The Islamic Wave 2000
Distributed by Films for the Humanities and Sciences, PO Box 2053, Princeton, NJ 08543-2053; 800-257-5126
Produced by Journeyman Pictures in association with Films for the Humanities & Sciences and ABC Australia
Director n/a
VHS, color, 50 min.
High School - Adult
Religious Studies
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Michael Fein, Coordinator of Library Services, Central Virginia Community College, Lynchburg, VAThe Islamic Wave takes a very broad, but rather shallow, look at the rise of Islam in the modern world. There is a particular emphasis placed on the "radical" or "fundamentalist" strains of Islam. The program consists of narration, read by an unseen narrator, that presents commentary to various scenes or images. Interjected into the flow of the narration is commentary by various persons, a cleric for example. The script takes more of an evolutionary, as opposed to a revealed, view of Islam. It contains some seemingly pejorative comments by the narrator such as his assertion that certain Islamic law may seem to some as coming from the "Dark Ages." Some history of Islam is presented, but this appears to be something of an afterthought. Those who are unfamiliar with the history or doctrines of Islam will be little more informed at the end of the program than they were at the beginning.
Technically, this work had no perceived flaws. The narrator's voice (he speaks with a British accent) is clear, easy to understand, and evenly paced. Sound and picture qualities are both equally fine. Although this program has a few interesting insights, because of its very broad scope and shallow treatment of modern Islam, it is difficult to recommend it for purchase. Perhaps a high school or lower-division undergraduate class looking for something of a teaser or an introduction to more substantial discussion of contemporary Islam or Middle Eastern studies may consider purchasing this work.