Muslims

The purpose of this PBS Frontline program, as the narrator says, is to disclose “the many faces of Islam,” and it fulfills that ambition nicely, visiting Egypt, Iran, Malaysia, Turkey and Nigeria, as well as locales in the United States, to present portraits of practitioners ranging from rigid fundamentalists to believers determined to demonstrate that their faith is compatible with modern Western principles. Sober and informative, Muslims assiduously avoids the slightest inclination to exaggerate or inflame, even (or especially) when dealing with the aftermath of the tragic events of 9/11, and offers a solid basic understanding of the varieties of Islamic belief and practice, and of the religion's historical and contemporary significance. As befits a film intended primarily as an educational tool, the DVD includes a variety of special features: a useful listing of the major tenets of Islam, a bibliography of printed materials, and a selection of weblinks and other resources for further study. A fine complement to the more historical-minded Islam: Empire of Faith (VL-11/01), this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)