CAGED NO MORE

CAGED NO MORE is a movie designed both to raise awareness of the prevalence of human trafficking, and to motivate action to help us all work together to put a stop to this modern day slavery that still exits both in America, and globally. 

 

The excellent writing, directing, casting, and acting communicate the message in a way that truly touches the minds and hearts of the viewers.  Unlike some other movies that tackle human trafficking, there are no on-screen rape scenes, and the actresses are never scantily clad or otherwise objectified.  This conservative approach to the topic actually enhances the reality of the situation, in that male viewers can more clearly see these women as having the human dignity and inherent worth as people who are loved by God.  This is a huge difference from the counterproductive method of some other human trafficking movies that in an earnest attempt to convey reality have instead provoked male viewers to perceive the actresses the exact way the traffickers do, as objects to be lusted after, rather than as the precious human beings who they truly are. 

 

Cassidy Gifford, who phenomenally portrays trafficking victim Skye, is able to communicate the terror of Skye’s experience through facial expressions that believably convey fear and trauma.   When, in her brothel room, Skye is approached by a well-intentioned young man who speaks to her in Greek, a language she doesn’t understand, her instinct is to assume he is there to rape her, so she cries, and remains unreceptive to his attempt to communicate with her.  As a viewer, your heart breaks for her, realizing that she has been so emotionally wounded that even a kind vocal tone does not dissuade her from assuming the worst, as she appears to have lost hope.

 

Actress/singer Abigail Duhon also brilliantly conveys her character’s emotions through facial expressions and vocal tones, as she portrays Skye’s younger sister, Elle, who is being groomed for trafficking, yet suspects that something is not quite right about the “modeling contest,” she has been told she is preparing for.  Abigail Duhon’s strong acting brings Elle’s pure and innocent personality to life in a convincing way that sends a strong and heart-wrenching message about just who these trafficking victims really are, how they can be our friends and relatives, human beings with dreams, desires, and goals for excellence in life, before they were targeted for such cruel inhumanity. 

 

Kevin Sorbo, who is double cast as two brothers, thrives in both roles.  He portrays Richard, the "good" brother who is an American philanthropist, and Jack, the villainous brother, who has individually brought both his daughters (Skye and Elle) to Greece, in hopes of selling them into human trafficking.  Sorbo plays both roles in such a strong way that these two brothers are always distinctly different, yet both remain believable at all times.

 

Alan Powell plays the role of Will, who is Richard’s son, who spearheads the quest to rescue Skye and Elle, his younger cousins who he never met, due to the estrangement between his father and their father.   Will is an extremely likeable character, played so well, and with such a brave and noble intent that the viewing audience can’t help but want to see him succeed in his potentially self-sacrificial mission.

 

Other stand-out performances come from Loretta Devine as Aggie and Debra Wilson as Leona.  Aggie is the movie’s most overtly devout Christian, constantly praying and placing her trust in the Lord, even during the most difficult times.   She was the primary caregiver for Skye and Elle, before they were taken to Greece by their father.  Her courage and determination are highly admirable.   Leona is Aggie’s niece who is far more straight-laced than Aggie, sometimes shocked by Aggie’s direct, risky, yet always well-intentioned behavior.  I hope to see Loretta Devine and Debra Wilson together again in future movies, because their screen chemistry is first-rate.  As a fan of the 1980s sitcom, Gimme A Break, I found the dynamics between Loretta Devine and Debra Wilson to be reminiscent of those between Nell Carter and Thelma Hopkins, to the point where I felt as if I was watching new material from my all-time favorite female comedy duo.

 

This movie gives publicity to organizations that are actively engaged in fighting against human trafficking domestically and globally, and how we can become involved in this battle against this grave evil that targets our daughters, sisters, cousins, friends, students, and other fellow human beings who share equality of human dignity with us all. 

 

I highly recommend CAGED NO MORE, even for younger teen audiences, provided they are watching with parental supervision.  The movie is currently streaming on Pureflix, and available in other formats, as well.  Please also visit the movie’s website at http://www.cagednomoremovie.com/ to find resources to help get involved in this epic fight against modern day slavery, a fight that can be won, by God’s grace, as we let His light shine through us.