Bilal: A New Breed Of Hero – Amazing Animation, Fascinating Historical Storyline
A thousand years ago, one boy with a dream of becoming a great warrior is abducted with his sister and taken to a land far away from home. Thrown into a world where greed and injustice rule all, Bilal finds the courage to raise his voice and make a change. Inspired by true events, this is a story of a real hero who earned his remembrance in time and history. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Morgan B. comments, “This film sets the bar for jaw dropping animation! The fight scenes and the flying eagle are astounding visual effects. The whole movie is surreal, because the animation looks so lifelike, yet is hand drawn.” See her complete review below. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Morgan B. comments, “This film sets the bar for jaw dropping animation! The fight scenes and the flying eagle are astounding visual effects. The whole movie is surreal, because the animation looks so lifelike, yet is hand drawn.” See her full review below.
Bilal: A New Breed of Hero
By Morgan B. Bertsch KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Age 13
This film sets the bar for jaw dropping animation! The fight scenes and the flying eagle are astounding visual effects. The whole movie is surreal, because the animation looks so lifelike, yet is hand drawn.
The storyline is based on the real life historical figure of Bilal Ibn Rabah, a close companion of the prophet Mohammed. It reminds me a lot of the story of Jesus and Moses. Even if you are not religious, this film will still be enjoyable since it is always entertaining to learn about other cultures and beliefs.
There are many lessons in this film. The main take away is learning about the ties that keep you from becoming your true self. We are inundated with messages 24/7 from other people, TV, radio, the media, the Internet and, sometimes we lose track of who we want to be because of all those messages in our heads. This movie is very relevant today, because it reminds us to listen to our heart, slow down and think about what is really important.
There is some violence, which is inappropriate for younger children. The movie is about slavery and breaking free, not only from your physical chains but your mental chains as well. The graphics are detailed and I recommend that an adult watch with their child. Slavery and history are violent subjects which should be discussed, but at an appropriate age.
It is full of historical lessons including 
the purpose of idols, gold, slaves and greed. It shows how it is better to love and cherish people, rather than a phone, computer, car or idols. The story also deals with the bonding among siblings and the lengths they go to protect each other. I can relate to this as I would do anything to protect my sister. I admired the bond between Bilal and Ghufaira.
Bilal is a very caring person. He shows his love for his sister by defending her and giving her all he has. He is also true to his word. These qualities make Bilal a one-of-a-kind hero and hence, my favorite character. The best scene in this film is when the two armies go to the battle field to fight. I love this scene because the animation is just mind blowing. I couldn’t even tell if it was real or hand drawn. When I met the producers and writers of the film, I learned that the fight scene has 3251 plus fames in it. The animation is perfection. It is very detailed and clear. If this film ever enters an award ceremony it will win a prize, I’m sure.
I recommend this film for ages 13 to 18 and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Younger kids would be challenged to understand it but teens will get it completely. The morals and the history make it perfect for families to watch together. This opens in theaters February 2, 2018 so go check it out.
