The Message (1976) User Reviews

great film, visuals and acting

[ShimmySnail · 8/10 · 4 December 2004]

This is a great film. I'm a history major who took several courses in the history of the Middle East and Islam, so nothing is going to be good or accurate or trivia filled enough for me, but it certainly didn't contradict anything I'd learned (for cinematic purposes or otherwise), and that's more than I can say for any historical epic I've seen in several years.

This film starts with Muhammed receiving the Koran from the angel Gabriel and ends at his death. It was filmed in accordance with Islamic political correctness, so The Prophet himself is never depicted, visually or vocally. While this is well affected, it unfortunately removes him from a lot of the story. I would like to have known a lot more about his life from the film, not his mannerisms or speech as depicted by a particular actor, but at least the major events of his life, his children, his wives, and so on.

Having said that, however, the film is still a very good depiction of the birth of Islam. The plot focuses on the historical events rather than the Koran itself, which contains almost no history from its own period, and is therefore different from a lot of Biblical epics which present the historical events IN the Bible. It's accurate in that it tries to present the birth of Islam as most people today probably learn it. Definitely not a propaganda piece, but it's not a movie filled with facts, truth or fiction, more a movie of character and tone. It's more similar to Braveheart than it is to Ben Hur or the Gospel of John. The movie presents a decent snapshot of the times and the attitudes and lifestyles under which Islam developed.

The acting is fantastic, the music is good (won an academy award), and the cinematography, filmed in Morocco and Libya, is beautiful. Costumes are cool, and there's a few scenes with a set of ancient bagpipes for you Celtic history buffs.

"There is only one God, and Mohammad is the messenger of God".

[classicsoncall · 8/10 · 25 November 2017]

Surprisingly, I had never heard of this movie and probably would have never seen it had it not been listed in IMDb's 'Top 250' films of last year. I can't imagine why that is, because films like "The Ten Commandments" and "King of Kings" seem to be universally known from the Christian perspective. I also have to confess that I know very little of the religion of Islam, though we are inundated on a daily basis with the extremist elements that have emerged from that ideology. I thought this picture presented a very even handed portrayal of the origins of Islam, even though a major downside was the inability to show the character of Mohammad on screen, a consideration afforded to the adherents of the religion. As a springboard to learning more about Islam, I think this film is an effective first step, designed to lead those having an interest toward other sources of information. The casting for the film is first rate, with excellent cinematography and bold characterizations. It deserves wider recognition among cinema fans, as evidenced by the relatively low number of user ratings and film reviews on this board.

A tribute to the director

[dogagas · 9/10 · 25 March 2006]

It is shocking and saddening that Mustapha Akkad, the director of this movie, was killed in a terrorist bomb blast not a long time ago. it is saddening that a man with such vision, and such devotion to Islam was killed by those who claim to be the most righteous in it. the irony of it all is simply hurtful. i pray that God grants the directors soul forgiveness and mercy.His movie was an inspiration and a real masterpiece, that helped non-Muslims understand what Islam really is and what Muslims really stand for. His death is a great loss to the Muslim world an i just pray that the Islam portrayed in the movie is revived once again.

A movie about the beginning of Islam

[Bored_Dragon · 10/10 · 5 October 2016]

I am Orthodox Christian, but I must acknowledge this masterpiece. Allegedly, the movie is historically precise, and if it really is, then there's no essential difference between Christianity and Islam. Trouble does not lie in opposition of two religions, it lies in the existence of greedy, blood-thirsty politicians who incite religious fanaticism and abuse basically peaceful religions to accomplish their political and economic goals. Anyway, if you're not Muslim, you just have to put your prejudice aside (if you have any) and you'll enjoy this excellent piece of cinematography.

10/10

The message of truth

[spae0024 · 17 October 2001]

I was assigned to view this movie for class. From what I have learned thus far, this movie is the best representation of the truth about Islam. With all that is going on in the world today and many people's misconceptions about Islam this is a must see for all.

Not only is it an educational masterpiece... The Message has a brilliant musical score, beautiful cinematography, a wonderful script, and terrific acting. If your video stores do not carry it, order it from Amazon.com and learn the truth about the origins of the worlds fastest growing religion and what it stands for.

