Bilal: A New Breed of Hero

Bilal: A New Breed of Hero 2016

Directed by

Ayman Jamal

Ayman Jamal

Made by

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Plot Summary


In the peaceful outskirts of a village, Bilal experiences a tranquil life with his mother and younger sister until the abrupt arrival of Byzantine soldiers shatters their harmony. This invasion tragically takes the life of Bilal’s mother, leaving him and his family vulnerable to the invaders’ cruelty. In the wake of this calamity, Bilal finds himself sold into slavery to Umayyah (/actor/umayyah), an influential leader of the Quraysh clan.

As Bilal endures his grim new existence as a slave in Mecca, he encounters Okba (/actor/okba), another prominent member of the Quraysh, who is engaged in selling an array of idols to the unsuspecting townspeople. Meanwhile, a mysterious figure known as the Charlatan Priest spins a web of deception, promising those in despair that the idols will grant their deepest wishes in exchange for their money.

Umayyah’s son, Safwan (/actor/safwan), is notorious for his bullying tendencies, particularly towards Bilal’s sister, Ghufaira. When Safwan and his friends threaten Ghufaira, Bilal bravely intervenes, but his defiance earns him a harsh punishment from Umayyah, who delivers a fierce reminder of Bilal’s status as a slave.

As Bilal matures, he forms a unique bond with a majestic white horse that becomes his beloved companion. He also befriends Saad (/actor/saad), a talented archer. Together, they navigate the perils of their servitude. During a significant moment, Bilal shares his own food with a starving boy in need, a selfless gesture that garners the attention of Abu Bakr (/actor/abu-bakr), a man who champions the principles of equality and justice.

Unbeknownst to Bilal and Abu Bakr, Safwan’s servant has been secretly observing their actions. This interaction plants the seeds for future upheaval when Sohaib (/actor/sohaib), a Persian slave procured from Roman lands, gifts Bilal a token originally intended for Umayyah. This pivotal moment propels Bilal toward self-discovery and acceptance of Abu Bakr’s ideals, leading him to understand that even those like Umayyah are ultimately enslaved by their own desires and possessions.

As a lavish feast honoring Safwan’s success concludes, Abu al-Hakam approaches Umayyah, delivering a grave warning about a rising faction determined to oppose Umayyah’s power. The seasoned merchant grows troubled as he hears news of defections among his allies. Seizing on this opportunity, Bilal finds himself wrongfully accused by Safwan of complicity with the dissidents. After a brutal interrogation, Bilal is imprisoned and subjected to torments so severe that his pleas for mercy are ignored. In a desperate maneuver to shatter Bilal’s resolve, Umayyah tempts him with a chance for freedom in exchange for spying on the opposition. Bilal remains steadfast in his beliefs, refusing the Faustian deal, which leads to him being publicly chained as a grim warning to others.

During this time, Ghufaira, a gift to Safwan from his father, is kept under Safwan’s watchful eye, serving as cruel psychological torment for Bilal, who is haunted by the thought of her plight. As months pass, Bilal finds salvation when Abu Bakr purchases him from Umayyah and grants him his freedom. Embarking on a path toward redemption, Bilal is taken under the wing of Hamza (/actor/hamza), a skilled warrior and foster brother to the leader of the opposing faction. Together, they flee the Meccans’ wrath.

A year passes before fate draws them to the great city of Yathrib, now transformed into Medina. Settling into his new surroundings, Bilal receives a paquete from Safwan—an emotional reminder of his lost love in the form of a lock of Ghufaira’s hair. The discovery drives Bilal back to Mecca, accompanied by Hamza. Their arrival unveils a scene of devastation; the city is engulfed in flames, and countless innocents fall victim to Umayyah’s bloodthirsty orders. Racing toward Umayyah’s mansion, Bilal is met with a horrifying sight—Ghufaira’s hair, soaked in blood, signals her possible death. Just as he faces execution, Hamza’s timely intervention allows them to escape back to Medina.

