This is not a Hollywood Animated movie, so no need to put it with Toy Story and judge. it is different but in a good way.the artistic texture of the movie is impressive, and yet so (Un-Hollywood) if I might say. each scene is done as it was a classic drawing, a visual joy( the battle scene is simply a cinematic epic. the conversation is very strong and at times it lands on poetry borders. the music is masterpiece, so reflective of the main essence of the movie: the search for freedom. the characters are presented in a clever way,even the villain has his own reasons,no black and white melodrama like most animated hero movies, and the hero was pushed to be a hero, they gave him no other option but to be one. isn't this what happens in real world? in short, Bilal is about a slave who was freed by his faith, and this turns to be much more for him - and for others- than just removing the visible chains..but also about the invisible hidden chains that lie inside and make people their own enemy. Bilal, a NEW breed of hero..and a different kind of movie.
154 Reviews
A Film to be Proud Of
tenkan10 September 2016
Not only was I satisfied with the movie, I was also satisfied with the reaction the audience gave after it ended...gleeful applause!
This film, although based on the founding of Islam, is one that the whole world can learn from and appreciate. A story of identity, struggle and equality.
Cinematography, animation, voice acting, script writing, plot and so much more were truly astounding. I'm very proud for those who worked on this.
Not only was the choice of characters to present wise, including the likes of Abu Bakr Sṣ-Ṣiddīq and Hamza, but the way in which they were presented, portraying them in their appropriate roles.
I wish the film had been longer, but all good things come to an end, as the film hadn't portrayed all the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as I had wished. However, less can be more, as the focus on the presented characters was appropriate.
My one complaint was the movie's end credits. I would have preferred a more soothing soundtrack instead of Akon, as the soundtrack for the film itself proved to be brilliant.
In conclusion, I'd gladly purchase this masterpiece on Blu-ray to watch it over and over again.
Alhamdulilah.
This film, although based on the founding of Islam, is one that the whole world can learn from and appreciate. A story of identity, struggle and equality.
Cinematography, animation, voice acting, script writing, plot and so much more were truly astounding. I'm very proud for those who worked on this.
Not only was the choice of characters to present wise, including the likes of Abu Bakr Sṣ-Ṣiddīq and Hamza, but the way in which they were presented, portraying them in their appropriate roles.
I wish the film had been longer, but all good things come to an end, as the film hadn't portrayed all the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as I had wished. However, less can be more, as the focus on the presented characters was appropriate.
My one complaint was the movie's end credits. I would have preferred a more soothing soundtrack instead of Akon, as the soundtrack for the film itself proved to be brilliant.
In conclusion, I'd gladly purchase this masterpiece on Blu-ray to watch it over and over again.
Alhamdulilah.
Loved it!
emoryaustin983114 November 2016
I couldn't wait to see the film and i genuinely loved it. Epic music, great actor. I am usually extremely difficult about movies, I am usually a fan of repertoire cinema and modern movies. Yet I was amazed at the quality of the Bilal: A New Breed of Hero movie. Story wise, the characters have great interactions as expected, some great one liners and beautiful costumes. For atmosphere, the music is well used, and again, consistently nods to previous films. Colours are fantastic throughout, but that is to be expected with modern film and projection.
The actors deliver. The character development is on point. The music? Amazing. Go in and watch the movie and accept it for what it is. Don't look for something negative because if you go in with that mentality then you'll find find it. Haters gonna hate. Ainters gonna ain't. Go on. Be an "ainter".
So, just go to see it, the story and the fun!
The actors deliver. The character development is on point. The music? Amazing. Go in and watch the movie and accept it for what it is. Don't look for something negative because if you go in with that mentality then you'll find find it. Haters gonna hate. Ainters gonna ain't. Go on. Be an "ainter".
So, just go to see it, the story and the fun!
