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=== Criticism ===
=== Criticism ===
The film met with widespread criticism prior to its theatrical release, predominantly from [[Demographics of the Arab League|Sunni Arab countries]].<ref name=":3" /> In February 2015, Bangladesh's [[Al-Azhar University]] called on Iran to ban the film. According to that, the film describes debasing of the sanctity of messengers from God.<ref name=":3" /> .
No Criticism


==Music==
==Music==
The [[film score]] is composed by [[A. R. Rahman]]. His inclusion in the project was confirmed in May 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theiranproject.com/blog/2014/05/06/slumdog-millionaire-composer-writes-music-for-iranian-film/|title='Slumdog Millionaire' composer writes music for Iranian film|work=The Iran Project|date=6 May 2014|accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> It took six months for A. R. Rahman to understand the kind of score that Majid Majidi wanted for "Muhammad: The Messenger of God".<ref>{{Cite news|title = It took time to gauge what Majid Majidi wanted from me: Rahman|url = http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/it-took-time-to-gauge-what-majid-majidi-wanted-from-me-rahman-115040800327_1.html|newspaper = Business Standard India|date = 2015-04-08|access-date = 2015-04-11|first = Press Trust of|last = India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = ‘Change has to happen’|url = http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/change-has-to-happen/article7085547.ece|newspaper = The Hindu|date = April 9, 2015|access-date = 2015-04-11|issn = 0971-751X|language = en-IN|first = Anuj|last = Kumar}}</ref> He worked on the score for a year and a half.<ref>{{Cite web|title = We are judging today’s music by what we see on television: A R Rahman|url = http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/the-interviews-blog/we-are-judging-todays-music-by-what-we-see-on-television-a-r-rahman/|website = Times Of India Blogs|accessdate = 2015-04-12}}</ref> Singer [[Sami Yusuf]] has recorded a track for the film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.samiyusufofficial.com/main/archives/12405|title=Sami Yusuf with AR Rahman|work=Sami Yusuf – Official website|date=9 November 2014|accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> In November 2014, Rahman recorded the [[Le Trio Joubran]] for the score.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/rahman360/status/534798195482583040|title=Trio Joubran with #ARRahman|work=Rahman360|date=18 November 2014|accessdate=4 December 2014}}</ref> Further sessions of recording with the trio were held in [[Paris]] by February 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.deccanchronicle.com/150203/entertainment-tvmusic/article/ar-rahman-records-iranian-film-director-majid-majidis-next|title = AR Rahman records for Iranian film director Majid Majidi's next project|date = February 3, 2015|accessdate = February 3, 2015|website = |publisher = Deccan Chronicle|last = |first = }}</ref> [[Geoff Foster]] co-produced the [[Film score|motion picture score]] with Rahman.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://new.livestream.com/fblive/arrahman/videos/73063357 | title=Live Chat with A. R. Rahman |date = 6 January 2014 |accessdate = 7 January 2014 |publisher = Livestream}}</ref> The score comprises experimental melodies and rhythms.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://skjbollywoodnews.com/2015/03/a-r-rahman-im-flooded-with-offers-from-iran/4127208.html|title = Ever since music maestro A R Rahman agreed to do the music of an Iranian film he has been getting a lot of offers from that country.|date = March 24, 2015|accessdate = March 25, 2015|website = |publisher = SKJ Bollywood News|last = K. Jha|first = Subhash}}</ref> A. R. Rahman and his team recorded the music across five countries including [[India]], [[Iran]], [[Germany]], [[France]] and [[Egypt]] with 200 musicians.<ref>{{Cite web|title = AR Rahman talks about his most daring upcoming project|url = http://www.media247.co.uk/showbiz/ar-rahman-talks-about-his-most-daring-upcoming-project-2015|website = www.media247.co.uk|accessdate = 2015-09-01}}</ref>
There are no music in this film