As the tempestuous years unfold, Medina’s unforeseen alliances with neighboring cities prompt a shakeup in Mecca’s dominion. Umayyah, fueled by his ambition and business aspirations, declares war against these new coalitions, jeopardizing the balance of power in the region. In the thick of this turmoil, Bilal confronts Umayyah, urgently calling for an end to the senseless violence—yet he is met with stubborn refusal. Their fateful encounter ends with Umayyah’s untimely demise, falling at Bilal’s hands.

In the wake of this upheaval, Mecca’s forces falter against the onslaught of destiny, their ranks crumbling under chaos. Divine providence tips the scale as the movement receives unexpected divine reinforcements. The fallout from Umayyah’s death sends ripples of anger and a thirst for vengeance, igniting a relentless campaign led by Safwan (/actor/safwan) against Mecca.

As time shapes the destiny of Arabia, the sands of conflict wear down Mecca’s insular power while strongholds around the city surrender to the new united forces. Amidst this surge, Hamza meets his fate in yet another brutal clash, his heroism etched in the annals of history.

Years pass, and with Arabia laid to ruin, Mecca stands alone, defiantly resisting the tide of conquest. In a futile attempt to appease the fickle idols, the High Priest of Mecca meets his demise, leaving the once-mighty icons impotent and powerless.

At last, Bilal stands before Mecca’s sacred inner sanctum, confronting Safwan about the senseless fate of Ghufaira. The aftermath reveals a shocking truth: Ghufaira is alive. This epiphany reshapes their conflict, prompting Bilal to spare Safwan’s life and urge him toward a more peaceful path.

The reunion of Bilal and Ghufaira radiates hope amidst despair, while Safwan emerges from his chamber, drawn by the commotion of Mecca’s holy grounds. He witnesses an incredible moment: Bilal, standing resolutely before the Kaaba, calls the faithful to prayer while the shattered idols lie in silence, their immense influence finally diminished.

Timeline


Bilal's Peaceful Life

Bilal lives a tranquil life on the outskirts of a village with his mother and younger sister, Ghufaira. Their existence is filled with peace and happiness until their lives are upended by a sudden invasion.

Village outskirts

The Invasion

Byzantine soldiers unexpectedly attack, devastating Bilal's family. In this chaos, Bilal's mother is tragically killed, leaving him and his sister vulnerable and traumatized.

Bilal Sold into Slavery

Following their mother's death, Bilal is sold into slavery by the invaders to Umayyah, a powerful leader of the Quraysh clan. This marks the beginning of a harsh new chapter in Bilal's life.

Mecca

Life as a Slave

As Bilal endures the brutality of slavery in Mecca, he meets Okba, a Quraysh member who profit from selling idols. This encounter reveals the corrupt practices thriving in his new environment.

Mecca

The Charlatan Priest

A deceitful figure known as the Charlatan Priest convinces the townspeople that the idols they purchase can fulfill their desires. This manipulation deepens the moral decay surrounding Bilal.

Mecca

Defending Ghufaira

Bilal faces the notorious bullying of Umayyah's son, Safwan, who threatens his sister. He bravely intervenes, but his act of defiance results in severe punishment from Umayyah.

Mecca

Bilal's Bond with the Horse

As time passes, Bilal forms a bond with a majestic white horse, which becomes a source of companionship and solace for him amidst the harsh realities of slavery. He also makes a friend in Saad, a skilled archer.

Mecca

A Selfless Gesture

In a moment of compassion, Bilal shares his food with a starving boy, attracting the attention of Abu Bakr, who advocates for justice and equality. This act begins to reshape Bilal's understanding of freedom.

Mecca

Umayyah's Threat

During a lavish feast, Abu al-Hakam warns Umayyah of a growing faction opposed to his power. Concerned about his diminishing support, Umayyah's unease grows as tensions mount within the community.

False Accusation and Imprisonment

Bilal is wrongfully accused by Safwan of conspiring with the opposition, leading to a brutal interrogation. His refusal to betray his beliefs results in him being publicly chained as a warning.