BILAL, Haven't seen anything quite like this
jonathan_anderson-0518114 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
A solid 1st attempt from a region not known for animation. Bilal gave me a tour of their history and culture without going in too deep or getting preachy. It is emotional to witness Bilal's growth and evolution as a character living in a world torn by violence and inequality. The camera work, the music and sound design were all top notch. I loved the battle! Ian Mcshane was very believable and menacing as Umayya and Adewale did a great job bringing legitimacy to Bilal's character. The rest of the acting was also very good! The imaginative take on the cities and characters worked really well with the style of the animation.
I really haven't seen anything quite like this movie. I want to watch it again!
I really haven't seen anything quite like this movie. I want to watch it again!
Fantastic
alhamed_lucky8 January 2016
I saw by coincidence a picture for will smith with the crow of BILAL. that took me to the movie. what makes me really enthusiasm about it is the story.Bilal is the first African hero in Hollywood as I know.The movie Inspired by true story, True hero who made his path and boast his name as a great man. He started his life as a slave and suffered for a long time before he got his freedom.According to my information He is the first slave got his freedom in the history . The story is full of great meanings. You have to see it more than once because it's a great source of knowledge. There is many characters in the movie, more than any other animation movie I saw and the details are incredible. beautiful music too. full of life. Can't wait to add it to my library. it is a treasure.
Great Great Great
Great Great Great
loved it!!!
meetejaz14 September 2016
coming from a studio based in the the middle east as there first movie, i went to the cinema with not much high expectations,but Wow. Just wow.This movie is astounding.Everything is done so well. The animation is beautiful, the characters are charming,and the battle scenes are just epic. The plot is simple and yet complex, and the world that the audience is thrown into is an extremely interesting one.
It isn't afraid to try new things, which is extremely important in today's industry. Not only does every moment of the movie look exquisite, but the story is smart, original and hugely entertaining. With utmost care applied to its every shot, the adults will be marveling as much as the youngsters.
It isn't afraid to try new things, which is extremely important in today's industry. Not only does every moment of the movie look exquisite, but the story is smart, original and hugely entertaining. With utmost care applied to its every shot, the adults will be marveling as much as the youngsters.
Strange decisions make this a strange mainstream movie
bastos6 October 2020
Wow, I was completely unaware of the "popularity" this movie had. I love coming here and reading reviews where every other review is either a 1 or a 10! 1, 10, 1, 10, 2, 9. I watched this movie having only the knowledge of its title and IMDB rating, which is still very high (7.9) by the time I'm writing this, so I will try and give this an unbiased point of view. I also had no idea that Bilal was a religious figure, and that was a good thing as I generally hate religious movies so I went in with an open mind. I really liked the direction of the movie, really well shot scenes and very dynamic action scenes. One particularly long battle is probably the highlight of the movie as it rivals with any mainstream blockbuster. The problem was that the animation could have been better, it was not a disaster, mind you, but not up to the standards set by other studios or by the ambition of the direction. The story, on the other hand, was a bit of a mess. Again, I didn't know anything about Bilal, but many times it had the vibe of a religious propaganda movie, only it never went there which was very strange. After doing some research I found out he was a very important Islamic figure and it baffles me that they did a religious movie without any religion in it?! There are some western examples of movies that try the same thing, but in a different way, like the recent Ridley Scott directed Exodus, where it tries to show the Exodus story but with a scientific approach of how it could have happened without any supernatural occurrences. This is not it, it just veers away from religion every time something religious is about to happen. Very strange decision as it affects the flow of the movie and especially the ending is almost incomprehensible if you don't have the religious background. This leaves us with a Ben-Huresque kind of story, with a nice direction, nice rhythm, so so animation and a very confused audience. Not terrible. Not amazing.
imaginative visual treat!
