**A new film depicting the life and times of the Prophet Muhammad is to begin shooting soon, its producer has said.**
In keeping with Muslim tradition, however, the faces and voices of the Prophet and his companions will not be seen or heard on screen.
The Messenger of Peace will be a remake of The Message, a 1977 film starring Anthony Quinn as Muhammad’s uncle.
The events of the Prophet’s life took place primarily in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, now in Saudi Arabia.
Producer Oscar Zoghbi said his team had “only the utmost respect” for the original film, directed by the late Moustapha Akkad.
“But technology in cinema has advanced since the 1970s and this latest project will employ modern film techniques in its renewal of the first film’s core messages.” Protests
“In the 21st century there is a real need for a film that emotionally engages audiences on the journey that led to the birth of Islam,” added screenwriter Ramsey Thomas.
The mistaken belief that Quinn was portraying Muhammad himself in the 1977 film sparked riots in the US in which two people died.
In the film, though, the Prophet was represented by gentle organ music and, in scenes where he was present, by subjective camerawork that depicted the action from his point of view.
Portrayals of Muhammad have triggered protests in recent years, notably in 2006 when Muslims around the world reacted angrily to satirical cartoons of the Prophet published in Denmark.
Earlier this year the planned UK publication of a novel about the Prophet Muhammad’s child bride was postponed over fears it might incite violence.
I totally loved The Message! I never knew so much about Hazrat Hamza, but after watching this movie i was motivated to read about this great great personality and how much he did for Islam. These movies do make a very positive contribution provided they are filmed the right way. There is a Syrian movie covering a few events from the life of Imam Ali (as). I think its called Al Nebras. I dont like the fact that they at times show "too much" of the noble personalities but i was quite impressed by the filming and the direction etc.
Maybe I'm a cynical twit, but I can't trust a producer with the name of "Oscar" on such a sensitive project.
Also, if this is targeted towards a Western audience, this opens the door for anti-Islamic polemicists to make their own film, as this will be construed as Da'wa, and they will be compelled to counter it with some serious vilifying vitrol. Simply read their stance against Islam, and it will be clear that they will portray our Prophet (pbuh) in the most negative light possible.
Great news:) i did enjoy the first film, but i hope someone will play the Character of the Prophet, in the first film they didnt have any one plying the role of the Prophet, (out of respect,but it would make more sense if there was someone playing the role) cant wait~
Great news:) i did enjoy the first film, but i hope someone will play the Character of the Prophet, in the first film they didnt have any one plying the role of the Prophet, (out of respect,but it would make more sense if there was someone playing the role) cant wait~
yes out of respect, then why would it make more sense if NOT out of respect?
I would love to see the film, I hear the same person is involved that helped in the first one.
Maybe I'm a cynical twit, but I can't trust a producer with the name of "Oscar" on such a sensitive project.
Also, if this is targeted towards a Western audience, this opens the door for anti-Islamic polemicists to make their own film, as this will be construed as Da'wa, and they will be compelled to counter it with some serious vilifying vitrol. Simply read their stance against Islam, and it will be clear that they will portray our Prophet (pbuh) in the most negative light possible.
good point ....its like opening a pandora's box
i dont think much good will come out of making a movie about the Prophet
at any rate i didnt like that quinn potrayed Hamzah radiallaanhu
what next ? Jude Law as uthman and Russell crowe as Ali
i think there is so many Crazy Muslims out there they probably wont show the Prophet(PBOH), but wearnt Jesus And moses our Prophets too? :S
Good point and i agree with you.
History is relvealing and at times exposes matters that people would rather see left uncovered. It makes people uncomfortable and therefore all the fuss is made about these productions. I personally feel they a great deal of good. There is 1.5B Muslims around the world and not all have the knowledge or resources to read or analyse Islamic history. Thats where movies play an important part. I have watched a movie called Maryam Moqaddas and really liked it and would recomend everybody to watch it.
And why people question the allowability when the most notable institutes from both major sects endorse such ventures!
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.."But technology in cinema has advanced since the 1970s and this latest project will employ modern film techniques in its renewal of the first film's core messages."
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I wonder what kind of improvement they can bring to original classic ?
Similarly what would you like to achieve by making a remake of movie like Ben Hur ? Nothing really. Because these movies are period movies and they are very well made.
Surely movies should be made again with technology advancement. For instance GodZila , Titanic are far more effective and had a huge impact when made with superior technology and effects. But periord films hardly require much technology. Although 10 commandments has one scene, but its amazing how they did it in those times. The scene of splitting sea is just fantastic.
The message is a beautiful movie with strong acting and brilliant direction. If they have to make movies then they should make movies on personalities like Tariq Bin Zayyad, Umar Bin Abdul Aziz, Salahuddin Ayub, Sultan Mehmet II etc
i just knew some one was gonna quote me on this!