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Sex Traffic (2004) (TV) More at IMDb Pro »

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26 out of 32 people found the following comment useful :-
Human traffic, 22 octubre 2004

Author: paul2001sw-1 (paul2001sw@yahoo.co.uk) de Saffron Walden, UK

It's easy to understand why someone who is starving and homeless might risk everything in search of a better life abroad. But there are countries in which, although they are poorer than the affluent west, people can get by. So why do their citizens endure the most appalling hardship as economic migrants and illegal immigrants? Blame it on the grotesque disparities in exchange rates, which mean that a year's savings in Britain might be a lifetime's in Moldova; but blame it also on our most corrosive export, the myth that sustains our own societies, that man can control his own destiny, that we can, that we must, always seek to make something more of our lives. The irony is that the pursuit of this dream can take all of us only further away from what matters: a place in which, and people with whom, we can be at home.

The subject matter of migration has been excellently served in recent years, through the wonderful Channel Four documentary, 'The Last Peasants', and through Michael Winterbottom's sublime film, 'In This World'. 'Sex Traffic' completes a noble trilogy, with its harrowing but sadly convincing script, fine direction and stunning performances from its leads: British actor John Simm and, in two more demanding roles, a brilliant pair of young Romanian actresses, Anamaria Varince and Maria Popistasu. Serious but also dramatic, this is an outstanding mini-series. I have only two relatively minor quibbles: the journalistic, pseudo-documentary feel is slightly overdone, especially in episode one (the story doesn't need such heavy-handed treatment); and the strange way the film stigmatises an American multinational company. It's perfectly reasonable to believe that the power of such companies is one the main causes of the economic imbalances that fundamentally drive migration; but this company is merely guilty of covering up the fact that some of its employees have done bad things (but of course, it's easier to blame a bogeyman than it is to blame ourselves, and our own outrageous share of the global wealth). Don't let these matters put you off watching one of the most outstanding, emotional, and important, dramas of the year.

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21 out of 23 people found the following comment useful :-
Indeed a great movie., 3 junio 2005

Author: siderite de Romania

I expected this movie to have won the BAFTA award only for showing a controversial subject and being a Romanian co-production, like a sympathy vote for our lesser movies. I was completely blown away after seeing it. It was a film where international actors (american, British, Romanian being the most) created realistic scenes, completely believable and inspiring. Great script, directing and acting.

What is this movie about? It's about the ultimate feeling of helplessness. The characters all feel it at some time or the other and certainly the viewers do. As young girls are hauled away through Eastern and Western Europe, the viewer is raped as they are in that comfy belief that human society is nice, modern and evolved.

It is one of those few movies that make you feel sick inside, without being gory or too graphic. Is it a global conspiracy to blame for the evil depicted in the film? No, it's simple human nature. I can only compare this movie with Das Experiment, a movie that I recently saw, or with the more classic Cannibal Holocaust. It does feel a bit lengthy at times, but that's because you can't believe what you are seeing. You do believe it, but you don't want to.

A great performance from our Romanian actors. I loved the girls and the fat policeman. A great performance from the other actors as well, but in the end, they just fade away in front of the script and directing. Great job! I want more. Actually, I don't. I want a bit less. I am still shook up.

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18 out of 19 people found the following comment useful :-
:(, 11 junio 2006

Author: Sanja Vladic (majsanja@verat.net) de Serbia and Montenegro

I have to apologize to you all if my English is bad. I will try to be the most understandable then ever. I just finished with watching the first part of this movie. No movie left such a powerful impression on me as this one. I was crying like a baby. And those tears were not the result of happiness. I do not want to talk about production. That is not important. Important is the thing that there are some people, girls, and they are just like Lena and Vara, but not in the movie yet in real life. How we could help them? What can we do for not happening these things to some girl? It is awful...really awful. And I am ashamed for being a human!

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12 out of 12 people found the following comment useful :-
This is a story that grabs, holds on and haunts long after!, 19 junio 2005

Author: wwhitbeck de Canada

Expectations were low when I decided to PPV this two part flick. I was blown away! This story held me enthralled enough to desperately search out part two within seconds of the end of part one.

While I would like to think that this kind of thing doesn't happen in the free world, I'm convinced that it does and the portrayal here is as accurate as you are ever likely to get. What these sisters endure is simply tragic. Lives are destroyed because someone dared to dream, and follow that dream.

This movie is also a testament to the love and bond of sisters. When one sister begins to spiral downwards her sister will do anything to bring her back, even if it ensures that she herself will continue along in the hell hole they are trapped.

This is a must watch movie for every male and female on the planet. Don't just watch...feel.

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11 out of 15 people found the following comment useful :-
What the hell ?, 11 octubre 2004

Author: iang-3 de Vancouver

After seeing this 2 parter on CBC this weekend, I must confess complete and utter ignorance of this issue. For a while I thought we had learned from the mistakes of the past, only to find we in the 21st Century are no different from those of the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries in regard to the buying and selling of human flesh.

