Change Your Image
willdaviswd
Reviews
Rape For Profit (2012)
Disappointing! A lot of inaccurate information
I was hoping this film would offer a different view than what we have come to expect from mainstream media. I was disappointed to say the least. I have done an extensive amount of research regarding the sex industry, and while I agree that trafficking and violence against women needs to stop, continuing to approach it the way this film does, is not going to help.
The film makers were irresponsible (I'm sure to give it some sensationalism). Aside from the film containing a lot of inaccurate information and statistics, the opener starts with them chasing someone down and causing an accident. I'm glad it wasn't my property, kid, or wife the guy hit. Some of the police officers are completely unprofessional and actually engage in behavior that would escalate a situation, exactly the opposite of what they should be doing. And, rescuing these victims results in them going to JAIL! How is that helping them? It only serves to stigmatize them more!
The only reason I gave this four stars is because of the women in the film. They are genuine and real, their stories heartbreaking, I feel for them. They are the true victims, and the backlash from a film like this will only serve to victimize them, and others like them, more. This film is not representative of the industry. American Courtesans is a movie you should see for real insight. All the women show their faces and tell their life stories.
People interested in this subject need to educate themselves about it. People who produce media like this, along with police, most social workers, citizens, politicians, etc., have absolutely no idea of what the real issues are or how complex they are. Nobody is ever going to solve a problem they don't understand. This film only clouds and minimizes the issues.
American Courtesans (2013)
Thought Provoking and Honest
I saw this film at ECU Film Festival in Paris, France. The theater was packed, so much so that people were sitting on the floor in the isles. I went to this film not knowing what to expect. I have been following 'American Courtesans' progress and I had heard that it was different than other films about the industry, and, after a long awaited opportunity to see it, I found that it is.
The first thing I will say is, if you have any preconceived ideas about this film, its content, etc., throw them out the window. This is a film that speaks to people, and, more specifically, it speaks to women.
It's thought provoking, to say the least, and honest. I appreciated it for its sincerity and the sincerity of the women, clients, and family members who told their stories. It portrayed the good and bad regarding the industry. It showed the women for who they are; their failures and their successes. It did not have a political agenda. It was refreshing to see a film about the industry that doesn't have the slant of either conservative or liberal media. And, it was just really cool to see what these women are really like. You never really know who they are, this lets you experience that. People watching the film laughed and cried.
I didn't have the opportunity to speak to Kristen (Producer) and James (Director) after the film. The Q & A was short and they were surrounded by people talking to them about the film (oddly enough, most of them from the U.S.). Everyone with a million questions and excited that a film like this had been produced.
I hope people will set aside their bias and hatred and go see this film. It really was amazing and unlike anything that's been done before.