Inspirational project!

[EVON1TY · 10/10 · 13 March 2023]

Director Mustapha Akkad thought the Islam is misrepresented and there is a right way to present it. He thought the most effective way to present was a creating a movie.

So he moved on to USA with just a Holy Quran to guide him.

Besides the great movie he make, he make it with two different cast for a different language. That is one of the specialities of the project.

The movie is teaching Islam with the best way to present it. The story is saying that Christianity and Islam is not that different, the movie just teaches the truth. Before Internet this was the best way to present the Islam with the right way. There was sadly more Islamafobi than today, there was misunderstanding to Islam. This movie can't fix all that but it was quite amazing project. All the box office earnings were donated by the way.

This wasn't the only reason why he made this movie. He made an amazing movie that inspires so many people. The story of our Prophet Muhammed (S. A. V.) that we all should know. Not the whole life story of course but at least the major events.

Cinematography is quite amazing, I wasn't aware of that because there was no wide-screen version of the movie until 4K Blu-Ray. The 4K makes the visual quality so much better. Also sound quality is improved but it could be better.

The Academy Award nominated Original Scores by Maurice Jarre is just beyond perfect. I don't know how to describe it, It's so inspirational. Composer Maurice Jarre said "I lived in the middle of the desert for three months to get inspiration." He's so brilliant composer, he made one of the most iconic Original Scores of all time.

The Art Direction & Set Decoration is also perfect. Makes you feel that you're living that scene. Costume Design and Makeup is also quite good. These are brings more reality to a Historical movie.

THE motion picture about the history of Islam

[christian.busse · 10/10 · 22 January 2000]

If you are a muslim, you must see this, if you are interested in Islam, you must see this, and all others should still see this. It's an experience of a lifetime! It shows the true meaning of Islam, its roots, its basic beliefs, and so much more... When I first saw this film, it left me in tears and speechless for quite some time after. When I watch it today, it still does! I don't believe anyone can watch this film and not become moved or even shaken by what he/she sees and hears! If the movie has one shortcoming, it's that the main character, prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), is never actually seen or heard, as it would have been a deadly sin to have an 'imposter' playing Him in the movie. Although this takes some getting used to and creates some lengths (i.e. dialogs which are rather more monologues with pauses), the rest of the movie compensates in full! Watching this movie will probably not make you go out to become a muslim (although I have read that most of the cast/crew involved did so), but certainly put some thought and understanding into you. One of the must see movies or all time!!!

Definitely worth seeing!

[fguv · 10/10 · 8 March 2003]

This is a truly excellent movie. It is quite long, but has a beautiful score and engaging story.. Anthony Quinn is terrific.. The movie also provides a short overview of the early years of Islam and the story of its prophet Mohammad.

A masterpiece of religious cinema

[bahai62 · 10/10 · 10 December 2000]

Anthony Quinn is no doubt one of the greatest actors of the 20th century...The strange thing is that he fits to the muslim roles with such a perfection that, with his contribution "The Message" and "The Lion of the Dessert" both have been masterpieces which are still watched by many people. Though the theme of this movie is the birth of Islam, I think it should have a variety of audience from many religions and cultures. I think the things that are emphasized, the struggle for the cause you believe, the sacrifices you have made for the beloved, are all universal values that have been emphasized with a rather outstanding casting and directing...I think everyone should watch this movie no matter what his/her religion, thought, culture is... Thanks Moustapha Akkad, Thanks Anthony Quinn, Thanks Irene Papas....You have made an excellent movie.....

why this excellent movie is not between the IMDb top 250 movies???

[mailme1386 · 10/10 · 23 October 2007]

I have a very simple and straightforwardly question, why this excellent movie by this high rating is not between the IMDb top 250 movies??? you can see other movies have lower ratings are between top 250 and also the number of voters of this movie is enough to be in top If this is not a political matter how you explain it??? This is a cinema and movies related website and not a political one!!! why you are afraid and frighten by this promotion??? It has a simple answer! You do not want to show a real Islamic movie in this site because this may result to correct all misunderstandings about the real Islam and Muslims! So, hide this movie in history, IF YOU CAN!