Who are buying these women ? What makes this trade work ? Is it us men ? Is it our partners for withholding sex to get what they want ? What a screwed up world we live in. These are the questions I am faced with after seeing this program.

This mini series portrays the sex slave industry is its gory details. Two young sisters, in an effort for a better life, are sold and moved through eastern to western Europe and eventually find themselves in London. How they make the journey is by the far the most scariest thing a human could ever experience.

My one beef is that the CBC left in the violence, rape scenes and beatings and edited out the F word every time - bizarre.

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5 out of 5 people found the following comment useful :-
strong and realistic docu-drama, 25 agosto 2007

Author: dromasca de Herzlya, Israel

This is what director David Yates was doing before the last Harry Poter and I believe that he is worth being looked attentively, because this is a very different kind of movie and he is doing very well. This is a docu-drama about a very serious social and human problem for the countries in Eastern Europe and for the West as well, the human trafficking and sexual slavery that throws each year thousands of young girls aspiring to a better life in the hands of prostitution rings all over the 'civilized' world.

The script is well written, with a credible story, even if the big corporation involvement part was a little too conventional. Acting is clean and efficient, and the mix of nationalities and languages is very credible. Directing is made with a sure hand, locations are well and realistically filmed and this TV movie makes a strong and moving case for a problem that should not be ignored.

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3 out of 3 people found the following comment useful :-
This may be the most important movie you ever see., 28 junio 2007

Author: littlekingltd de United States

I am saddened that this film could not be seen by more people. Yes, it is gritty. Yes, it is rough. But it will change your life and will make you want to change the lives of others. David Yates crafts the horrific images and reality of the sex trafficking world. He is a hero for affecting so many (or so few?) by taking on this task.

When the film was over, I wished there was a list of phone numbers of organizations I could call to help prevent these atrocities from occurring any longer. You will too. Please, instead of passing on one of those ridiculous emails, thinking that you will make a change, pass this movie on - it might actually get the job done.

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3 out of 3 people found the following comment useful :-
Truly shocking, but very true, 3 septiembre 2006

Author: Java Bean de Netherlands

I came across this film while flicking through the TV channels one late evening. Funnily enough, my wife and I thought that we might have a night of romance before watching this film. However, after nearly thirty minutes of watching the terror unleashed on the women in this film, any thoughts of sex quickly disappeared from our minds. The film portrayed the truly tragic story of young east European women sold into the sex trade. After living in England for many years, there were some chilling reminders for me, such as the brothel in a normal residential street, and the east European gangs that operate in London's underground stations - all of which I have seen with my own eyes! Perhaps the most terrifying detail in this film was the level of sophistication of the gangs, resident in almost every European country, with far reaching contacts in the community. I would advise everyone to watch this film, as it is chilling reminder of the level of double standards in this world, and how corporations in war torn countries operate with total impunity, under the premise of "we're helping them with their reconstruction".

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7 out of 11 people found the following comment useful :-
A businessman's view, 13 enero 2006

Author: nick-1265 de Australia

I guess we just haven't been out of our caves long enough if these depraved specimens of human kind still walk among us. Whereas I could happily watch the traffickers neck deep in an ant nest there was one aspect that seemed a little odd. The price paid for these women seemed way low considering the ROI. I am naive enough to hope for some black ops assassin squad to clean up some of these slavers and at least put some mortal fear into the rest. Shame is that, as usual, those in power are usually enmeshed in this disgusting tapestry. An excellent film that is unfortunately wasted on the likes of us. We will be appalled then dismayed to the point of tears then look for the nearest comedy.

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2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
A subject that will take your breath away., 25 diciembre 2006

Author: Pinklavender de United Kingdom

*** This comment may contain spoilers ***

I have just sat through 3 hours of what has to be one of the most amazing dramas I have ever seen - I can't understand how I missed it when it was first released - totally my loss! The subject of sex trafficking is well publicised now but this film truly gives you a personal insight into the hell these girls go through in order to survive and the scum they have to associate with. Under normal circumstances I might call these traffickers animals, but that is too good a word as an animal would not treat another animal like this.

However, what surpasses everything is the quality of acting by all concerned and the merging of the nationalities was so intense and so perfect that both casting and directing were sheer genius.

I have always thought that John Simm, Wendy Crewson and Chris Potter to be actors who are totally underrated for the fine performances they always can be depended upon to give and in this film, there is no exception. What completely took my breath away was the compelling acting from the actors - from the girls, the traffickers and the police - which was amazingly realistic and strongly delivered.

Although the ending was predictable - the balance between big business winning through regardless; the personal loss was different to those involved with Tom Harlsburgh losing his family (which of course he deserved!)against Elena Visinescu losing her sister (which wasn't!)but regaining her son. At least there was one happy ending within the thousands of tragic endings that happen every year to these girls.

I think this film should be shown regularly to keep the plight of these girls in the forefront of news around the world. Because if it is happening in London, then you can be sure it is happening near you! Well done C4 and CBC - more of the same please!

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