🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Khurram H. Alavi
- Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Fantasy, History
- Release year: 2015
- Runtime (length): 1h 45min
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10 (19K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 80%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A kid gets kidnapped, grows up to be angry, and then suddenly everyone is fighting because… equality or something?
🍿 Bilal: A New Breed of Hero: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Early Life and Enslavement
Set a thousand years ago, the story begins with young Bilal and his sister, Ghufaira, living in a peaceful village. Their idyllic life is shattered when they are abducted and sold into slavery in a bustling city ruled by oppressive merchants. Separated from his mother, Bilal vows to protect his sister and dreams of freedom.
Growing Up in Captivity
Years pass, and Bilal grows into a strong and resilient young man under the harsh conditions of slavery. He witnesses the injustices inflicted upon his people and yearns to fight for their liberation. Despite facing brutality, Bilal clings to his belief in equality and refuses to submit to the tyranny of his masters.
Finding Courage and Rebellion
Inspired by a compassionate mentor, Bilal begins to question the established order and challenge the authority of his enslavers. He learns about the power of unity and the importance of standing up for what is right. His growing courage inspires others to join his cause, igniting a spark of rebellion against the oppressive regime.
The Battle for Freedom
Bilal’s unwavering determination culminates in a decisive battle against the slave masters. He leads a courageous group of rebels, facing formidable odds. Their fight is not just for personal freedom, but for the liberation of all those who are oppressed. The battle tests their strength and resolve, ultimately reshaping their destiny.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Bilal (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje): A young boy abducted into slavery who dreams of becoming a great warrior and fighting for freedom and justice.
- Umayya (Ian McShane): A cruel and powerful slave owner who represents the injustice and oppression that Bilal fights against.
- Ghufaira (China Anne McClain / Cynthia Kaye McWilliams): Bilal’s sister, who is also enslaved and serves as a source of strength and hope for him.
- Saad (Thomas Ian Nicholas): A friend of Bilal, who helps him on his journey.
- Okba (Michael Gross): A merchant who supports Umayya in his tyranny.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Hamza: “I only see God through the work of human.” – This quote emphasizes the importance of human actions and contributions as a reflection of faith.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $30,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $490,973
- Worldwide Gross: $3,830,832
💥 Bilal: A New Breed of Hero Reviews
Personal Review
I thought ‘Bilal’ was an interesting take on a historical story, even if the execution felt a bit uneven at times. The animation style was unique and the voice acting was pretty good. The battle scenes were intense. I appreciated the message of freedom and standing up for what’s right. It’s definitely worth a watch if you’re into animated historical epics. Some bits felt rushed or confusing, but the overall impact was positive for me. The music really stood out too, gave the film a lot of heart.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of animated historical dramas.”
- “Viewers interested in stories inspired by Islamic history.”
- “Families looking for a visually engaging and thought-provoking film (with parental guidance).”
- “People interested in stories about freedom and justice.”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence and battle scenes”
- “Depictions of slavery”
- “Thematic elements of oppression and injustice”
- “Some intense scenes that may be disturbing for young children”
Professional Reviews
- The Hollywood Reporter: “A strong story well told that creates plenty of emotional momentum. The characters are beautifully drawn, particularly Bilal, with his glowing brown skin and golden eyes.
- Variety: “”Bilal” will likely be a welcome counterbalance to the disturbingly negative depiction of Muslims in the West, and is the sort of animated feature to which some parents will happily take the kids. Visuals are extremely well designed.
Audience Reactions
Visually stunning with impressive animation quality and detailed character designs.: Most viewers praised the film’s animation, music, and the inspiring story based on historical events.
Overall Consensus: Mixed to positive reviews, with praise for animation and story, but some criticism for pacing and clarity.
Awards
- Cannes Film Festival (Best Inspiring Movie Award)- 2016
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The historic Battle of Badr is the longest battle scene constructed in an animated feature film, running for 11 minutes.”
- “Creating realistic hair and fur for the horses was a major FX challenge, with each horse comprising over 2 million hair strands.”
🖥️ How to Watch Bilal: A New Breed of Hero?
Currently, Bilal: A New Breed of Hero is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video. Availability may vary by region, so check your local streaming services for the most accurate information. Check JustWatch for updated streaming availability.
🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Bilal: A New Breed of Hero, you might like these similar films:
- The Message (1976): Both films depict important historical events from early Islamic history, focusing on themes of faith, freedom, and justice.
- Prince of Egypt (1998): An animated epic that deals with themes of slavery, freedom, and faith, following Moses’ journey to liberate his people.
- Mulan (1998): A story of courage and defying societal expectations, with a strong lead character that is ready to make a change.
🛒 Bilal: A New Breed of Hero Related Products
- Bilal: A New Breed of Hero (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Experience the epic score from ‘Bilal’ and immerse yourself in the film’s powerful atmosphere. Great for fans who loved the movie’s music.
- Medieval Warrior Action Figure: Poseable warrior figure perfect for recreating scenes from the movie. Durable and well-crafted, a great display piece for collectors.
- Animation Art Book: Delve into the stunning visual world of ‘Bilal’ with behind-the-scenes concept art and character designs.
🎧 Soundtrack
Bilal: A New Breed of Hero features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, the film is inspired by the historical figure Bilal ibn Rabah, an African slave who became a prominent and trusted companion of the Prophet Muhammad and the first muezzin (caller to prayer) in Islam.
The movie is rated PG-13 for violence and some thematic elements. While it is an animated film, it contains battle scenes and depictions of slavery that may be intense for younger or sensitive viewers. Parental guidance is advised.
While the story is set in ancient Arabia, the film was primarily produced in Dubai, UAE. The animation studio Barajoun Entertainment is based in Dubai.
🔥 Bonus Content
BILAL Movie Cast Interviews: Adewale on how Bilal affected him
Ever wonder how a role impacts an actor? Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje gets real about how playing Bilal affected him personally, and his answer might surprise you! I found his insights super interesting, and I bet you will too.
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