pendurkarsupriya14 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Bilal is the biggest first ever animated movie created in middle east till date.Spectacular visuals and strong characterization are some of the key factors of this movie. its production of established animation studio in UAE.The efforts and top notch work standard can be easily seen on the screen.Every character in film is crafted very well. Well voice overs for each character putting more life in them. its like introduction of the part of history.The movie is a fascinating glimpse into an important period in the history of the region, and the attention to detail paid to the costumes and backgrounds gives an authentic impression of the historical. Quality of work is very good on first! congratulation to Team. :)
not bad
chera_khalid28 September 2023
The "Bilal" animated movie series offers a captivating journey that, while not without its flaws, manages to shine in its own right. The series boasts impressive animation and visuals that transport you to the heart of ancient Arabia, where Bilal's story unfolds. While the plot occasionally wavers and loses its narrative focus, Bilal's enduring spirit and his quest for freedom provide a compelling backdrop for the adventure. The series' music enhances the atmosphere, infusing moments of tension and triumph with emotional resonance. With its unique take on historical events and a central message of resilience and determination, "Bilal" deserves its 6/10 rating, offering a worthwhile and enjoyable animated experience.
Pure gold !
kathleenbarton98319 November 2016
It's the first time that i want to write my opinion in a movie. When i started to watch the movie, i said to myself well,it's another cute animation movie. After i finished watching the movie, i didn't even dare to shutdown my lap before writing a review.
Bilal: A New Breed of Hero is simply the best animated movie of the year 2016 because the animation was terrific,the acting was mesmerizing and the plot was impressively perfect.
This movie was beyond anything I'd imagined it to be. I had heard some great stuff about it and decided to watch it and I'm so glad I did. Kids will have fun watching this movie and learn valuable morals. Adults, on the other hand, will immensely enjoy watching this movie, will appreciate it for what it truly is and will understand its real meaning. This movie is just absolutely amazing, the best I've seen all year! Please watch it, you will not be disappointed.
Bilal: A New Breed of Hero is simply the best animated movie of the year 2016 because the animation was terrific,the acting was mesmerizing and the plot was impressively perfect.
This movie was beyond anything I'd imagined it to be. I had heard some great stuff about it and decided to watch it and I'm so glad I did. Kids will have fun watching this movie and learn valuable morals. Adults, on the other hand, will immensely enjoy watching this movie, will appreciate it for what it truly is and will understand its real meaning. This movie is just absolutely amazing, the best I've seen all year! Please watch it, you will not be disappointed.
Mediocre at Best
coeluracat15 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this with an open mind, not having read any reviews, and not having previously heard of it.
Inspired by 'true events' I found the story to be very bland. I'm not quite sure what the writers, director etc. Were aiming for, but clearly they missed the mark. If the story is about religion then this should have featured a little more strongly and obviously in the story telling, instead this film ended up with a dilute version that seems to shy away from any explicit mention of Islam. The message of hope, courage, overcoming oppression and gaining equality could be applied to any number of religions and 'heroes', and has been with far better effect. Perhaps the propaganda machine got in the way trying to give a softening edge to Islam, in the hope that it would woo Western viewers? Whatever the reason it was to the detriment to the somewhat muddled storyline (beginning and end but what happened in the middle?).
The majority of the animation was reasonable but had the feel of a trailer for a new Playstation or XBox game. I kept waiting for the words 'Not actual gameplay' to be displayed at the bottom. There were some beautifully rendered animation features for the hawks and horses, although for the latter quality did slip when in 'group' situations. Fight scenes were well rendered but not outstanding and had no originality.
I'm not sure that the voice stars were actually a good match to the characters. I recognised Ian McShane without having to refer to a cast list. Perhaps it was the poor script and film direction but the characters appeared and sounded wooden and without any dimension. The film started well but quickly deteriorated to the basic good guys and bad guys with no real character building, resulting in very little viewer empathy.
Musical score was easily forgettable, and I have, so no review possible.
Having watched this once I wouldn't consider a repeat viewing. Boredom has it's limits.
Inspired by 'true events' I found the story to be very bland. I'm not quite sure what the writers, director etc. Were aiming for, but clearly they missed the mark. If the story is about religion then this should have featured a little more strongly and obviously in the story telling, instead this film ended up with a dilute version that seems to shy away from any explicit mention of Islam. The message of hope, courage, overcoming oppression and gaining equality could be applied to any number of religions and 'heroes', and has been with far better effect. Perhaps the propaganda machine got in the way trying to give a softening edge to Islam, in the hope that it would woo Western viewers? Whatever the reason it was to the detriment to the somewhat muddled storyline (beginning and end but what happened in the middle?).
