← Back to results
The Message
1976 178 min Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, United Kingdom, Lebanon, Kuwait, Morocco PG 12+
★7.9
Adventure, Drama, Action, History
Director: Moustapha Akkad
Trailers
EN
EN
EN
EN
EN
Teaser
EN
Description
In sixth-century Mecca, Prophet Muhammad receives his first revelation from God as a messenger. Three years later, he's not alone in his quest and publicly declares his prophecy. Muhammad is fought by Abu Sufian and his wife Hind, rulers of Mecca. Muhammad's followers are hunted and tortured but he continues his calling.
Budget:
$10M
Worldwide:
$15M
Starring
Anthony Quinn
Actor
Irene Papas
Actor
Michael Ansara
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1978
— Best Original Score
Key opinion
The Message is a sprawling, ambitious historical epic that serves as a landmark effort to introduce the origins of Islam to a global audience. While it is widely praised for its high production values and respectful, monumental approach to historical storytelling, it remains a subject of debate regarding its specific theological framing and historical interpretation.
| Originality | The creative decision to omit the direct depiction of Muhammad, using an indirect perspective, maintains reverence while effectively centering the narrative on the community's growth. | |
| Direction | The battle sequences are executed with impressive technical scale and historical detail, capturing the intensity of early conflicts like Badr and Uhud. | |
| Pacing | The film functions as an accessible, grand-scale epic in the tradition of 1970s classics, maintaining viewer engagement despite its lengthy duration. | |
| Theme | The film's framing is polarized: supporters view it as a necessary, humanistic introduction to Islamic values, while critics argue it presents a curated, non-neutral perspective on early history. | |
| Culture | Interpretations of the film's social commentary vary: some see an inspiring portrayal of early egalitarianism and justice, whereas others perceive a conflict between the film’s modern progressive depiction of women and historical realities. |