The Message

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day 90 of 365 of my year long challenge Week 13: Holiday mixup Christmas may be the Lord of the lot but this time of year, there are simply too many to keep a track of. Tradition be damned, let's try them all. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Finding holiday, or even religious, movies outside of Christianity and Christmas is surprisingly difficult. Rather than continue what has become a far more difficult search, I opt now for a film whose message entirely fits with that of the current holiday but, more importantly, gives us an alternate origin story than that of Jesus and Christianity. More importantly, this film is now a must watch for a world gripped by terror and mistrust. Beginning in Mecca where Muhammad first talks to God and spreads his message, the film follows the first Muslims through persecution, exodus, triumph and battle, defeat and their eventual return to Mecca. Told from the point of view of peripheral characters, The Message covers a number of crucial and pivotal events in the lifetime of Muhammad and the birth of Islam. The Message is an interesting film to watch because, out of religious respect and tradition, Muhammad himself is never heard nor seen, nor are his wives or the first caliphs. Instead, the film largely happens around him or, if the scene forces his involvement, is seen from his point of view. It makes for an initially startling jolt as the characters on screen interact with, move with and respond to the silent camera but quickly it falls in place. It's a clever solution for a unique problem and one that forces Muhammad's uncle Hamza (Anthony Quinn) and his adopted son Zayd (Damien Thomas) as the central characters. As such, the film rests on the pair's shoulders. Thomas provides a solid and earnest performance as Muhammad's first follower and an early voice and leader within the fledgling religion. It is Quinn, however, that steals the show and fills in where the film cannot. He is both a voice of reason and a leader in battle, both of which Quinn feels entirely at home with. Around these two are countless performances that all elevate the film. From Michael Ansara to Irene Papas and Johnny Sekka, and more, the film is a smorgasbord of talent. Largely, though, the film is whitewashed with any number of actors wearing faces full of makeup just to look the part. In a film trying so hard to be sensitive and respectful, this looks a bit out of place but that was then and this is now. Throughout the film, there is a lot of politics, philosophising and rationalising for the existence and place of Islam in almost every city it resides. Interestingly, the film makes note of the fact that every religion starts as a rebellion. Likewise, the film goes to great lengths to share the message of Islam. Amongst its messages, two stand out, the first preaches equality for and of all within Islam, and second, that Muslim, Christians and Jews are all equal under God. It's a different point of view that is often forgotten in this segregated world. Ultimately, though, The Message shares all messages of Muhammad and, particularly today, this is more pertinent than ever. With fear and suspicion rising daily, hearing this again, and the true spirit of Islam gives rise to hope, peace and optimism. The film lives amongst a breed of long abandoned historical epics. Running at almost three hours, the film is a more than comprehensive (though not exhaustive) overview of those early years and gets back to the root of belief. Like Lawrence of Arabia, The Message is a big, sprawling thing that shoots far beyond its limits to something truly grand. The film never falls short of the lofty heights it aspires to and in the tradition of all great historical epics is an experience unto itself. For those familiar and unfamiliar with Islam, The Messenger is a more than essential watch. Not only because of its place in the current global environment but because of the film's rare subject and its grand majesty.