The majority of the animation was reasonable but had the feel of a trailer for a new Playstation or XBox game. I kept waiting for the words 'Not actual gameplay' to be displayed at the bottom. There were some beautifully rendered animation features for the hawks and horses, although for the latter quality did slip when in 'group' situations. Fight scenes were well rendered but not outstanding and had no originality.
I'm not sure that the voice stars were actually a good match to the characters. I recognised Ian McShane without having to refer to a cast list. Perhaps it was the poor script and film direction but the characters appeared and sounded wooden and without any dimension. The film started well but quickly deteriorated to the basic good guys and bad guys with no real character building, resulting in very little viewer empathy.
Musical score was easily forgettable, and I have, so no review possible.
Having watched this once I wouldn't consider a repeat viewing. Boredom has it's limits.
Beyond Awesome
sanjayjohn14 September 2016
An awesome story excellently produced. Amazing story line and execution. Never knew such a Hero ever existed in the human history. The film shows how Bilal grew up from a Slave to someone who shows the path of the liberation of human kind. The historical era is beautifully recreated in the movie. The extensive research done by the production team is commendable. I happened to see this movie by chance and would have definitely missed a good film if i haven't.
Thank You Barajoun and the team for bringing Bilal's story to the screens. The animation is top class and the characterization is perfect. A must watch movie for all ages.
Thank You Barajoun and the team for bringing Bilal's story to the screens. The animation is top class and the characterization is perfect. A must watch movie for all ages.
Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Screen Daily, etc. all praising BILAL Movie
merrykom29 October 2016
I thought only more than 90% audience are loving this movie but once I Google, I found almost all top critic strongly recommending this movie including Hollywood Reporter, Variety, Screen Daily, Sydney Buzz, Indi Wire, etc. Anyone can Google can find these only, also can check trusted sites like Rotten Tomatoes, everyone giving more than 4 start out of 5 Negative rating I thought coming from those, who are actually disappointed and paid negative votes. How any studio can deliver outstanding movie in this short amount of time unanimously acclaimed by all critic. For the ones who has not watched the movie just go on BILAL: A New Breed of Hero YouTube, Facebook, & Instagram side to recognize how far they took the quality
Dubai, you are best, always produce great stuff and this time best movie
alexbunbury28 October 2016
I strongly recommend everyone to watch this movie. This animated feature made upon real life hero. You will feel proud once you see what came out from Dubai. Dubai owns many record, biggest tower of the world, biggest seven star hotel of the word, biggest mall of the world, man made island and now they are making biggest theme park of the world and man made safari. This movie you can proudly present as the greatest movie any film maker has ever produce. It has more than 12 minute animated battle sequence, which is again a record, more than 2 min full visual effect sand sequence, more than 5,000 horses every single frame is master piece. I am proud resident of Dubai and now more.
The characters are immaculately rendered and some of the scenes are visually stunning!
vincevaughn-9650112 November 2016
The production values on display are impressive. The characters are immaculately rendered and some of the scenes are visually stunning, from galloping horses and swooping birds of prey to the vast deserts and epic battle scenes.
The animation and design can genuinely stand alongside the best Hollywood fare, as should be expected from a team that has worked on hits including Shrek and Monsters, Inc.
the movie is a fascinating glimpse into an important period in the history of the region, and the attention to detail paid to the costumes and backgrounds gives an authentic impression of the historical period.
Bilal brings an important story from the region, and the underlying message of empowerment and egalitarianism is one from which we can all benefit.
Visually, Bilal repatriates animated Arabian iconography after a spell locked up in the Disney bunker of Aladdin and 1001 Arabian Nights, before Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones comprehensively raided the region's costume department and settings. With some tweaks and trims to curb excesses, this could be seen widely in observant households and schools on the international stage, while it clearly boasts powerful local appeal.
