The Message (1976)

This epic historical drama chronicles the life and times of Muhammad and serves as an introduction to early Islamic history.

Director:

Moustapha Akkad

Writers:

H.A.L. Craig, Tewfik El-Hakim

Stars:

Anthony Quinn, Irene Papas, Michael Ansara

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Anthony Quinn	...	Hamza
Irene Papas	...	Hind
Michael Ansara	...	Abu Sofyan
Johnny Sekka	...	Bilal
Michael Forest	...	Khalid
Garrick Hagon	...	Ammar
Damien Thomas	...	Zaid
André Morell	...	Abu-Talib
Martin Benson	...	Abu-Jahal
Robert Brown	...	Otba
Rosalie Crutchley	...	Somaya
Bruno Barnabe	...	Umaya
Neville Jason	...	Jaafar
John Bennett	...	Salool
Donald Burton	...	Amr

Storyline

In the 7th century, Mohammed, Peace Be Upon Him, is visited by Angel Gabriel who urges him to lead the people of Mecca and worship God. But they're exiled in Medina before returning to Mecca to take up arms against their oppressors and liberate their city in the name of God (Allah).

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Plot Keywords:

7th century | mecca | key character never on screen | prophet | epic | 

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Taglines:

In four decades only four... "The Robe" "The Ten Commandments" "Ben-Hur" and now... For the first time...the vast, spectacular drama that changed the world!

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Genres:

Adventure | Biography | Drama | History | War

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

Lebanon Libya Kuwait Morocco UK

Language:

English Arabic

Release Date:

8 July 1977 (France)

Also Known As:

Mohammad: Messenger of God

Filming Locations:

Libya

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$15,000,000, 31 December 1977

Company Credits

Production Co:

Filmco International Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

177 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (Germany) Mono

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The movie gained considerable infamy as well for its connection to the July 1977 Hanafi Siege, when Islamic militants held 149 people hostage (and killing two) in three Washington, D.C. buildings. One of their demands was the destruction of the film for being "sacrilegious."

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Quotes

Hamza: Mohammed, when I hunt the desert at night, I know God is not kept in a house.

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Alternate Versions

Director Moustafa Akkad wanted the story to be told in English, so people all around the world could enjoy it. Also, he felt he needed to pay a tribute to the Middle East, where it took place. So two versions were shot on location simultaneously. There were two actors for each role and the one that is well known now is the English Version, starring Anthony Quinn. However, "Al Risalah" (the Arabic movie) is the other well known version in Saudi Arabia and the surrounding countries.

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Connections

Referenced in The Filth and the Fury (2000)

User Reviews

most amazing experience

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.