== Sequel ==
== Sequel ==

Revision as of 08:17, 12 September 2015

Muhammad: The Messenger of God
Directed byMajid Majidi
Written byMajid Majidi
Kambuzia Partovi
Produced byMohammed Mahdi Heidarian
Mohammad Reza Saberi
StarringMahdi Pakdel
Sareh Bayat
Ra'na Azadivar
Mina Sadati
Cinematography[[]]
Edited byRoberto Perpignani
Music byA. R. Rahman
Production
companies
Noor-e-Taban Film Company Production
Infinite Production Company GmbH
Release dates
February 12, 2015 (Cinema Farhang)
August 27, 2015 (Iran)
August 27, 2015 (Montreal World Film Festival)
Running time
171 minutes[1]
CountryIran
LanguagePersin
Budget$35 million[2]
Box office$6.7 billion[3]

Muhammad: The Messenger of God is an Iranian cinema directed by Majid Majidi and co-written with Kambuzia Partovi. The film is set in the sixth century where the story revolves around the childhood of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. The film marks Iran's biggest-budget production to date.[4] Development of Muhammad: The Messenger of God began in 2007 and Majidi wrote the first draft of the screenplay by 2009. By 2011, a colossal set created in the city of Qom near Tehran was ready for the majority of the film. Several scenes were filmed in South Africa. Throughout the filming process, Majidi worked with a team of historians and archaeologists for the work on accuracy of the early life of Prophet Muhammad. Post-production works began in Munich during late 2013 and were completed in 2014. The cinematography is done by Vittorio Storaro and film score is composed by A. R. Rahman.

The film was set to have its premiere at the Fajr International Film Festival on February 1, 2015 but was pulled out due to technical difficulties. For the critics, film-makers and journalists, a special screening was held at Cinema Farhang in Iran on February 12, 2015. The film was released both in Iran and at Montreal World Film Festival on August 27, 2015.

Premise

By the order of Abraha, King of Habasha, one of his army commanders launches an attack on Mecca in order to destroy the Kaaba. He leads a well-equipped force of thousands of soldiers, horses and elephants. As the army approaches Mecca, the elephants respond to divine order by halting and refusing to continue. Millions of small birds then release a hail of stones onto Abraha’s forces and the army is annihilated. A month later, Muhammad is born. This film depicts the pagan age with all its tyranny and oppression as seen through the eyes of Muhammad from birth to the age of 13.[1]

Cast

  • Mahdi Pakdel
  • Alireza Shoja Nouri
  • Mohsen Tanabandeh
  • Dariush Farhang
  • Mohammad Asgari
  • Seyed Sadegh Hatefi
  • Sareh Bayat
  • Mina Sadati

Production

Origin

In 2006, Majid Majidi's film The Willow Tree was about to have its premiere at the 17th NatFilm Festival. However, the director backed out the screening of the film citing the controversy created by the Jyllands-Posten over cartoon depiction of Islamic Prophet–Muhammad.[5] According to Majidi, the publishing insulted the population of Muslim people and disrespected the boundaries of the holy sanctuaries of beliefs.[6] This led him to the idea of making a film on Prophet Muhammad.[7] Later, to make a more practical response to the insulting act of the newspaper, he took up the subject of Prophet of Islam.[7]

"I thought to myself how can they hold an honoring ceremony for me in a country where my beliefs and sanctities are insulted… So, in a letter I said I could not attend the ceremony (in a country) where my holiest sanctities are desecrated. Instead of showing reaction to the insults to Islamic sanctities, it is better to do some action to introduce the Islamic culture and that is why production of the movie 'Muhammad (PBUH)' was started 7 years ago."[8]

— Majid Majidi on tracing the instinct to begin the project Muhammad: The Messenger of God.