Bilal is based on the real-life historical figure Bilal Ibn Rabah, a close companion of the prophet Mohammed who ultimately moved to Medina and was the first Muaddhin to call the faithful to prayer. He sacrificed much for his freedom in a cruel, feudal society.
"BILAL has a lasting message well understood in the humanistic framework. This is a unique feature with a compelling socially relevant content for today. It provides the plausible interpretation that hidden by the ideology of false gods greed destroys the essence of mankind and enslaves all subjected to it. Bilal strongly opposes inequality and battles the subordination of people. In the current climate of growing class division a faith based appeal to strengthen moral values should attract a large audience."
This is, visually, an electrifying debut for Barajoun Entertainment
The animation and design can genuinely stand alongside the best Hollywood fare, as should be expected from a team that has worked on hits including Shrek and Monsters, Inc.
the movie is a fascinating glimpse into an important period in the history of the region, and the attention to detail paid to the costumes and backgrounds gives an authentic impression of the historical period.
Bilal brings an important story from the region, and the underlying message of empowerment and egalitarianism is one from which we can all benefit.
Visually, Bilal repatriates animated Arabian iconography after a spell locked up in the Disney bunker of Aladdin and 1001 Arabian Nights, before Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones comprehensively raided the region's costume department and settings. With some tweaks and trims to curb excesses, this could be seen widely in observant households and schools on the international stage, while it clearly boasts powerful local appeal.
Bilal is based on the real-life historical figure Bilal Ibn Rabah, a close companion of the prophet Mohammed who ultimately moved to Medina and was the first Muaddhin to call the faithful to prayer. He sacrificed much for his freedom in a cruel, feudal society.
"BILAL has a lasting message well understood in the humanistic framework. This is a unique feature with a compelling socially relevant content for today. It provides the plausible interpretation that hidden by the ideology of false gods greed destroys the essence of mankind and enslaves all subjected to it. Bilal strongly opposes inequality and battles the subordination of people. In the current climate of growing class division a faith based appeal to strengthen moral values should attract a large audience."
This is, visually, an electrifying debut for Barajoun Entertainment
I really liked this film
alanbeaulieu98316 November 2016
i surprisingly had a good time! The cinematics are good, humour was quite on point and it had a great moral in the movie.Some might argue that the movie came a little bit too late, but i tend to disagree. My friend remembered the main characters and was happy to see them.
The animation is brilliant and The voice acting is perfect. I really enjoyed it and the story was very good.
+Surprisingly charming +Voice talent +Great animated action
Overall though I liked it since Animation is my favourite genre of all time. Yes folks I am a 25 year old woman with no children and I love this movies so what.
I am giving this an 10/10 star !
The animation is brilliant and The voice acting is perfect. I really enjoyed it and the story was very good.
+Surprisingly charming +Voice talent +Great animated action
Overall though I liked it since Animation is my favourite genre of all time. Yes folks I am a 25 year old woman with no children and I love this movies so what.
I am giving this an 10/10 star !
They didnt focus on islam at all!!!
samqq-9117016 September 2018
They didnt focus on islam at all, even when they traveled to medinah, they made it so people think the reason is to run from the enslavers but the real reason was to hide their relegion, islam. It pissed me off so much to the point were i thought the one who made the movie is a nonmuslim who is trying to hide the real story. Why as muslims would you ever do this??????
A great, fun, and addictive film
bodinebalasco983811 November 2016
Poetic, humorous, visually stunning, multilayered, a musical masterpiece and so beautiful it will make your heart bleed, this film is rather dark and tragic however and not entirely suitable for the youngest among us. I don't think it ever was intended to be. A stunning poetic interpretation and a personal favourite.
This piece was one of the best applications of stop-motion that I have ever seen. The beauty was in the simplicity of the shots, along with the vivid imagery. I adored this movie like nothing I have before. Cartoons just don't hold the same magic that they used to; this movie changed my perceptions of what it meant to be "animated". If you couldn't notice, I loved it. Watch it. A lot.
