly a gift from the consummate filmmaker, writer, director, CHRISTOPHER BESSETTE.