The faith-based film, about a former Homeland Security agent who embarks on a journey to save hundreds of children from sex traffickers, became the #1 film in America on Independence Day, beating out summer blockbusters like Indiana Jones and the Wheel of Fortune”.
Angel Studio’s “Sound of Freedom” grossed $14.2 million on July 4, taking first place at the box office. It was still doing well on Wednesday, finishing in second place with another $4 million.
Approximately $2 million of the revenue was generated by Pay it Forward Tickets — Angel Studios’ patent-pending technology that allows moviegoers to buy tickets for others who want to see a specific movie.
Film critics predicted the film would gross $20 million by the end of the week.
“This film held my breath and broke my heart from the start. He effortlessly grips you and ignites a fire of determination to make sure the bad guys are brought to justice and the innocent children saved. I can’t.” I highly recommend it – Jim Caviziel’s performance is truly impressive. You can feel the passion and dedication he put into the role, which left a lasting impression on the soul,” reads a review of the film.
“Amazing film and brilliantly made. It was a roller coaster ride of emotions and made you think about how people can do this dangerous and heroic job that can bring you to tears when you think of what they have to see and experience,” reads another review.
Angel Studios is the streaming and distribution platform behind the film.
“Thanks to fans across the country, ‘Sound of Freedom’ secured first place as America’s No. 1 film on Independence Day. We have received numerous messages telling us that cinemas are either full or sold out. This film has now taken on a life.” “It’s a movement in its own right that’s more than that: a grassroots movement,” said Neal Harmon, CEO of Angel Studios.
Supporters say it’s no surprise that the new film is resonating with audiences, given that the family-friendly filmmaking company is behind The Chosen – the highest-grossing crowdfunding project of all time.
The multi-season television series about the life of Jesus Christ has become a smash hit, having been streamed more than 500 million times and has been viewed by more than 108 million people since the first season.
When the series hit theaters last year with the first two episodes of Season 3, it took third place at the box office, beating out DC Comics, Universal and Disney.
Now the adult thriller from Angel Studios enjoys great popularity among the audience. Pre-sales topped $10 million and received an 85% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
“That’s an impressive number for a film that isn’t backed by a glamorous marketing campaign from a major studio. It’s also another sign of the spending power of religious moviegoers, which helped bring “Jesus Revolution” in worldwide sales this spring of an incredible $53 million.” Box despite being the biggest star in that film Kelsey Grammar was,” Variety reported.
With a CinemaScore rating of A+, we’re the highest-rated film in America, and word of mouth will continue to spread into the weekend. The world needs to see ‘The Sound of Freedom,’ and we know that our greatest competitive advantage – our incredible fans and investors – will make sure that happens,” said Harmon.
As reported by CBN News, Jim Caviezel stars as federal agent Tim Ballard, who has worked at the Child Crime Unit for 12 years but is beginning to lose hope. He rescues a seven-year-old boy who was kidnapped along with his sister by brutal human traffickers. When the boy asks Tim to find his sister, Tim discovers his life’s purpose: rescuing children from sex slavery.
Oscar winner Mira Sorvino and Bill Camp also star in the film.
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Caviezel is best known for his role as Jesus in Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ. He also embodied Luke in the film Paul the Apostle of Christ.
Ballard told CBN’s Efrem Graham that when he was approached about the film, he knew immediately he wanted Caviezel to portray him.
“A couple of years into their venture, I think it was December 2017, they came and said, ‘Hey, we’re going to be filming this summer. And we have to pick someone to play you’, which I never got out of my head. ‘To that place because that’s a weird question,'” Ballard recalled.
“I knew who I wanted from the start. ‘If that’s a real question, the answer is Jim Caviezel,'” he told producers.
“I don’t know these actors. I know Jim Caviezel loves Jesus. And that’s the only real requirement I have,” he said.
Caviezel recently told Fox News that he only appears in films that depict “moral redemption.”
“The purpose that God gave me in this business was that I wanted to bring His light,” he explained. “And that doesn’t mean I’m always his light in an industry. And that’s what I wanted to do, but it doesn’t mean I won’t play the devil in films. There just has to be something of moral salvation.”
“I may not have friends around when this is over, but I will have them.” [God]” Caviezel said. “He won’t leave me. At this point I’ll take a look at it. When I leave this earth, I at least give the best that I can give from God and my Father in Heaven. And I want the world to know that I love him. And maybe that’s bad for her. Not for me, but for her.”
Caviezel also shared that he wants people to be inspired by the film.
“This inspiration inspires you to have courage in this new world that we are in right now,” the actor said.