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Prophet Mohammad film Planned
There was so much controversy over The Passion of the Christ from all sides. Christians for the movie, non Christians against the movie, Christians against the movie. Just one big mess.
So with news that the birth of Islam is getting its first feature film treatment in North America in over 30 years, I expect nothing less.
“The Messenger of Peace” will be a remake of Moustapha Akkad’s “The Message,” a 1977 Hollywood classic starring Anthony Quinn which is often applauded by Muslims as an example of how commercial Western cinema can respect Islam.In the original “Message,” the Prophet and his companions were heard speaking off-camera but never directly shown, in accordance with Muslim conventions forbidding their visual depiction.
Portrayals of Mohammad have triggered anger in recent years. Danish cartoons of him ignited protests, some deadly, by Muslims in many countries in 2006. The offices of a British publisher were attacked in September over a novel about the Prophet’s child bride.
“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,” the statement quoted the film’s scriptwriter Ramsey Thomas as saying.
The article doesn’t clarify as to whether we will “see” Mohammad. Quinn, and Irish Mexican has been depicted as a multitude of cultures in his long film history, so I doubt that would be an issue. But being versatile enough to look the part is far different from the religious restrictions that forbid his depiction visually.
The hope is that “commercial Western cinema can respect Islam” and that might be a sticking point. It may be interesting to see how they pull this off if the main character of the film is never directly seen.
I think this movie is due. In a world where many “taboo” lifestyles are now accepted as commonplace and we ease into a better state of acceptance of things we do not understand or appreciate, why not religion? Especially with such a harsh slate that Islamic followers have had to deal with as extremists tarnish their reputation.
I look forward to seeing this put to film. I just hope that the stink over it doesn’t overshadow their efforts.
If this movie is made and does not show the Prophet Mohammed, it will prove the bias of Hollywood. We can have countless movies ripping on Christianity and Judaism, but when it comes to Islam, we have to “respect” their beliefs. Let’s just call a spade a spade. We won’t show the prophet Muhammed because we are scared of retaliation for extremists.
errr… meant to say “from extremists”.
Amish Bill, there is a difference between showing respect and remaining accurate to the context of the beliefs.
If this movie is going to show the beliefs of Islam, then showing his face would be a violation of those beliefs.
And as for using the backlash as a motivator? Well lets just say that most Christians just protest and hold signs or start a letter writing campaign. They dont commit acts of terror. Islamic extremest allegedly do.
That being said. We don’t know that they WONT show his face. Maybe they will.
Rodney my friend, I can honestly say there are a number of time I have been offended by the portrayal of Christianity in movies. How about The Da Vinci Code? Or the Last Temptation of Christ? Or Religiosity? Or how about The Family Guy a few weeks ago???
Look, I’m not saying you can never make a movie critical of a major religion. That’s what freedom is all about. Heck, I even read the Da Vinvi Code book and watched the movie just so I could have intelligent conversations. I’m just saying there’s not a level playing field and to pretend there is, is a joke. Why are there so many movies critical of Christianity and Judaism but nothing on Islam?
And a very astute observation on the backlash… Jews disagreed vehemently on the portrayal of Jews in “The Passion”. Yet Jews and Christians didn’t start blowing each other up. They aren’t going to show Mohammed because they don’t want worldwide outcry and bloodshed (and rightly so). Yet, because Christians will only protest with signs, they are fair game??
haha rodney i hear ya but i will say this….no matter how they potray him…who potrays him…when they potray him… radicals will kill over it…that is how it has been…that is how it will always be……with all the techonlogy in the world and all the educated and respectable people on all sides of the globe..one thing has remained the same….religious radicals destroy real faith with scare tactics. This movie will cause bloodshed.
ps my personal beliefs are i can care less…..paint him in a tootoo and have him riding jesus christ bareback….me i think humility is actually more powerfull then a Iron fist shoved in my ass.
Hey guys, I know that this is a movie website, so political and religious views are not usually posted, but due to the sensitive state and nature of this article I do request to put some certain point and my personnel view on this subject. First of all (needless to say), I am a Muslim. I was brought up in Saudia Arabia (some people might think that’s the place the terrorist are born). Never in my life were we taught to fight, kill or persecute any one (regardless of any religion). Yes, if needed to protect oneself or his family, religion then there different stages one might follow. Regardless, in any situation, to kill innocent people (that is elderly, women and children of any religion) is not acceptable and is considered a huge sin. We are taught to be peaceful and to respect (not to accept, as there is a difference) all other religion. Unfortunately there are bad apples in all religions, which will come in the front page of news, while a clever individual / organization will use others to do their dirty work. I can go on citing various points (through various books and websites) on this topic, but is not what I am writing about.
Now the issue we have is how media represent the religion Islam. And, that should it be criticized like ant other religion or if it is how one should react.
Now according to amish, we should make a movie according to one desire (it freedom of speech). BUT IT SHOULD BE ACCURATE AND HONEST, NOT TO PUT ONCE PERSONNEL VIEW. And if one critics something on it should be peacefully. Well in the media u saw the images and videos of the extremist. These extremist have no knowledge of Islam and formed due to the political nature of their country. But none you know the peaceful protest made. Why are they made and follow to commit such hideous acts? How many assassination have we seen which has brought turmoil to a country? I do want to write a lot more on this subject but I am not sure if John or Rodney will permit to go on, as the arguments will take a different platform.
I kindly request if you guys can see the following video(s), which can clear a lot of misconception. (If the video is not running, put the video name on the search box, and re-click the video file, sometime there are errors)
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=0RnRZf48BLQ
I hope no Danish cartoonists will be employed in the making of this film.
For their sakes.
Vic
QUOTE FROM LUCKY: “Now according to amish, we should make a movie according to one desire (it freedom of speech). BUT IT SHOULD BE ACCURATE AND HONEST, NOT TO PUT ONCE PERSONNEL VIEW.”
With all due respect my friend, accurate and honest can be very subjective. Accurate and honest in who’s eyes? Chances are, if you, as a good muslim, made an accurate and honest movie about Islam, you would anger the extremists that have highjacked your religion. They would not see your film as accurate and honest. This is why movies can’t be made with these types of concessions.
Bill Maher should have every right to make a movie bashing religion. But I also have a right to call him an idiot and make my own movie that shows the other side of things. That is what freedom is.