Customer Reviews

The Message (30th Anniversary Edition)

5 star:		(85)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

The reaction of Muslims to cartoons of the prophet Muhammad in a Danish newspaper were hardly surprising since I recalled how when "The Message" was released in 1976 the publicity that talk about how Muhammad was not depicting on screen in the film. What I learned in finally watching the film is that this also meant that the voice of the prophet could not be heard as well, and that his immediate family (wives, daughters, sons-in-law) are also covered by this prohibition. This means there are moments in the film where actors address the camera directly, which represents Muhammad's point of view and pause as they listen to dialogue that is not being spoken. Anthony Quinn plays Hamza, an uncle of Muhammad, and becomes one of several key figures, including Bilal ibn Ribah (Johnny Sekka), who explain and accept Muhammad's teachings.

The key thing about this film is that the title tells you what it is really about, which is to say "The Message" rather than the messenger. There are biographical elements of Muhammad's life presented, usually as exposition by other characters when talking about the prophet, but what matters more are the beliefs espoused by the faithful. This is not to say that there are not fascinating historical details, such as how it was decided that the faithful would be called to prayer by a human voice rather than a horn or drum, and the story of Muhammad being saved from death by a web spun by a spider, because clearly there are some key events depicted in the film. But mostly it is the declarations of faith that will stand out in the minds of the audience. The fact that there will be relatively few viewers who will not learn something about Islam from watching this film that speaks to exactly why it should be seen.

The University of Al-Azhar in Cairo and the High Islamic Congress of the Shiat in Lebanon endorsed the accuracy of the film, and while it was banned in many Middle Eastern countries, it was because objections were raised to the making of a commercial film about Muhammad, and not because of doctrinal concerns. The film is directed by Moustapha Akkad, who made an Arabic version, "al-Ris?lah," with different actors on the same sets on which he filmed "The Message." He only other film as a director was 1981's "Lion of the Desert," which reunited him with Anthony Quinn, but I suspect most people will remember his name as being the executive producer of the "Halloween" films. However, Akkad deserves more credit as a producer for getting the film made than he does for what he brings to it behind the camera as the director.

The educational value of this film far outweighs it cinematic merits. At 177 minutes it runs a bit long because of the number of battle sequences in which the audience has no real appreciation for what is going on. What matters are the victories and how they advanced the cause of Islam, and not the tactics on those battlefields. Besides, during these battles there are long stretches without dialogue and troops matching around in the desert, which do feature Maurice Jarre's Oscar nominated score. The best parts of this film are when these figures from history are talking about the beliefs and tenets of Islam, and the worst are the melodramatic parts, which usually involve Irene Pappas as Hind, whose emotionalism runs against the tenor of the rest of the cast, exemplified by not only Quinn but Michael Ansara as Abu Sofyan, the leading merchant of Mecca. Keeping clear who these characters are might be difficult, but understanding what they believe will be easier and much more important.

I would be shocked if there was another movie made devoted to either the life of Muhammad or the rise of Islam, so "The Message" is going to be the only dramatization of those subjects available to teachers to show their students. If I could cut a third of this film its educational value could be doubled, but even with its flaws this film is going to teach them more about Islam that any textbook chapter or documentary of talking heads and ancient artwork. As for "The Message" constituting an effort at conversion, I do not see that to be the case. What I expect is that students, seeing a choice between the three hundred and sixty tribal gods kept in the Kaaba by the merchants of Mecca who set themselves up as the overlords of Arabia, and the monotheism declared by Muhammad that also established the equality of slave and master in the eye of God, will agree with the faithful in this film as to which path to choose. There should be some fascinating classroom discussions after watching this film, and being reissued this year on DVD as a 30th-anniversary edition should increase the chances of that happening.

I am not a Moslem so I can not speak about the authenticity or faithfulness of this film. My understanding is that Moslems like it. It looks like the reviews do that. I am a middle school teacher and I use this movie to teach my students about Islam. It is very popular with them. I find it interesting that the kids are cheering for Mohammad and his followers by the end of the film. Thinking of Moslems as "the good guys" is something our media and culture has not traditionally done, so I really appreciate the ways this film challenges societal predjudices.
I think an honest review would admit that the acting is somewhat cheesy in spots. It also raises some questions that a non-Moslem might not know answers to. For instance, why isn't Ali shown? In a teaching situation, though, that is good. You have the kids do some research and try to find answers. All and all I would highly recommend this film to any teachers out there who are looking for an highly engaging way to introduce their students to Islam.