I'm gonna grade this movie an A+!
This piece was one of the best applications of stop-motion that I have ever seen. The beauty was in the simplicity of the shots, along with the vivid imagery. I adored this movie like nothing I have before. Cartoons just don't hold the same magic that they used to; this movie changed my perceptions of what it meant to be "animated". If you couldn't notice, I loved it. Watch it. A lot.
I'm gonna grade this movie an A+!
I can't wait to see it again!
kristinarnold983717 November 2016
This is a huge movie, seriously huge. The quality is top. The music is great, and I left singing it; the lead characters are very likable, with memorable sidekicks; and there are even surprises, things you would never expect to see in a animated film! I have been singing part of your world and reflection for years and i feel that let it go and most songs i will be singing for years to come. It was new and yet nostalgic and took me back to my childhood years and recreated the spirit of the movies i adored tenfold. It has something for everyone and that is why i loved it so much. Everything from action and romance and comedy and fantasy and not forgetting the tears.
This is my favorite movie of the year so far, and may even be my favorite movie in years. I highly recommend this one!
This is my favorite movie of the year so far, and may even be my favorite movie in years. I highly recommend this one!
Amazing!
bobash983016 November 2016
To put it simply, this movie is a jewel: After being in love with it for quite the time, I have decided to settle down and write a review for it, because no matter how much praise it gets, this short animation film deserves more.All the people who did voices for the movie did very well. I was very impressed by how they got the mood just right and how you could just feel the emotion. The music and the animation are extremely well done. Another great part of this movie is the animation. People these days are getting so used to computer animation that when they see stop-motion, the first thing they think about are all the flaws in the movie. To me, that is the beauty of it. Everything you see is man-made by artists and craftsmen. It's awesome.
All in all, this movie is a 8!! Go see this movie you won't regret it!!!
All in all, this movie is a 8!! Go see this movie you won't regret it!!!
Promising start for UAE animation
jhonmilton14 November 2016
Bilal is the debut of Dubai-based Barajoun Entertainment, and the first animated feature film to come out of the United Arab Emirates. In a mythical desert kingdom rendered in careful detail, a young slave strives for freedom. With spectacular set pieces and a sweeping scope, Bilal starts off on the right foot for a debut effort.
Bilal evokes animated blockbusters but manages to avoid being an imitator. Even though the story follows the standard Hollywood beats for an action flick, this is a film that bears the imprint of where it was made in the UAE. This sense of place is subtle – the ever-changing deserts, for example — but nonetheless present and welcome.
This is contrasted with the conspicuous decadence of the wealthy merchants, who worship only money. A roly-poly slave trader with a gigantic toothy smile is an entertaining supporting character among their numbers. A compassionate priest secretly takes Bilal under his tutelage, and he learns that the merchants are themselves slaves – to greed, power, and fear. Although the tone is light-hearted this is a film that grapples with some big questions. The comic relief comes from a bumbling supporting cast and physical comedy, instead of the ironic pop-culture quips common to American fare.
There is some striking effects animation in the film, especially in a dream sequence in which Bilal battles a gargantuan idol made of glowing sand.
Bilal evokes animated blockbusters but manages to avoid being an imitator. Even though the story follows the standard Hollywood beats for an action flick, this is a film that bears the imprint of where it was made in the UAE. This sense of place is subtle – the ever-changing deserts, for example — but nonetheless present and welcome.
This is contrasted with the conspicuous decadence of the wealthy merchants, who worship only money. A roly-poly slave trader with a gigantic toothy smile is an entertaining supporting character among their numbers. A compassionate priest secretly takes Bilal under his tutelage, and he learns that the merchants are themselves slaves – to greed, power, and fear. Although the tone is light-hearted this is a film that grapples with some big questions. The comic relief comes from a bumbling supporting cast and physical comedy, instead of the ironic pop-culture quips common to American fare.