Authentic & Passionate...

[Xstal · 7/10 · 30 October 2020]

The approvals ascribed at the start of this epic work lend it some considerable gravitas and authority, as well as immense relevance and authenticity. Weighing in at a mighty three hours, more often providing an educational experience than entertaining one, it should nonetheless be an experience undertaken by anyone curious of the history, beliefs and culture of Islam, or indeed anyone with an unfounded view built on poorly grounded foundations, most often laid through social media, television and press distortions.

A great epic movie!

[Engin-Ozdemir · 10/10 · 27 July 2004]

I must say that Anthony Quinn is one of the greatest actors of the 20th century.

The movie is about the birth of Islam in the 6th century.

Moustapha Akkad did a great job with this picture. The locations where very good, good actors, beautiful photographed by Jack Hildyard (he was also director of photography in "the bridge on the river kwai"), and the beautiful music who was conducted by Maurice Jarre!! I must say the music in this movie is one of the best film scores in the film history!!

one last thing: Moustapha Akkad, I like your 2 epic movies very well but I don't understand why you have not make a movie since 1981?? You are a great director but you should be make more movies!

Well made and quite engaging, even for non-Muslims

[grantss · 7/10 · 24 April 2018]

A highly ambitious film, capturing the life of Muhammad. Due to the nature of the subject, director Moustapha Akkad had to thread his way between many restrictions. Not only did the film have to be accurate in its depiction of Muhammad, as anything short of this would be sacrilegious, but, in order to reach a wider audience, it had to appeal to non-Muslims too. Furthermore, his main character could not be shown at all!

Despite these requirements and limitations, Akkad ultimately made a fine movie. Epic in scale, lavish in production and engaging in plot. It clocks in at a touch under three hours but doesn't feel like it, it moves along so smoothly.

Akkad gets around the inability to show Muhammad through some clever devices, often concentrating on his senior aides rather than the man himself, and when he does have to have him present, doing it from a first person perspective. Not as engaging as if we actually had the main character visible, but I can't think of a better way he could have made the film, given that restriction.

As a person who does not know much about the history of Muhammad and Islam, quite edifying.

Good cinematography and battle scenes. Decent performances too.

It's hard to tell a story when you can't use your main character

[Vartiainen · 5/10 · 5 April 2020]

The Message is a film about the rise of Islam on the Arabian Peninsula. It details the life of Muhammad, a citizen of Mecca, a popular trading city at the time, who started preaching about a new vision from God, eventually gaining such a following that he had to be driven out of town by those in power. But this only allowed him to spread his message even farther.

It's a nice enough historical biopic slash religious film. Director Moustapha Akkad went to great lengths to make the film as accurate as possible while still staying true to the doctrine of Islam. His budget wasn't the greatest, meaning that for example the city of Mecca looks rather run down and minuscule, a small scattering of ruins more than anything, but such things can be forgiven.

Two version of the film were made almost simultaneously. One for the Western audiences, with Western actors, and one for the Arabian audience, with an Arab cast. Interesting idea, and one that probably allowed the film to reach the West at all, but I quite honestly would have preferred if he had just stuck with Arab actors. Now the only copy I could find was the one with Western actors, and while they did their jobs admirably, it was still a bit odd to know that this probably wasn't the "definitive" version. Or at best, only half of it.

The film has bigger problem than that, however. And that is the Islamic tradition forbidding images of Muhammad being depicted in any shape or form. Meaning that this film doesn't have Muhammad in it. Sure, he's there, in many of the scenes, but he's not shown, nor is his voice heard. At best we see the scene as through his eyes, with people talking directly at him, i.e. the camera.

They also excluded many of the people closest to him. So the film doesn't have his wives, his daughters, his sons-in-law, nor a couple others of his close relatives. Take all those out and what's left is his uncle Hamza (Anthony Quinn in this version) and his adopted son Zayd (Damien Thomas) as the focus characters.

And I'm sorry, but that's a really awkward way of telling the story. Now it seems like Muhammad is a mute and people around him are putting words in his mouth. Because his character is not allowed to speak. It's like he's a figurehead of this new religion, a puppet on strings. That obviously wasn't the intention nor is it what actually happened, but that's the impression coming through the screen.