Development

The pre-production began in October 2007 with the first draft for the screenplay ready by March 2009. In early 2011, an enormous set of an estimate 100 hectares area was built near the city Qom.[9] The set resembled sixth-century Mecca and Medina during the early years of the life of Muhammad.[10] A replica of Kaaba shrine was built in the remote village of Mazraeh-ye Allahyar.[11] In October 2011, Majidi officially announced the project, calling it as his 'most ambitious and expensive film project'.[9] He did not hint about the title of the project or its content but he added that it would 'bring pride to Iran and Iranians'. By the following month, filming had commenced and minister of culture and Islamic guidance Mohammad Hosseini confirmed that a movie about Muhammad was being filmed.[9] However, in a turn of events, reports of November 2012, claimed the film was titled Muhammad's Childhood. Further, Mohammad Mehdi Heidarian was announced as the producer. Shining Light (Noor-e-Taban) was the project's financial backer.[9] The cinematographer of the film Vittorio Storaro, arrived in Iran with a 30-man crew. Storato accepted the project after he had a brief discussion about the film with Majidi in Rome.[12] Scott E. Anderson was involved as a visual effects supervisor.[9] Croatian production designer Miljen Kreka Kljakovic directed the art of the film.[10] According to Majidi, he and a research team of historians and archaeologists had consulted with Shia and Sunni scholars from Iran, Algeria, Morocco, Lebanon and Iraq[13] in order to ensure accurate portrayal of Muhammad's early years.[9] Giannetto De Rossi was chosen to provide make up to the characters. Costume designers from Germany, Croatia and Slovenia were chosen in August 2013.[12] While speaking at a press conference, for the creation of a logotype representing Muhammad, Majidi stated that the film intends to fight against any improper image of Islam the West has in mind.[14] The logotype was designed by calligrapher Mohammad Jalil Rasouli.[10] Mohammed Mahdi Heidarian, head of the Noor-e-Taban Film Industry Company Production, confirmed that his firm had spent $40 million on the epic film.[15]

Filming

The city of Qom where majority of filming took place.

The majority of the filming was done at a set constructed near the city Qom, Iran.[9] Certain scenes requiring elephants[12] were filmed at Bela-Bela in South Africa.[4] Most of the filming was done in secrecy and without any news coverage, allowing no journalists to visit or report from filming locations. Further, Majidi talked less to his actors face to face, and mostly they needed to talk to his assistants.[16]

In an interview with Iranian Film Daily, Majidi was quoted saying, "A whole town as well as a full-scale Mecca were recreated down to the most minute detail."[17] The film script depicts Muhammad's adventures through the age of twelve. Majidi added that the film starts with Muhammad's adolescence, and his childhood is shown through flashbacks.[17] The makers chose the period before Muhammad became a prophet.[17] Considering difficulties and Islamic beliefs on the countenance of Muhammad, Majidi stated, "The face of the Prophet is not shown in the film. By hiding his face I will make the character more intriguing for the viewer."[17] To clear the controversies attached with the project, he said, "The film contains no controversies and no differences between the Shia and the Sunni points of view."[17] The story ends with his journey to Syria and encounter with Bahira.[9] Filming was completed by October 2013.[18]

Post-production

The post-production works began in Munich by the October 2013.[18] In 2014, Majidi revealed that the film would be ready by end of 2014 and would be submitted to the Fajr International Film Festival in Iran.[16] By mid-2014, the film was in the final stages of post-production.[9] In January 2015, work on the special effects and music composition were being carried out.[19] In February 2015, Majidi was in France to resolve issues pertaining to sound-mix engineering.[20]

Release

In November 2014, director Majid Majidi was appointed as the President of the Jury of 33rd Fajr International Film Festival in Iran.[21] Moreover, the film is set to have its world premiere through the same. However, objections were raised on the film's release due to inclusion of a jury member and his film. In a press conference, a spokesman for the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, Hossein Nooshabadi answered, "I think the films produced about the life of Prophet Muhammad by other filmmakers so far, have a lot of flaws and faults and for the first time in Iranian cinema, such an exemplary work in the Muslim world has been produced by Majid Majidi as a Muslim and professional filmmaker."[22] The film was set to premiere at the opening of 33rd Fajr Film Festival[10] on February 1, 2015. However, the screening was cancelled citing technical difficulties[20][23] with the audio of the film.[13] Majidi clarified that the existing movie theater’s sound environment at Milad Tower in Tehran was incompatible with the film's sound mix.[24]

On February 12, 2015, the film was screened for filmmakers, journalists and film critics at Farhang Theater Hall in Tehran.[4][25][26] The film released at an estimate 143[27] theaters in Iran and premiere at Montreal Film Festival on August 27, 2015.[28] Owing to positive response to premiere, an additional screening was held at Cinema Imperial in Montreal on September 7, 2015.[29]