There is some striking effects animation in the film, especially in a dream sequence in which Bilal battles a gargantuan idol made of glowing sand.
Disjointed and dry
nightbiker-131 August 2018
I always like to say something good about a movie -every movie has at least something positive, after all. The animation was acceptable. This is not a ringing endorsement since computers, software and those skilled at working with them should be able to bring something visually decent to the screen.
As a story, it was difficult to follow at times, but if you can stomach the boredom, it is not a bad story. Worth it? Hardly (and I didn't have to pay to see it). It is not the worst film ever brought to screen (never understood those comments) but the goal was supposed to include giving a better, newer perspective on the islamic culture. It fails miserably at this, and in truth it just was not a very good story. Maybe it loses something in the translation (culturally speaking) but while I love animated movies, this one will find no place in my library.
Amazing and unique!
meredithbaxter98308 November 2016
"Bilal: A New Breed of Hero" is simply one of the best animated films ever made: The plots is brilliantly developed, the animation is detailed and beautiful to look at, the characters are fascinating and interesting, and the world simply captivating, but mysterious and dangerous and well.
The animation was amazing. Every character looked awesome and had so much detail to them. Nothing really popped out of you, but it just gave it an extra depth that made it more real. I think it was so cool.
The movie was really cute. I really enjoyed the movie and recommend you see it. :)
The animation was amazing. Every character looked awesome and had so much detail to them. Nothing really popped out of you, but it just gave it an extra depth that made it more real. I think it was so cool.
The movie was really cute. I really enjoyed the movie and recommend you see it. :)
New breed of failures of arabic cinema
haithemmedani3 January 2020
I'm Muslim myself and the makers of this movie did a bad job, I'm reviewing it now in 2020 because I didn't want to watch it for five years because I didn't want to be disappointed.
The makers of this (what is supposed to be a biography) were trying so hard to satisfy western audience by hiding the Islamic identity, and actually showing the "sword" instead of showing the peaceful message of Islam, this mess caused a real damage to the story line and no wonder if non Muslims are disappointed.
I give 4 stars for the soundtrack and some good scenes.
The makers of this (what is supposed to be a biography) were trying so hard to satisfy western audience by hiding the Islamic identity, and actually showing the "sword" instead of showing the peaceful message of Islam, this mess caused a real damage to the story line and no wonder if non Muslims are disappointed.
I give 4 stars for the soundtrack and some good scenes.
Must Watch Movie!!!!!
eric-317883 November 2016
One of the most interesting aspects of movie reviewing is looking behind the screen at the provenance of a project, and with Dubai's first ever CGI animation, BILAL, the story behind this 1400-year-old animation saga is truly gripping. Cannes 69th Film Festival is the perfect venue for this, where it will screen shortly. The cast includes excellent actors Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (who played the yacht assassination target for Matt Damon in BOURNE IDENTITY), and Ian McShane from HBO's "Game of Thrones" TV series, also PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN.
Eponymous main character Bilal is actually based on a historic figure, a revered warrior, named Bilal bin Rabah. And who was he? "One of the most trusted companions of the Prophet Mohammed," according to exhaustive research done by the film's makers via Saudi-informed "forensic historians." What makes this film interesting is that you don't necessarily have to know the backstory to appreciate the master-level craftsmanship on the CGI in BILAL. In fact, this project pays off the promise that 'reality begins at 30 million polygons' as coined by animation forefather Alvy Ray Smith, and really brings home the notion that this technology now has a life of its own as this fantastic tool available all over the world for people to tell make epic explorations.
When you watch this film, you see top drawer animation with a sincere message of "faith, hope and self-discovery inspired by the real life story," as described by the filmmakers.
American actor Jacob Latimore is teenage BILAL. According to Kidzworld, a portal for young actors, this Milwaukee native grew up with a love of Motown and singular gifts as a musician early on with a hit called "Superstar." Which means he has the perfect voice control as a voice actor, not to mention his credits include roles in 2014's RIDE ALONG (Kevin Hart, Ice Cube) and THE MAZE RUNNER, as well as a 2010 credit for VANISHING ON 7TH STREET. Over the course of this spirited and engaging film, Bilal's character will age from 6 to 60 years old, and the intricate animation's high-dollar production values make it a pleasure to sit through.
