Review of Bilal: A New Breed of Hero (2016) by Tvjerry — 05 Feb 2018

This film tells the story of Bilal ibn Rabah, an early companion of Muhammad. He was captured and thrown into slavery, but his fight for freedom propelled him to great things. This may be the most serious animated film I've ever seen.

There's no humor or cute sidekicks. The animation is often beautiful, although some of the details were lacking and the movement was sometimes jerky. The big battle is probably the most well-realized action scene ever animated.

However, the message is so dominant that the narrative bogs down from its solemn repetition. Some might appreciate this religious history lesson, but viewers expecting a family film will likely be disappointed by this earnest, somber approach.