Adewale
Akinnuoye-Agbaje
Jacob Latimore
Ian McShane
Cynthia Kaye McWilliams China Anne McClain
Mick Wingert Sage Ryan Dave B. Mitchell
Bilal is promoted as “a new breed of hero”, but
this seems to be little different from a host of other such stories, in that
Bilal undergoes tragedies from the time he is a child, endures them reasonably
well, maintains his rebellious determination for freedom, recognizes words of
wisdom and generosity in a strong Mohammed-like figure who buys him from his
evil master, and manages with his comrades—particularly his guide Hamza
(Mitchell)—to achieve civic and religious goals. The animated story from the
UAE is based on ancient Muslim lore during the time that wealthy merchants relegated most of the poor masses to slavery. Viewers with young children should be aware that the film
includes a bloody war.
The thrust of the story lies in its emphasis on
freedom, freedom that everyone deserves regardless of appearance or ethnic
origin. This comes through, albeit
sometimes a bit preachy. The story
maintains the belief that there is a god who oversees the lives of men and
expects them to adhere to his teachings about kindness and social justice, as
contrasted with anger and vengeance toward others. The film is marketed for middle age children and above, but
I wonder how many will get their message.
In the screening, there were cheers when the bad guy was undone—evidence
to me that they missed the import of the film: Use a stick rather than a sword whenever possible.
The film is from Saudi Arabia, animated by
Barajoun Entertainment, and filmed in Dubai. Influences of a Middle Eastern perspective are clearly
apparent, and I understand that the directors (Khurram H. Alari and Ayman
Jamal), and particularly Jamal, wished to present a Muslim point of view that
is inclusive of all people in its egalitarianism. The animation struck me as quaint in comparison with what I
am accustomed to seeing, although I don’t know exactly why. I think maybe because the figures were
more robotic-appearing than human-like.
McShayne voicing the haughty slave owner Umayya
was just right in showing the sense of entitlement of the ruling class, and his
well-taught son Safwan (Ryan and Wingert) took what he said to heart, implementing
it whenever possible, being particularly focused on Bilal (voiced by Latimore
and Akinnuoye-Agbaje). Voice
acting of the cast is very good in general.
There seem to be internal contradictions in the
story (and perhaps it is true of most religions) between the messages of
tolerance and the hostilities expressed among the characters. Although Bilal comes to believe that
the stick should be used whenever possible over the sword, killing and war (in
which he participates) seem to be condoned.
Although marketed as “a new breed of
hero”, Bilal closely resembles heroes
in many cultures: undergoing trials, maturing under the guidance of a wise
guide, and transforming into a beloved leader.
Grade: C+ By
Donna R. Copeland
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