The Gate: Dawn of the Baha'i Faith

While some proselytizing is evident here, filmmaker Bob Hercules provides an eye-opening, handsomely mounted look at the historical origins of a spiritual sect that is little known or understood in the mainstream. Actors and narration dramatize the rise of the Bahá’í religion in the 1800s as a variant of Persian Islam—although in keeping with Muslim tradition, there is no physical representation of prophet Siyyid `Alí-Muhammad of Shiraz (aka "the Báb," or literally "the gate"). A John-the-Baptist-like figure named Mírzá Husayn `Alí Núrí had an epiphany that a great holy man would appear. After much searching, he encountered the Báb in 1844 and was struck that someone of merchant-class origins possessed voluminous knowledge of Koranic wisdom (the documentary notes that Christianity's "Millerite" movement promised the Messiah's return at that exact same time; the inference here being that the Báb was the actual fulfillment). For six years the Báb spread his teachings and dictated scripture until going peacefully to execution by a Tabriz firing squad under circumstances that might be considered miraculous. Baha'ism emphasizes tolerance (one of the Báb's immediate disciples was a woman who shed her veil) and harmony across religions (many will be surprised to learn that this offshoot of Islam today maintains its headquarters in Haifa, Israel). Much is left untold about followers who spread the Baha'i faith (including throughout America) and their subsequent persecution, but as an introduction to the religion this will fill a gap in many collections. Extras include behind-the-scenes footage featuring cast and crew interviews. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady)