Bilal--A New Breed of Hero, Review: Idol greed v/s rebel breed
"Here’s the first animation feature film coming out from the middle-east, and it makes you wonder what took them so long.
How many animation/CGI films would have a 1400 year-old true story to tell? And how many of them would be without animals and birds talking, or super-powers engaging in over-the-top action? Bilal is refreshingly devoid of familiar trappings, yet consummate in its artistry."
Rating: *** ½
Siraj Syed
"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."
Claus Mueller
"Timeless and powerful message of faith, hope and strive for equality, the film will certainly reach audiences worldwide; Especially in the Western culture, a practically unknown story, in these Islamophobia hard times, where misinterpretation is so frequent these days, this is a message we can all learn from.
The style can in all fairness be compared to the best and known of Hollywood animation productions. This isn’t a surprise, as the film was mixed by Academy-Award winning Michael Hedges (“Lord of the Rings”, “King Kong”) who joined a team of professional artists, some of film director Peter Jackson’s has teamed up with in the past.
With an outstanding score by famous film composer, Atli Örvarsson, the music compositions guides us through the emotional moments of Bilal that culminates of setting his chains free. Most of the recordings were done at the Abbey Road Studio, London with some sections recorded in Iceland. The musical score is a fusion of Middle Eastern elements fused with Norse and European sentiments.
The film message of remaining true to oneself, non discrimination and striving for social justice, in an materialistic environment, is a great reminder for all. “Being a great man means living without chains” reflects as much today as it did in the sixth-century Mecca. "
Lia Fietz
"An epic animation that can move both younger and older audiences. "
Martin Petrov
"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. "
Tom Llewellin
"Bilal is taught important messages by his peers. 'He who forgives will witness glory. Use your strength in your mind, and not a weapon. Build a home to inspire the hearts of men. His voice will inspire to speak for justice and equality.'"
Sharon Abella
Pixel-Perfect BILAL Takes Screen at Cannes 69th & Took a Few Years, 22 Countries to Create.
"Dubai’s first ever CGI animation, BILAL, the story behind this 1400-year-old animation saga is truly gripping. . Let’s hope this film has the harmonizing effect as intended, because the animation is truly pixel-perfect. "
Moira Sullivan