Questionable moral position in ‘Trade’

Cert 15

119 mins

Thriller

Young German filmmaker Marco Kreuzpaintner investigates the ugly truth about sex trafficking in this drama written by Jose Rivera (The Motorcycle Diaries), based on an article in the New York Times by Peter Landesman.

When 13-year-old Adriana (Paulina Gaitan) becomes the latest victim of the kidnappings, her 17-year-old brother and petty thief Jorge (Cesar Ramos) abandons Mexico City to rescue his sibling from her captors, fronted by Russian brute Youchenko (Pasha D Lychnikoff).

Dodging immigration officials, Jorge finds an unlikely ally in Texas lawman Ray (Kevin Kline), who has personal experience with these dangerous men. Meanwhile, Adriana clings onto her sanity with the help of fellow prisoner Veronica (Alicia Bachleda), who refuses to allow the criminal gang that holds them to destroy her spirit.

‘Trade’ abandons any pretence of a serious discussion of sex trafficking and takes an almost perverse delight in the torture and exploitation of the characters, seeking redemption with a feel good ending that doesn’t ring true.

Star Rating: 2/5