According to "The Jakarta Post", "The lead, Chems Eddine Zinoun, was born in 1980 in Casablanca [Morocco] and studied classical ballet and the piano. He died in a car accident on 11 November 2008 in Casablanca, where he lived. His portrayal of Ibn Battuta shows a depth of feeling that will remain with audiences long after watching "Journey [to Mecca]"." Big Movie Zone described the film's genre as docudrama, whilst a review at that site, remarking that it was the most unusual giant screen film the reviewer had yet seen, called it "a biopic guised as a documentary". According to a review on the "National Post" in Canada, the IMAX format is best suited to the vast landscapes which Ibn Battuta crossed and less so for the close-ups and market places. As for the Hajj itself, this has been described as "stunning footage". The reviewer writes that ""Journey to Mecca" succeeds best in capturing the wonder, pageantry and beauty that are the hallmarks of any religion's central celebration. Though it is arguably impossible to catch an image of the Almighty on film, this doc comes as close as any." Ann Coates, reviewing the film at Big Movie Zone, stated that with very little narration, unlike other giant screen productions, this helps the dramatic portrayal of Ibn Battuta and "his dangerous trek". Ross Anthony, also reviewing at BMZ, is of the opinion that the early special effects are nice and moody, though the desert is barren and unappealing. However, "once in Mecca, the images shine." The reviewer finds the acting "very good for the format". Bruce Kirkland of "Sun Media" in Canada described "Journey to Mecca" as a "beautifully wrought film ... meticulously researched ... everyone, no matter their faith, should see it". "Trade Arabia" in the UAE wrote: "A powerful, larger than life cinematic experience that has the power to educate both young and old. Its message of tolerance and respect will resonate strongly with audiences." The "Detroit Free Press" in the USA said: "...dramatic desert landscapes ... unprecedented access to the Great Mosque ... breathtaking aerial views ... a cosmic experience"; and Nick Meyer wrote in "The Arab American News" that the film was a "... Breathtaking ... Beautiful, inspiring (story) with many visual delights ... Highly recommended." Martina Zainal of "The Jakarta Post" writes that "the photography is stunning and takes us to dizzying heights over grand scenes, and directors of photography Afshin Javadi, Ghasem Ebrahimian and Rafey Mahmood have helped show us a side of Islam that is rarely seen in today’s news.