Plus it's at times pretty comical, which doesn't help.

The Message is not a bad historical epic. It has passion, it is interesting and the visuals are about as good as they could make them. But its innate limitations make it more than aggravating to watch from a practical point of view.

most amazing experience

[marialette · 10 October 2004]

I saw this film when I was working and living in Brussels in 1979. Most of my friends were North African, ergo Muslim. When this film came out, we all went to the Bourse Cinema. The film itself was very enlightening, and the fact that Mohammed himself was never 'in the picture' (so to speak) I found contributing to the profoundness of the film. What really struck me was that when in the film religious (holy) verses (like psalms) were sung or played, the whole audience would reverently sing along. Very moving.

Of course, it was 25 years ago, and I cannot remember a lot of it, but it was my first encounter with Islam and made a major impact.

Islam makes life better

[openforum · 10/10 · 25 June 2003]

To date this is the best film about the beginning of Islam with hollywood production values.

It's very entertaining, has lot's of action and also manages to inform about Islam in a positive light, as bettering the peoples lives the religion touches.

a masterpiece, a must watch for every Muslim / non Muslim

[itssohail · 10/10 · 5 August 2022]

To all those who are criticizing this masterpiece. Let me remind you, this movie was released in " 1976 " and you are watching it in " 2022 ". A must watch movie no matter you are muslim or non muslim .

Totally Amazing !!!!!!

[duggybrown · 10/10 · 26 August 2006]

This movie is very powerful and uplifting. With todays views on Islam being bad due to extremists who are doing sin against Islam yet claim to be Muslims, this movie honestly tells the truth, it is a must watch to get a real view on the religion and not the view that the media has which is wrong. After watching this movie i seriously considered converting to Islam and so did further research into the religion and now i am pleased to say i am a Muslim, i advise this film to anyone and everyone. The acting , music, directing is all a masterpiece. It was a risky movie considering they didn't show the prophets face neither his voice yet the film was based on him, and yet they managed to make such a brilliant film. From what i heard this movie was banned and no longer shown due to its powerful influence on people and converting them to Islam, although i have no proof on this but it is what i heard.

Islam starts

[lee_eisenberg · 8/10 · 6 July 2011]

Moustapha Akkad's movie "The Message" (alternately called "Mohammad, Messenger of God") tells the story of the founding of Islam. In compliance with Islamic tradition, Mohammed himself is not depicted, since the religion forbids depictions of him. So, the movie focuses mainly on Mohammed's uncle Hamza ibn 'Abd al-Muttalib (Anthony Quinn). Most of the movie is very energizing, despite a few slow scenes. Without a doubt, Mohammed (just like Jesus) was basically a revolutionary, showing how the people in control of Mecca were oppressing the majority of the population. And so, he founded a religion that is now the faith of about one fifth of the world population. One can argue that there was nothing bad about having multiple gods as Mecca did before Mohammed founded Islam, but Mohammed and his followers certainly believed in what they were doing, and the movie makes a very good point of that. Also starring Irene Papas, Michael Ansara (Barbara Eden's former husband), Johnny Sekka and Michael Forest.

Akkad (who was best known as the producer of the "Halloween" franchise) later cast Quinn and Papas in "Lion of the Desert", about Libyan national hero Omar Mukhtar, who fought against the Italian occupation. Akkad got killed in a terrorist attack in Jordan in 2005.

A Must See- especially in these difficult times

[adeel5 · 8/10 · 14 January 2006]

I saw this film again after a span of almost 25 years and was as impressed as I was back then. Superb acting, excellent re-creations and un-matched visuals. The content and its presentation is in a class of its own and it's a pity that politics did not allow the proper running of this movie when it was first released. In the light of the serious misunderstandings and disagreements that have created fissures between the Muslims and the Western Powers, I believe it is a MUST for this film to be re-released. In fact someone should take on the task and make a sequel to it, as a salute to Moustapha Akkad, a legend of his time.