This is a multi-talent collaboration, as mentioned, with clever choices such as Atil Örvarsson, an Icelandic composer, to did the music. Örvarsson said he tried to "combine the archaelogical, historical nature of the story and make it accessible for an international audience. We used old instruments from the region and combined it with modern electronically synthesised music, we created themes for some of the characters and created a unique, other worldly sound for the witch doctor." Project point-person Jamal nailed the complexity of producing a movie of this scope in CGI, especially when the Dubai creative climate is more familiar with shorter projects. "The industry here is based on short movies and originally we wanted to work with an animation studio but we found there was no animation or CGI studio in the MENA region so we had to start the studio ourselves to make BILAL and that's how we established Dubai-based Barajoun Studios." The film itself was funded by individual investors from the Gulf Region, including Saudi Arabia with the Doha Film Institute. Expect BILAL to be on the radar this year, as Variety, Indiewire, Cartoon Brew, and Animation News have all tracked its progress thus far. Let's hope this film has the harmonizing effect as intended, because the animation is truly pixel-perfect. BILAL will screen this week at Cannes 69th International Film Festival, see schedule here for details.
Review by Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles Correspondent
Eponymous main character Bilal is actually based on a historic figure, a revered warrior, named Bilal bin Rabah. And who was he? "One of the most trusted companions of the Prophet Mohammed," according to exhaustive research done by the film's makers via Saudi-informed "forensic historians." What makes this film interesting is that you don't necessarily have to know the backstory to appreciate the master-level craftsmanship on the CGI in BILAL. In fact, this project pays off the promise that 'reality begins at 30 million polygons' as coined by animation forefather Alvy Ray Smith, and really brings home the notion that this technology now has a life of its own as this fantastic tool available all over the world for people to tell make epic explorations.
When you watch this film, you see top drawer animation with a sincere message of "faith, hope and self-discovery inspired by the real life story," as described by the filmmakers.
American actor Jacob Latimore is teenage BILAL. According to Kidzworld, a portal for young actors, this Milwaukee native grew up with a love of Motown and singular gifts as a musician early on with a hit called "Superstar." Which means he has the perfect voice control as a voice actor, not to mention his credits include roles in 2014's RIDE ALONG (Kevin Hart, Ice Cube) and THE MAZE RUNNER, as well as a 2010 credit for VANISHING ON 7TH STREET. Over the course of this spirited and engaging film, Bilal's character will age from 6 to 60 years old, and the intricate animation's high-dollar production values make it a pleasure to sit through.
This is a multi-talent collaboration, as mentioned, with clever choices such as Atil Örvarsson, an Icelandic composer, to did the music. Örvarsson said he tried to "combine the archaelogical, historical nature of the story and make it accessible for an international audience. We used old instruments from the region and combined it with modern electronically synthesised music, we created themes for some of the characters and created a unique, other worldly sound for the witch doctor." Project point-person Jamal nailed the complexity of producing a movie of this scope in CGI, especially when the Dubai creative climate is more familiar with shorter projects. "The industry here is based on short movies and originally we wanted to work with an animation studio but we found there was no animation or CGI studio in the MENA region so we had to start the studio ourselves to make BILAL and that's how we established Dubai-based Barajoun Studios." The film itself was funded by individual investors from the Gulf Region, including Saudi Arabia with the Doha Film Institute. Expect BILAL to be on the radar this year, as Variety, Indiewire, Cartoon Brew, and Animation News have all tracked its progress thus far. Let's hope this film has the harmonizing effect as intended, because the animation is truly pixel-perfect. BILAL will screen this week at Cannes 69th International Film Festival, see schedule here for details.
Review by Quendrith Johnson, Los Angeles Correspondent
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