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The Message (30th Anniversary Edition)

starring: Anthony Quinn, Irene Papas, Michael Ansara, Johnny Sekka, Michael Forest
directed by: Moustapha Akkad

: The Message (30th Anniversary Edition)
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Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 0013131329094
Format: Color, NTSC
Label: Starz / Anchor Bay
Manufacturer: Starz / Anchor Bay
Number Of Items: 2
Publisher: Starz / Anchor Bay
Region Code: 1
Release Date: November 01, 2005
Running Time: 178 minutes
Sales Rank: 13762
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
Theatrical Release Date: 1976



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Editorial Review:

Amazon.com:
Producer-director Moustapha Akkad made a true labor of love out of The Message, which seeks nothing less than to tell the story of the origins of Islam. Originally released in the U.S. as Mohammad, Messenger of God, the film has the appeal of most biblical epics: persecuted true believers, a revolutionary prophet scorned by the powers-that-be, and the miraculous triumph of faith. It also has the cheesiness of many biblical epics, with nose-flaring performances and awkward dialogue, but the whole mish-mash is generally entertaining (and informative for those unversed in the 'origin stories' of Islam). Akkad had one major hurdle; he couldn't portray the person or voice of Mohammad himself, as such things are traditionally forbidden in Islam. To say the least, this presents an interesting narrative challenge. Akkad tackles it by having characters address the camera-as-Mohammad, or having disciples step out of Mohammad's tent to repeat what the prophet has just said. It's a weird device, but the surprising thing is how often you forget about it. Akkad is aided by some topnotch technicians, including cameraman Jack Hildyard (The Bridge on the River Kwai) and composer Maurice Jarre (whose score was Oscar-nominated); Anthony Quinn, Irene Papas, and Michael Ansara lead the cast.

Also included in the two-disc set is the Arabic-language version of the film, which was shot at the same time with different actors. (It comes without English subtitles.) It runs about 20 minutes longer than the English version; Akkad explains, in a helpful 44-minute making-of documentary, that Arab styles of storytelling (including pacing) and acting are quite different than in the West. Akkad would also make Lion of the Desert and executive-produce the Halloween pictures. He died in the November 2005 terrorist bombings in Jordan. --Robert Horton



Customer Reviews
Average Rating: out of 5 stars

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - Love the movie and happy to have it
Been waiting for the movie for a long time since it is a hard to find movie


Rating: 3 out of 5 stars - Middle Eastern Epic
Created more than thirty years ago, a faith reflecting historical epic movie of an Islam dawn and ... Read More


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars - A film for people of all religions
The Message is a truly beautiful film that portrays the origins of Islam, as well Christians and Jews, ... Read More


Rating: 4 out of 5 stars - An American Muslim Classic
This film is perhaps the best known film on Islam in the Western world. As one of my teachers, Dr. Bilal ... Read More


Rating: 3 out of 5 stars - Good low budget film.
I enjoyed the film. It may be a little difficult to follow without knowing some basics of Islam.

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Copyright ©2003, Mark Carey.