Great! Better than many Christian films of similar theme

[JaydoDre · 8/10 · 22 November 2014]

Firstly, please note this is mostly a review for the English version of the film, because, ladies and gentleman, the maker of this movie shot it twice, once with Arabic actors and once with English speaking actors. That is the kind of dedication that was put into this project. From the start of the film, there is a note that Al-Azhar University approves the historical value of the movie. People took this job seriously and it shows in the final product.

I expected the film to be in Arabic with English subtitles and was disappointed to see a large amount of exceedingly white "Arabs" in the main role. But that did not detract from the quality of the film or its message. The English speaking actors are not well known, but all give good performances.

There is a certain Greek actress, Irene Papas, who plays the wife of one of the tribe leaders and she is something fierce. She has a beautiful wrathful gaze and with those acting skills and face her name should really be bigger in the West.

I eventually briefly viewed the Arabic version of the film and it looks of equal quality. The acting is different but still good.

Because the makers were not allowed to show Mohammed, the prophet, it gives the movie a unique angle but also a unique awkwardness. The first time the story introduced the presence of Mohammed, it was confusing. You stare at the screen and wonder what is going on until you realise that, oh OK, these people were just reacting to his presence.

People speaking to Mohammed are often speaking to the cameraman, and thus to the viewer. Mohammed does not speak, even though people speak to him. So, it feels like you are the silent protagonist in an adventure game. You must agree, it is a bit odd to have a main character who does not appear in his own movie even once. I mean it is pretty cool that these guys think that I am Mohammed, but I would prefer not to get dragged into the birth of Islam if you do not mind.

Please note that this film cannot avoid being a religion pusher, just like any Jesus film would be, but of course any viewer already knows this going in, and if you can make peace with that idea, what awaits you is a pretty epic movie, with clashes of character, faith and sword. It is a very coherent, well shot movie, rival to the best of Christian epics.

Epic.

[igornveiga · 7/10 · 13 July 2022]

As expected, an epic film, well set, the desert scenes are incredible. The script, as much as it follows the holy book, has some twists, for me, as an atheist, it surprised me.

What I find amazing in these films, bibliographic, are the supporting actors (generally people from the region) but it gives a very realistic touch of the events that happened.

The reflection that the film left me was, why do religions preach peace and love to others so much, and do we see so much violence and hate daily? I do not criticize religion, as this is the basis for the modern world, my criticism is, where have we lost The Message? .

From the little I saw, Mohammed, Jesus, Ghandi, they all preached one thing, peace and love for others, that we can follow these teachings more, whether we are religious or not.

A first step in the understanding of Islam ...

[ElMaruecan82 · 10/10 · 22 August 2012]

"Being Muslim myself who lived in the West I felt that it was my obligation, my duty, to tell the truth about Islam. It is a religion that has a 700-million following, yet it's so little known about it, which surprised me. I thought I should tell the story that will bring this bridge, this gap to the West." – Moustapha Akkad, director of "The Message"

And for this visionary effort, I respectfully applaud the late Syrian director who made the inspiring drama and haunting epic celebrating the birth of Islam, a faith that has reached today the billion of followers. So little is yet known about it and what is known doesn't prevent it from certainly being the most misrepresented, misunderstood and openly disregarded of all the religions.

Still, Akkad's initial intention didn't fail, nor had "The Message" lost its cultural significance. the noble purpose of the film was simply diluted in a mass of events and uncontrolled sociocultural representations that contributed to erode the image of Islam within the average Occidental eye. Ultimately, for one film trying to depict the positive values for which Islam stood, the scarf, suicide bombers, hijackers, the terrorist attacks of September 11th, the Great Djihad or the Prophet-drawing controversy contributed to a whole negative mythology damaging the image of Islam.

Indeed, the Green Scare still prevails and it's even sadder that Akkad, himself, was killed, along with his daughter, in a terrorist attack in Jordan in 2005. But this tragic irony of fate should also give the benefit of doubt toward Islam when it's the most faithful and respectable followers that are killed by minorities pretending to be of their own. The first victims of terrorism in the Islamic world are Muslims indeed; sadly, the media are so prejudiced that they're most likely to associate Islam with a fatalistic image of violence and intolerance, while its Universalist message was specifically delivered to stand against the very injustices on which it is blamed by the detractors.

