The Message (1976)

The Message (1976) is an epic historical drama that chronicles the birth of Islam and the early life of the Muslim community in 7th‑century Arabia. Told mainly through the eyes of the Prophet’s companions, the film traces the revelation, the growing opposition in Mecca, the Hijra (migration) to Medina, the formation of a new social and political order, and the military and diplomatic struggles that followed. The movie focuses on the transformation of a tribal, pagan society into a community shaped by faith, law and shared values. A viewer can expect a sweeping, cinematic treatment of a formative historical period: wide desert vistas, large-scale crowd and battle sequences, period costumes and detailed sets that evoke Mecca and Medina. Intimate scenes show the personal sacrifices, moral dilemmas and faith-driven courage of the Prophet’s followers, while moments of sermon, counsel and negotiation explore the spiritual and political ideas that underpinned the new community. The film deliberately does not show the Prophet Muhammad directly; his presence is conveyed through the reactions, conversations and reverence of those around him. Overall, The Message blends history, religion and drama to offer both an introduction to early Islamic history and a human portrait of people struggling for justice, unity and belief. Viewers will come away with a sense of the era’s complexities—its conflicts, ideals and transformations—presented in a respectful, large‑scale cinematic style.

Actors: Anthony Quinn, Irene Papas, Michael Ansara

Director: Moustapha Akkad

Runtime: 177 min

Genres: Biography, Drama, History

6.2 /10 8.1 /10 7.2 /10