Watch Girls for Sale

Girls for Sale is a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching indie drama from 2016. Directed and written by Richard Lipman, the movie depicts the tragic reality of human trafficking and the lives of three young women who are caught in its web. Set in the seedy underworld of sex trafficking, the movie follows the stories of the three women: Nana (Irina Munteanu), a Ukrainian who was lured into the trade by a deceptive modeling agency; Mia (Alevtina Evgrafova), a Russian who was kidnapped and sold into slavery by a group of criminals; and Fatima (Justine Wachsberger), a Moroccan who willingly entered prostitution to support her family.

The film explores the perspectives of each woman, as well as those of their exploiters, buyers, and others entangled in the industry. Despite their different backgrounds and experiences, the three women share the commonality of being treated as commodities, stripped of their agency and forced to endure horrific abuse and exploitation.

Doug James plays the role of Steve, an American businessman who travels to Eastern Europe for work and becomes unwittingly involved in the sex trade. Although he initially sees the women as mere objects of desire, he gradually develops empathy for them and tries to help them escape.

Sokol Cahani portrays the ruthless Albanian kingpin who runs the trafficking ring with an iron fist. His portrayal of the cold, calculating villain adds a sense of danger and urgency to the film, as the women struggle to stay alive and keep their spirits from being broken.

Throughout the film, the audience is forced to confront the grim reality of the sex trade and the unspeakable horrors suffered by its victims. Girls for Sale is not an easy movie to watch, but it is an important one, shedding light on a topic that is often hidden from public view.

The cinematography is dark and gritty, capturing the bleakness of the women's lives and the seedy underworld in which they exist. The director's use of close-ups and tight shots creates a sense of intimacy, allowing the viewers to get up close and personal with the characters and see their raw emotions.

The editing is tight and well-paced, building tension and suspense as the women's stories unfold. While some may find the narrative structure confusing, with flashbacks and dream sequences interspersed throughout the main storylines, the nonlinear approach adds depth and complexity to the film.

The performances are powerful and nuanced, with the actors portraying their characters with sensitivity and authenticity. Irina Munteanu is particularly impressive, conveying Nana's desperation and vulnerability with heartbreaking realism. Justine Wachsberger brings a level of empathy to the role of Fatima, making her character one that the audience can fully invest in.

Overall, Girls for Sale is a bleak and powerful film that shines a light on the brutal reality of human trafficking. While it is not an easy watch, it is an important one, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable truth about the exploitation of women and girls around the world.