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List Price: $24.97Amazon.com's Price: $21.99 You Save: $2.98 (12%)Prices subject to change.
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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: 5929
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
Theatrical Release Date: 1976
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: 
Rating:  - 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, in an extremely positive light. I frequently show my students this film and it is well enjoyed. The acting is superb.
Reading these reviews, I am delighted that so many people feel the same as me! Bush and Cheney should see this film. And it is such a shame that the Arabic version of the film has no English subtitles - and vice versa. The Message should be understood by all people, ... Read More
Rating:  - 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 Philips, has said many people became interested in Islam at the time of its theatrical release and started to investigate and ask questions. While from a purely technical standpoint there are some objectionable qualities to this film, for example musical soundtrack, exposure of women (meaning showing more than the face and hands), etc. However, this is best taken in stride seeing as how the scholars ... Read More
Rating:  - Good low budget film.
I enjoyed the film. It may be a little difficult to follow without knowing some basics of Islam.
Rating: - The Real Message
After 25 years, this film is still the best if you want to understand the real Islam
Rating: - To me, it's a therapy
Watching the Arabic version of this movie is like a therapy for me. I wish I understood Arabic Language.
I hoped the Arabic version in this 30th Anniversary Edition had English subtitles, unfortunately it does not.
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