Slavery in the form of human trafficking is still a global, unbelievably evil reality today.
There aren’t many PG-13 films that tackle the subject.
Priceless is one of the best. (Priceless was made in 2016 and not to be confused with a movie by the same name made 10 years earlier in 2006.)
Based on the true story of James Stevens, a young man who became destabilized by his wife’s death and couldn’t hold a steady job.
His situation becomes so bleak that he has to give up custody of his child.
To earn some quick cash, he accepted a job driving an unmarked box truck to the West Coast “no questions asked.”
However, questions inevitably arise, and James is left with the dilemma: Look the other way, take his cash, and go back for his little girl . . .
or rescue the two girls who are being trafficked in the unmarked truck.
Although this movie is inevitably rough, the movie has a lot to teach, not only about developing character and heroism, but also about raising awareness of human trafficking.
I don’t watch R-rated movies as a rule, but I suspect this commentary by Joe Leydon of Variety magazine is right on: “Priceless achieves greater impact through understatement and implication than many other similarly plotted movies do with R-rated explicitness.”
In many countries, young woman are being sent to America or other countries to pay off debts with the promise of a better life, when in reality they’re being sold into sex trafficking.
Many listless, lonely teens have no idea what’s going on so are vulnerable to being beguiled into sex trafficking by flattering, attractive “friends” who are really pimps.
This moving drama (but based on true events) helps us remember that every human being is priceless and worth rescue! James Stevens and his wife are still in the rescue business, and if you want to learn more, watch the movie and find the link (although I think they keep things very private for security purposes). In Michigan, you can also contact MAP (Michigan Abolition Project). I suspect most states have similar programs. If you’re a victim of trafficking and want help, or if you suspect trafficking going on around you, contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888, or text 233733.
The Bible has this ominous pronouncement for those who practice evil and make merchandize of people: “The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men. And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all” (Revelation 18:12-14).
“Lord, how long wilt thou look on? rescue my soul from their destructions, my darling from the lions” (Psalm 35:17).
Summer Setting 