Nefarious: Merchant of Souls (2011) Reviews

• Well-made, gripping, informative!

  servienteprincesa2011-11-30

  Gripping, well-made, and yet hopeful. The creators take viewers to countries around the globe--some expected, and some surprising--and give a broad picture of human trafficking. They interview prostitutes, pimps, traffickers, and those seeking to help. This film is passionate and inspired me to view prostitution--both legal and illegal--through different eyes. Though this is their first film, it did not seem like it. It was very well made and gripping. It was the first film I have seen on the topic and I felt it did an excellent job at introducing the subject and challenging viewers. The section on prostitution in the US was eye-opening for me as well. I heartily recommend this film, although it does contain very hard-hitting content (I wouldn't recommend it for children or young teens). I understand they are making a follow-up, which I am eager to see!

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• Starts with a shocking 5 Minutes!!

  kimberlyharshman2012-02-21

  Initially, you may want to run out of the screening as you are introduced to the infamous "breaking grounds", where mafia and organized crime destroy young women. But, stay put because you will be glad you did. The makers of Nefarious carry your heart very responsibly throughout this entire documentary. My favorite moment-the beautiful Cambodian girl who now believes she is a princess and that God loves her. I also love that you hear stories of so many broken people and then get to see later on that they were radically saved and rescued out of the industry! But, just so you know, not all of them choose to go through that open door. Someone actually returns to prostitution.

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• The best documentary I've seen on human trafficking!

  blaireblaire112012-02-21

  WOW! I was blown away by Nefarious: Merchant of Souls! As someone who has a heart for human trafficking, I've watched a lot of documentaries, news reports and mini-series on the issue. But Nefarious was unlike anything out there! It's informative, powerful and hopeful. The information in the film was eye-opening and the conclusions the filmmaker came to really caused me to re-evaluate what I thought I knew about trafficking. I left feeling not only emotionally stirred, but commissioned to take action- that there is something I can do to fight against this issue of modern-day slavery. Also, a big bonus, Nefarious has incredible cinematography- what a quality film!! Everyone should see this movie.

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• From a survivor's perspective

  joycerrific2012-03-22

  For most people, allowing others to represent themselves in a business interview would be absurd. For most people, picking a lawyer to defend or prosecute on one's behalf, accurately, is a task that's nearly futile. For most people, we don't appreciate it when others relay personal events in our lives to mutual friends out of a concern that the situation won't be portrayed in a manor that depicts the whole truth. For most people, we become irritable when someone interjects and answers a question on our behalf, when the question was intended for you to answer. For most of us, we vote on a presidential candidate who most genuinely represents our beliefs & values. It can be unnerving to allow others to speak on your behalf. As a survivor of human trafficking, I have found it nearly impossible to justly articulate or portray a picture, in it's entirety, of the horrors that I and thousands of others have endured. There is a groan from within for humanity to understand, to empathize, and to defend those rendered powerless. However sadly, most cannot wrap their minds around the nature of this trauma. Most are simply informed, but are never presented hope to believe there can be authentic renewal for victims. But Nefarious: Merchant of Souls does just that. This documentary understands, empathizes, and defends. Nefarious brings hope. Nefarious presents the necessary validation that is crucial for survivors to rebuild trust in a society that so seemingly accepts such atrocities by it's passivity. Nefarious: Merchant of Souls boldly advocates on the behalf of myself, and others in an honorable way, and is worthy to speak on behalf of survivors.

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• Hard Hitting, Informative, Gripping Film On The Horror of Sex Trafficking

  lmickelwait2012-02-22

  This is by far the best documentary on human trafficking ever made. It goes in depth to look at all of the complex factors that enable this horrific crime against humanity to continue and offers solutions in order to empower the viewer to take action. Unlike other films on the topic, Nefarious makes the important connection between prostitution and human trafficking and has a global perspective. The film is packed with solid facts, statistics and expert interviews and it is a must see for anyone who is interested in tackling the issue of human trafficking. Director Benjamin Nolot created a film that ranks as one of the best documentaries ever made. The re-enactments are well done, the interviews are hard hitting and he was able to engage the hearts and emotions of the audience while at the same time engaging the mind. The film is inspirational, emotive, hard-hitting, informative and will leave you both speechless and empowered.

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