This movie was difficult to rate... difficult to watch too. However, not at all because it was a bad movie. In fact, "Trade" is just the opposite. It is a brilliantly written, wonderfully directed film with an emotionally charged soundtrack and outstanding acting. The only trouble I had with this movie had to do with the subject matter and the realistically shocking way this talented bunch brought such a s dark and shocking issue to life.

Paulina Gaitan is heart-breaking and brilliant as Adriana, a 13 year-old Mexican girl who is snatched right off of her bike in broad daylight to be sold for sex to the highest bidder in an international internet auction.

Also excellent is Alicja Bachleda who plays Veronica, a single mother who sadly also finds herself caught by the money-hungry group of rapists and murderers. The rapport established between these 2 women in their struggle to survive is hauntingly believable and chilling. And their male counterparts are not amateurs either. Adriana's brother, Jorge, played by Cesar Ramos gave an equally flawless performance, as did Kevin Klein who firmly establishes that he can easily slide into a serious and dramatic role and be disturbingly convincing too.

Just keep in mind that the content of this movie is no laughing matter. It is dark, it is ugly, and it depicts the innocent, weak and vulnerable being exploited for sex, money, wealth and power. And the sad truth that this movie brings to light is that this type of situation is occurring daily on a global scale and shockingly there is very little being done about it by authorities. Hopefully, at the very least, this film will help to educate and alert people to the dangers around them. Sometimes awareness is the key to prevention. Just be prepared, "Trade" is definitely not for the emotionally sensitive or squeamish.