The film opens in the Mecca of the sixth century, where people from different regions of the Arabic peninsula came to pagan pilgrimages. At that time, like the Merchants who were banished from the Temple by Jesus, some rich exploiters made a real business out of a religious obedience counting no less than 300 idols, all represented in statues and totem-like figures. Slavery naturally existed, so did such infamous 'traditions' as baby girls' burials. But the days of these barbarian practices were numbered and rumor had it that Muhammad met the Ange Gabriel and received a Revelation. Muhammad was an illiterate shepherd in his forties but the Miracle happened when he was capable to read the Divine Message. Islam's founding event was the miracle of Muhammad's reading, which says enough about the importance of knowledge as a virtue more valuable than any skills at fighting.

Muhammad and the first ranks of martyrs standing behind him would become a threat to the Order. The film illustrates from the contrast between Meccan practices and Muslims, the true nature of Islam: tolerance, justice and total equality. One of the most symbolical and powerful moments come when Bilal, the Ethiopian slave, refuses to slaughter a man who was stating that everyone was equal in Islam, which earned him a worse punishment. Bilal would ultimately become the first muezzin of Islam's history, the voice that reassembles Muslims to the mosque for the prayers, and it's still a man's voice that continues to unite Muslims in all over the world. There is this constant idea of the world as a whole, of men and women as one people submitted to one God, as the first pillar of Islam is the testimony of faith, that there is no god but God (Allah) and Muhammad is his apostle.

And speaking of Muhammad, I have to be honest, it's very difficult for me to review "The Message" as the film speaks for something deeply rooted in my soul: a vague notion some would describe as 'faith'. Faith is never blind in my opinion but it does possess blinding effects. At the end, it's impossible for me not to feel directly concerned by 'The Message", as a Muslim, and I'm not blind because I don't want to see what could be seen as flaws but because I see what can be seen as flaws but I know that there are not, and that the film handles bravely and tactfully a very difficult subject. And naturally, the first element that would immediately divide opinions is the representation of the Prophet Muhammad.

It's one of these strange ironies that one of the most influential and important personalities of Humanity's history is the least represented human figure. But that's the very basis of Islam, there's no Icon because "The Message" came specifically to fight the pagan obscurantism, nothing can be sacred, not even a human since there is no god but God, there's no God-like figure, even the Divinity of the Christ, the Trinity, is not recognized. The physical absence of the most preeminent character can confuse some viewers, but this is the way Islamic civilization acknowledged the holiness of Muhammad without materializing, that would have fatally made him an icon.

This is why Muhammad is spoken about but never seen, but his aura is powerfully indicated by all the other performances, notably the late Anthony Quinn who plays Hamza, the prophet's uncle. Many other epics would be made about Islam, but "The Message" remains the milestone, the first to tackle the difficulty of representing the prophet and its resonance in the Islamic world is indubitable. Till now, Maurice Jarre's score, rightfully Oscar-nominated, is used in many religious programs and is widely associated with Islam, as if it was capable to translate into notes, this very aura Muslims tend to embrace without totally touching it.

No one is perfect after all, only God is.

An introduction to Islam

[p-stepien · 7/10 · 26 September 2012]

This life story of prophet Mohammed is strictly halal - a retelling of the beginning of Islam true to the essence and devoid of popular misconceptions about the religion. This naturally caused a significant filming problem as depiction of Mohammed is haram (forbidden), so director Moustapha Akkad had to devise a way of shooting a movie about the prophet without ever showing him or even supplying him a voice. This actually initiated a popular uprise amongst Muslims, when the movie was first received, as they were fed by the wrongful assumption that Anthony Quinn is indeed portraying Islam's holiest man. In fact however the closest we ever come to seeing Mohammed is a shot of his famous blade Zulfiqar (in some traditions a gift from the Archangel Gabriel), his wooden staff or a first-perspective camera as we look through his eyes.

