Firstly, I enjoyed watching this film. It's a good introduction to the standard Baha'i history through the medium of film, and anyone who wants a quick entrance into that history should enjoy it - typically Baha'is, people enquiring about the Baha'i Faith, or those learning about it for other reasons, such as religious studies. Films bring things to life in an enjoyable way. If you're going to watch it in the expectation it will be a major film with Charlton Heston playing then of course you'll only be disappointed, but if you go into its viewing to enjoy seeing something in film about the Baha'i history, you will enjoy it and it will have been time well spent. In particular its format mixes re-enactment with narrative conversation/expression, but it's not one that provides debates and maybes, which I would myself have enjoyed seeing, it presents a pre-packaged story, so-to-speak; but every production has its style.
It's not though a substitute for a deeper reading of the history from a wide range of accounts, which should always be carried out, and it does contain some 'wonders' that likely never happened, but they are only a minor element.
Note that contrary to various comments, it is an individual initiative, not a production etc of the House of Justice, who in my experience provide in their productions a very high-quality experience combined with (in distinction from this) a free download.
54 Reviews
Factual Accurate
faryar10 February 2020
The challenge of making a film about an historical figure such as the Bab, is made even more difficult when one cannot show the face or the voice of the subject.
Overall the film covers important historical facts about the well documented history ; however some will find its narration, editing style and overall flow difficult to follow.
It seems much of the great locations and footage were omitted from the final cut.
Still for those with an unprejudiced mind about the history of the Babi and Bahai faith , this was a good first attempt to reveal to the world the incredible events that changed the world in 1844 !
Historiography!!
shivaaqsani14 June 2019
Beware False Reviews
forestdaler10 February 2020
This film is excellent, and is being targeted by hostile Shiah Muslims as part of a well organized attack against the Baha'i Faith by lowering Ratings in a perverse attempt to discredit the film.
It is historically accurate and gives an early account of the Babi phase of the Baha'i Faith when 20,000 early followers were killed, martyred... The ongoing persecution in Iran is horrendous.
It is historically accurate and gives an early account of the Babi phase of the Baha'i Faith when 20,000 early followers were killed, martyred... The ongoing persecution in Iran is horrendous.
Exaggeration in the story
afshinfar-532557 June 2019
Loved this Film - great for history buffs
reyloo11 February 2020
Respectfully done
megsymail10 February 2020
historical lies
sashazamani-4379413 June 2019
Really very good short introduction
aehend-9438511 February 2020
This film is a very well-made and historically accurate retelling of a bit of the life of the Bab and the beginning of the Baha'i Faith. Recommended for those interested in the subjects of religion, the Baha'i Faith, Persian studies, or what historically happened when a young man with a claim to be a Messenger from God appears in 1800s Iran.
poor story
mahmoodrezafath20 July 2019
Compelling story
snsimon11 February 2020
Amazing documentary movie
bayannoori11 February 2020
A Great Summary of the Bab in Iran
abehjat-551-77749312 February 2020
The Gate follows the history of the Bab, who is equivalent to John the Baptist among the believers of the Baha'i Faith. The documentary begins with setting the foundation of history, giving a glimpse into the history of Iran and the time where the Bab faced both great challenges and victories in declaring His mission.
The production quality of the documentary is great, and pacing is good. The documentary places great emphasis on the overarching theme of delivering the Message of Baha'u'llah and the Bab, whom Baha'is consider as Prophets from God, and the two entities whose Teachings are essential for this age.
The production quality of the documentary is great, and pacing is good. The documentary places great emphasis on the overarching theme of delivering the Message of Baha'u'llah and the Bab, whom Baha'is consider as Prophets from God, and the two entities whose Teachings are essential for this age.
Great intro!
andreagiannoglou11 February 2020
Artful and historically accurate portrayal of The Bab- loved it!
nicholedvm12 February 2020
This documentary was a great combination of the scenic beauty and cultural richness of Iranians in the 1800's and also will evoke some very strong opposition due to the fact that the political leaders of Iran rely on subversion of their people and oppression of women for their own gain. Do not be fooled by the negative reviews. They are trolls who are trying to hide the truth. This documentary is brilliant and if you see it with your own eyes, you will love it!
A Movie Only Fanatic Extremists Would Hate
georgevia12 February 2020
We are entering a new era in the unfoldment of the Baha'i Faith, and so naturally the forces of darkness will resist the light of the Sun of Truth and cling to their idle fancies and perpetuate systems that have been abolished. Some of these dark forces have even submitted disparaging reviews about this wondeful movie. Alas, it has always been so. The Gate is a good movie.
Well-researched history brought to life
jfbucknell10 February 2020
This is a well-sourced and accurate portrayal of the early days of the Bahá'í Faith, during the ministry of The Báb. The episodes of Revelation and of persecution are handled with respect and finesse. The locations, sets and, especially, costuming add historic appeal.
The film is excellent, maligned by organized effort of hostile Shiah Muslims here, against the Bahá'í Faith
thomasyale711016 February 2020
I saw this documentary myself and found it to be reverent to the topic, as well as informative.
In their organized effort to artificially lower the films overall score with unsupported critiques here, this group of Shias here depend upon people's unwillingness to pursue independent investigation of truth-one of the main tenets of the Bahá'í Faith, which surprisingly engenders the religion's unity in every country on Earth.
Yet what they also don't realize is that such a sharp division between 1- and 10-star reviews will only pique people's interest. Whether they have preconceived ideas about the Faith or not, the sharp contrast will only compel them all the more to see the film to find out for themselves.
So in a way, guys, you're doing us a favor, unwittingly pursuing an advertising campaign that ironically will work against you. I suppose we should be grateful.
In their organized effort to artificially lower the films overall score with unsupported critiques here, this group of Shias here depend upon people's unwillingness to pursue independent investigation of truth-one of the main tenets of the Bahá'í Faith, which surprisingly engenders the religion's unity in every country on Earth.
Yet what they also don't realize is that such a sharp division between 1- and 10-star reviews will only pique people's interest. Whether they have preconceived ideas about the Faith or not, the sharp contrast will only compel them all the more to see the film to find out for themselves.
So in a way, guys, you're doing us a favor, unwittingly pursuing an advertising campaign that ironically will work against you. I suppose we should be grateful.
Powerful, dramatic, moving!
johanmrevalk13 February 2020
This is a dramatic episode in history which few know about. And it's still relevant today because of the ongoing, pointless persecution of the peaceful Baha'is by the murderous mullahs in Iran. This was an excellent combination of re-enactments and interviews with interesting, credible experts.
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