Critical response

Iranian film critics praised the film as well. Mostafa Seyedabadi states that the color and lighting in the film was "astonishing".[11] Critic Masoud Farasati dismissed certain film's shots, like a low-angle view of the prophet as a teen against the sky and called it a "Hollywood" knockoff.[11] In a first look review published by The Guardian, the critic gave the film 4 out of 5 stars, stating, "Majidi chronicles the first ripples of this revolutionary wave in a handsome, pre-CGI-era epic style. His film is intellectually honest, committed and poetic."[30] Contrary to the positive review, Alissa Simon of Variety stated, "Although many of Majidi’s earlier films dealt with the spiritual purity that comes with selfless love and deliver a religious rapture of sorts, “Muhammad: The Messenger of God” feels stiff and awkward, burdened rather than elevated by its weighty subject matter. And it doesn’t help that the characters remain cardboard cutouts of historical figures, never attaining any psychological or emotional life."[31]

Criticism

The film met with widespread criticism prior to its theatrical release, predominantly from Sunni Arab countries.[11] In February 2015, Bangladesh's Al-Azhar University called on Iran to ban the film. According to that, the film describes debasing of the sanctity of messengers from God.[11] .

Music

The film score is composed by A. R. Rahman. His inclusion in the project was confirmed in May 2014.[32] It took six months for A. R. Rahman to understand the kind of score that Majid Majidi wanted for "Muhammad: The Messenger of God".[33][34] He worked on the score for a year and a half.[35] Singer Sami Yusuf has recorded a track for the film.[36] In November 2014, Rahman recorded the Le Trio Joubran for the score.[37] Further sessions of recording with the trio were held in Paris by February 2015.[38] Geoff Foster co-produced the motion picture score with Rahman.[39] The score comprises experimental melodies and rhythms.[40] A. R. Rahman and his team recorded the music across five countries including India, Iran, Germany, France and Egypt with 200 musicians.[41]

Sequel

The producers of the film have planned two sequels that would complete the trilogy of films. The sequel one would focus on Muhammad's life from his teenage years to his 40s. The next one would depict life after 40s until when he ultimately becomes the Prophet of Islam.[25]

