Pop star Taylor Swift was named People’s “Person of the Year” for 2023 in part because of the success of her “Eras Tour” and the successful concert film that followed.
While the movie earned nearly $180 million domestically and achieved the title of the top-grossing concert movie of all time, it was not enough to propel it into the year’s top 10.
The movie that pushed it to the 11th spot was “Sound of Freedom,” a film that defied expectations and outraged many leftists to become a runaway hit and the most successful independent cinematic release since 2019.
When it debuted on Independence Day, it quickly became the nation’s top movie, bringing in about $19 million during its opening weekend alone. By the end of the year, it had earned more than $184 million.
Not only did the film, based on the true story of ex-federal agent Tim Ballard’s quest to rescue victims of human trafficking, edge out Swift’s concert film by nearly $5 million, but it also eclipsed the earnings of many mainstream movies with much bigger budgets — including the latest installments in the “Indiana Jones” and “Mission: Impossible” franchises.
Despite, or perhaps because of, the rampant fear-mongering about the movie, which many leftists said was part of a far-right conspiracy, audiences responded positively to the message of “Sound of Freedom” and many celebrities urged Americans to see it.
Dana White tells everyone to see Sound of Freedom:
"I'm giving any of my UFC employees that want to see this movie free tickets to go see it."pic.twitter.com/Nmk97dXe0S
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) July 9, 2023
Singer Jewel denounced those in the media “trying to politicize this movie” and went on to offer her unequivocal endorsement.
“This is a true story about a man who just doesn’t give up on a child,” she said. “It is so touching; you’re going to love it. Please go see it. This is the little indie movie that could. It’s competing with all the giant blockbusters and it’s kicking butt and it deserves it. Go see this to have your heart filled. Love you guys. Take care of your babies.”
Alejandro Monteverde, the film’s writer and director, confirmed that there is currently some discussion about producing a sequel.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg,” he said. “There’s a lot of interest to kind of explore Haiti, what’s happening in Haiti.”
