This movie isn't banned? Thank god for that! I am not a Muslim (a Hindu living in Singapore)and just wanted to watch a French movie when I came across this DVD in the rental shop. It was a journey for me as well. I personally think, this film is one of the finest tales portraying the true Islam; it is a journey to self discovery.
Like Muslims, we Hindus tend to go on many great pilgrimage to Ancient Temples in India... But not many (like that young Muslim youth character in the movie) knows the value of that pilgrimage.... I didn't fully realize that myself when I went. Those who are able, pay their way to the shortest possible entrance to god's presence in side the temple and those can't afford wait for hours and in some cases, few days. I've seen my mother bribing her way in to the temple....
This movie truly opened up my eyes to the truth, like the father character mentioned: "The ocean waters evaporate as they rise to the clouds. And as they evaporate they become fresh. That's why it's better to go on your pilgrimage on foot than on horseback, better on horseback than by car, better by car than by boat, better by boat than by plane".
Unlike what many proclaims, I honestly feel Islam is one of the greatest religion in the world, It's philosophy showed me the way to realize the true reason behind a pilgrimage... It showed the greatness of my own religion. This movie should be viewed by all Muslims and Non-Muslims alike.
I was pulled into the film and felt that pain he felt when he lost his father and the 'feeling' (which I can't explain in simple words... ) when he stuck out his head and breathes in (from the car windows )to feel the raw dusty / sandy wind of Mecca (the holy land)... It was like Wow! I have personally recommended this movie to many of my Muslim friends.
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