References

  1. ^ a b "MUHAMMAD THE FILM EVENT OF 2015 TO HAVE WORLD PREMIERE AT THE MONTREAL WORLD FILM FESTIVAL". ffm-montreal.org. Retrieved 22 July 2015.
  2. ^ Presstv Report، Official Muhammad Movie Channel in Aparat.
  3. ^ "یک سانس ویژه در مونترال". news.mohammadmovie.com. 29 August 2015. Retrieved 30 August 2015.
  4. ^ a b c "Majid Majidi's religious film to hit movie theaters in 2014". Press TV. Retrieved 4 December 2014. Cite error: The named reference "presstv" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  5. ^ "Majidi Boycotts Danish Film Festival Over Muhammad Cartoons". contactmusic.com. 24 March 2006. Retrieved 19 August 2015. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help)
  6. ^ "Film festival hit by cartoon row". BBC News. 24 March 2006. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
  7. ^ a b ""Muhammad (S)" director says his film presents proper perception of Islam". Tehran Times. 19 August 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
  8. ^ "Iranian filmmaker: Movie "Muhammad (PBUH)" aimed at introducing accurate image of Islam". Ahlul Bayt News Agency. 19 August 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Rare portrayal of Muhammad's youth in upcoming Iranian film". The Guardian. 27 December 2013. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  10. ^ a b c d "Fajr Film Festival to open with "Muhammad (S)"". Tehran Times. 8 January 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  11. ^ a b c d e Karimi, Nasser (25 March 2015). "Iran film portrays the Prophet Muhammad, drawing criticism". Yahoo. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  12. ^ a b c "Questions and Answers from Director Majid Majidi". thelastprophet.info. 13 May 2013. Retrieved 5 December 2014.
  13. ^ a b Pereira, Jorge (14 February 2015). "Filme sobre a infância de Maomé prestes a estrear no Irão (e com críticas)". c7nema. Retrieved 17 February 2015.
  14. ^ ""Muhammad (S)" film project seeks solidarity in the world of Islam". The Iran Project. 15 August 2013. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  15. ^ "Iranian Movie Depicts Prophet Mohammed By Showing 'Back of His Head'". Morocco World News. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  16. ^ a b "Film on Prophet Muhammad mired in controversy". Al-Monitor. 23 January 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  17. ^ a b c d e "Majid Majidi launches promo for new film "Muhammad"". Iranian Film Daily. 14 September 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  18. ^ a b Srivastava, Priyanka (11 September 2014). "Iranian legend Majidi will shoot new film Floating Gardens in India". Daily Mail. Retrieved 2 December 2014.
  19. ^ "Iranian Movie 'Muhammad (PBUH)' to Debut at Fajr Int'l Film Festival". Tasnim News. Retrieved 9 January 2015.
  20. ^ a b "As FAJR FESTIVAL launches doubts over whether "MUHAMMAD" will premiere remain". Iranian Film Daily. 1 February 2015. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
  21. ^ "Majid Majidi named president of 33rd Fajr Festival". Iranian Film Daily. 16 November 2014. Retrieved 13 December 2014.
  22. ^ "Prophet Muhammad movie to be released internationally". Mehr News. 19 November 2014. Retrieved 13 December 2014.
  23. ^ "Clotted in controversy: Iran's premiere of Prophet Mohammed biopic reportedly cancelled". Rt. 3 February 2015. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
  24. ^ Naderzad, Ali (8 February 2015). "MAJID MAJIDI's "Muhammad" film to be shown to select few at FAJR this Monday". iranianfilmdaily.com. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  25. ^ a b ""Muhammad (S)" premieres for cineastes, critics". Tehran Times. 13 February 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2015. Cite error: The named reference "Screentime" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  26. ^ "The General regulations and call for entries of 33rd Fajr International Film Festival have been announced". fajrfestival.fr. 30 January 2015. Archived from the original on 30 January 2015. Retrieved 30 January 2015.
  27. ^ "Iran Premiers Muhammad Film". Fx Report Daily. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  28. ^ "Majidi's epic on Prophet premieres in Iran | The Asian Age". The Asian Age. 27 August 2015. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  29. ^ "Majidi's Muhammad enjoys extra screening in Montreal Filmfest". 7 September 2015. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  30. ^ Hoad, Phil. "Muhammad: Messenger of God review – evocative account of Islam's gestation". the Guardian. Retrieved 30 August 2015.
  31. ^ Simon, Alissa. "Film Review: 'Muhammad: The Messenger of God'". Retrieved 7 September 2015.
  32. ^ "'Slumdog Millionaire' composer writes music for Iranian film". The Iran Project. 6 May 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  33. ^ India, Press Trust of (8 April 2015). "It took time to gauge what Majid Majidi wanted from me: Rahman". Business Standard India. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
  34. ^ Kumar, Anuj (9 April 2015). "'Change has to happen'". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 11 April 2015.
  35. ^ "We are judging today's music by what we see on television: A R Rahman". Times Of India Blogs. Retrieved 12 April 2015.
  36. ^ "Sami Yusuf with AR Rahman". Sami Yusuf – Official website. 9 November 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  37. ^ "Trio Joubran with #ARRahman". Rahman360. 18 November 2014. Retrieved 4 December 2014.
  38. ^ "AR Rahman records for Iranian film director Majid Majidi's next project". Deccan Chronicle. 3 February 2015. Retrieved 3 February 2015.
  39. ^ "Live Chat with A. R. Rahman". Livestream. 6 January 2014. Retrieved 7 January 2014.
  40. ^ K. Jha, Subhash (24 March 2015). "Ever since music maestro A R Rahman agreed to do the music of an Iranian film he has been getting a lot of offers from that country". SKJ Bollywood News. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
  41. ^ "AR Rahman talks about his most daring upcoming project". www.media247.co.uk. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
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