Mecca

Ghufaira's Fate

Safwan keeps Ghufaira close, using her as a tool for torment against Bilal. This mental anguish weighs heavily on him, amplifying his desire for liberation.

Bilal's Freedom

Eventually, Bilal's fortunes change when Abu Bakr purchases him from Umayyah, granting him his freedom. Bilal begins his journey towards redemption, accompanied by Hamza, a skilled warrior.

Mecca

Return to Mecca

A year after gaining his freedom, Bilal receives a painful reminder of Ghufaira when he finds a lock of her hair. This drives him back to Mecca with Hamza, seeking answers and closure.

Mecca

Umayyah's Wrath

Upon their return, Bilal and Hamza witness the devastation in Mecca, a city aflame under Umayyah’s orders. Bilal learns the horrifying news of Ghufaira's possible death as he races to confront Umayyah.

Mecca

The Call to Prayer

In a powerful moment of defiance, Bilal stands before the Kaaba, calling the faithful to prayer in the midst of the crumbling idols. This act symbolizes hope and the resilience of his spirit.

Kaaba, Mecca

Characters


Bilal

Bilal is a courageous and tenacious character who rises from the depths of despair as a slave to becoming a significant figure advocating for justice. His moral compass and determination to fight oppression define his journey, as he stands against the very systems designed to subjugate him.

💪 Hero 🕊️ Freedom Fighter

Umayyah

Umayyah is portrayed as a powerful and ruthless leader of the Quraysh clan, embodying the oppressive forces that Bilal must confront. His ambition and cruelty shape the landscape of conflict, as he represents those blinded by power and materialism.

👑 Tyrant ⚔️ Oppressor

Ghufaira

Ghufaira is Bilal's younger sister, symbolizing innocence and the personal stakes involved in Bilal's fight against tyranny. Her fate throughout the film serves as a continuous motivation for Bilal, providing both anguish and purpose in his struggle for freedom.

👧 Family 💔 Innocence

Abu Bakr

Abu Bakr is a key ally to Bilal, embodying values of justice and equality. His commitment to fighting oppression and lending support to Bilal showcases the power of friendship and solidarity in overcoming adversity.

🤝 Ally 🌟 Advocate

Safwan

Safwan is characterized as a bully and antagonist, showcasing the dangers of unchecked privilege and power. His actions towards Ghufaira and Bilal reflect the cruelty that those in power can enact against the vulnerable.

😠 Antagonist ⚔️ Bully

Hamza

Hamza is depicted as a skilled warrior and mentor figure to Bilal, representing strength in loyalty and guidance. His role is crucial in Bilal’s quest, showcasing the importance of camaraderie in turbulent times.

🏋️‍♂️ Mentor 🛡️ Warrior

Setting


Time period

7th Century

The 7th century marked a pivotal period in Arabian history characterized by rising tensions between tribes and the nascent spread of Islam. As various factions emerged, power struggles intensified, leading to significant social and religious transformations within the region.

Location

Mecca, Medina, Yathrib

Mecca, known as the holy city of Islam, serves as a backdrop for Bilal's struggles against oppression and the brutalities of slavery. Medina, previously Yathrib, transforms into a refuge and center of unity for Bilal and his allies. The shifting allegiances and conflicts in these cities reflect a time of turmoil and hope during the early days of Islam.

🏙️ City 🌅 Historical

Themes


⚔️

Oppression

The theme of oppression is prevalent throughout Bilal's journey as he faces the cruelty of slavery and the violence of his captors. His resilience in the face of such injustice highlights the human spirit's capacity for hope and courage amidst dire circumstances.

🌌

Redemption

Bilal's quest for redemption drives the narrative forward, showcasing his transformation from a victim of slavery to a beacon of justice and faith. The struggles he endures and the allies he gathers along the way illustrate the profound notion that true freedom comes with inner strength and moral conviction.

❤️

Love and Sacrifice

Love and sacrifice underpin Bilal's motivations throughout the film, particularly regarding his relationship with his family, especially Ghufaira. His willingness to risk everything for her safety emphasizes the deep emotional bonds that can inspire profound acts of bravery.

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