Having recently embraced Islam, I am happy to say this movie was my eye opener and a turning point for any doubts or confusions I had before I took my final step toward Islam. Once I watched it, I knew I was doing the right thing. It is brilliantly made, especially considering how old the movie actually is, and every time I watch it the tears flow more. I am glad the movie is back in circulation and know that it will help anybody who wants to learn more about Islam. I pray more people will take steps toward studying Islam and erasing any misconceptions they have. This movie will certainly help. It is accurate and reliable history and I recommend it as a teaching reference for anybody who wants to present Islam as well. It's even better when you watch it the second time round. I only wish they'd make it in more languages.

When "The Message" was released in 1976 here in the U.S., I remember there was a conspiracy and protest in New York against the film by anti-Islamic (I believe Christian and Jewish) forces working behind the scene that prevented this great film from showing in theaters there and across the U.S.. Muslims and Arabs have always been portrayed in a very negative manner in Hollywood movies and American media as a whole. This film, however, depicts Islaam and Muslims in a good and truthful manner and the anti-Muslim forces did not like this new real image of Islaam because it would destroy the ugly picture of Islaam and Muslims they have been painting and propagating throughout the years.

We must always seek and speak the truth, even regarding perceived enemies, first because we as humans always like to know the truth and secondly, we would otherwise be deceiving ourselves and humanity.

Sacramento, California, U.S.A.

After watching this movie I really wonder as to why it was banned across the Arab world. Such a pity really!. In an age where people have horrible misconceptions of Islam this film would do a great deal in atleast putting a doubt in people's mind that Islam is nothing like the religion it is potrayed by the Western media.
I really hope & pray that someone comes along & tries to revive the movie by re-releasing it.
I as a muslim found myself trying to gulp my emotions while watching it. I feel this movie will serve as a starting point to people becoming interested in Islam & trying to learn more about it.

This was a very good depiction of past islamic times. I thought the movie was extremely well executed. It had an excellent cast, and one should give Anthony Quinn a standing ovation for his great portrayal.

I heard about the film very long time ago and currently I got the opporunty to buy and watch it. It is really spectaculary done! Although, some reviewers argued that the movei focused mainly on "Hamza" and ignored the other well-known people who supported and participated in allowing the message of islam to spread in its early stages, but the main idea of the film has been delivered in highly elaborate way. For the western, I consider it one of the best sources displays the early stages of islam. However, as some of the reviewers recommended, I do recommend aditional advanced sources if you are interested toknow more about the prophet Muhammed (PBUH)and islam.

I really enjoyed watching this movie again which in my opinion is the most accurate depiction of the origins of Islam...which is refreshing in this day of propaganda and miss information. The picture qaulity was not bad for such an old movie..Anthony Quin is outstanding in this role...

The Message (30th Anniversary Edition)

Review here is of the 2005 DVD product, "30th Anniversary Edition." Having seen only the English-language version on videocassette, I was glad to find a newer release with both English and Arabic films, and hoped for some new bonus features.

Alas, after all these years, what we have here is essentially a re-release onto disc of the contents of the old videocassette. The making-of feature is the same one that was included with previous videocassettes. No subtitles of any kind are provided. However, the same analog-access English closed captions from the VHS release are available on the English film. No subtitles or closed captioning on the Arabic version. What a shame that this alternate edition of The Message remains inaccessible to non-Arabic speakers, despite them making the effort to provide the film on disc two.

Hopefully we will see a true special edition release of The Message in the future.

The Message is a compelling and riveting cinema epic. I have to say that I am certainly moved everytime I watch this movie. It tries to be a factual and informative movie while not trangressing the limits set by Islam such as not seeing the person of Muhammad and some companions. This epic is certainly moving, it captures the essence of Islam and preaches the Oneness of God, and that Muhammad is His Messenger. It chronicles the life of Muhammad S.A.W. from when he received the first Divine Message up till his end. It examines the tribulations and greatness of prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) and tries to keep as though the viewer is there among them. Truly a captivating experience. I recommend it highly for Muslims to deepen their knowledge of Islamic history and also especially for non-muslims so that they may know and understand the message of Islam, what not with the bad protrayal of Islam by the media nowadays. This remains my favourite movie of all time.