The story itself is told by secondary figures (as depicting Mohammed's immediate family is also not allowed) like the prophet's uncle Hamza (Anthony Quinn) or adopted son Zaid (Damien Thomas). Other characters featured are the freed slave and first Muezzin Bilal (Johnny Sekka) as well as his first enemies: Hind (Irene Papas), Abu Sofyan (Michael Ansara). Apart from the origins of the religion, its similarity to Old Testament teachings of discarding false pagan idols, kinship to Christianity and Judaism (extremely well depicted when Muslim refugees seek audience with the Christian Emperor of Abyssinia), the movie also indulges into epic warfare with two key battles fought during the emergence of the Islam: the Battle of Badr and the Battle of Uhud (argually the weakest spot in the movie as lacking tension and poorly choreographed). There obviously is a significant problem with the main protagonist of the story hidden from sight and his messages relayed by third persons, as it causes lack of character identification and little involvement into events portrayed apart from a historical and educational standpoint.

As pure contextualisation of Islam "The Message" stands the test of time, at times struggling within the confines of non-presenting the prophet and carrying a mixed bag of performances, but otherwise steadfastly placed within the facts and religion. Somewhat whitewashed, albeit not as much as some detractors would claim, it carries the strong humanist ideal behind Islam, focusing on points which ring self-evidently morally correct in modern time (mainly regarding slavery, equal rights or women emancipation). That does of course bring to the forefront questions whether Islam has been so misrepresented by religious scholars or subverted by tradition, that especially women's rights as nowhere near the place it is presented in the movie.

A strong kinship exists between this movie and those epics dealing with the birth of Christianity, such as "Quo Vadis", "Ben Hur" or "The Ten Commandments". Not only regarding the subject, but a predominant Hollywood model of portraying such religious events. As such faith conversion is never deeply analysed, but treated as a given (obvious superiority of the new faith over idolatry). With such framing right and wrong is obviously divided between religious lines, although a certain grey area does exist and 'villians' are always offered a chance at redemption. Essentially glorified iconography not much can be derived from it as commentary, most heartfelt reactions are brought about by messages inherent to the given religion. Nonetheless an excellently shot movie gifted with a strong budget (apparently given by the late Muammar Gaddafi), nicely pulled in together by a gifted helmer.

Proves that big-budget features can be made in Arab countries. I for one wish for some big financiers to throw together their diamond rings, Maybach's and gold-platted villas to fund a movie portraying the Arab point of view on the Crusades...

It's like "Waiting for Godot" or "Finding Waldo" in the desert.

[t_atzmueller · 3/10 · 11 January 2013]

I admit that I'm a sucker for long, lingering history-epics and state proudly: I've seen them all (or at least most). And although my interest in religion (never having understood why "The Bible" is considered real, and "Lord of the Rings" isn't), I couldn't allow myself to pass this curiosity of a historic epos.

This might be an enjoyable romp for believers, who either know the story already or believe that the story happened as portrayed here, but all others might begin to wonder early on: "Why am I watching a three-hour-plus movie with an imaginary protagonist?" Anthony Quinn does his best to make his performance carry the scenes but there is something restraint in his performance and after a couple of hours of watching Quinn talk either straight to the camera or to what often seems an 'invisible friend', one cannot help but to feel slightly schizophrenic.

If would have taken a director with guts, say Martin Scorsese (who would later refresh sanctimonious, one-dimensional bible films with his controversial "The Last Temptation of Christ"), to turn this tepid retelling into a real film. Perhaps in the future, a death-defying crew of producers and directors decide to make a remake of this film, allowing the protagonists to be portrayed, such as is the case in many other films, by an actor. My personal choice for Mohammed would be Daniel Day Lewis.

If non-controversial, conformist films about the origin of a creed are your thing, I recommend "The Bible" or "Little Buddha" (which actually might have benefited from a policy that would have stopped Keanu Reeves from being seen or heard on screen). If you enjoy Anthony Quinn in his role as bearded, fez-wearing Arab, why not go for "Lawrence of Arabia" or even "Omar Mukhtar – Lion of the Desert" (like "The Message" co-produced by slain Libyan president Muhammar Ghadaffi).

This movie I can only recommend to the quire to which it's already preaching, and perhaps people who enjoyed watching "The Invisible Man" but found the Chevy Chases voice-over annoying.

I'll give it three points: one for the beautiful setting, one for the lovely musical score and, despite acting slightly more restraint than usually, one for Anthony Quinn.