Prince of Egypt

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant Film!!!
Review: This animated version of the story of Moses is phenomenal, and it truly captures the life of one of the most revered persons in the Bible, next to Jesus Christ.

Some of the scenes are truly remarkable, from the very start of the film, when Pharaoh's son and Moses race their chariots, to the last plague on Pharaoh, to the crossing of the Red Sea. Even if you aren't a believer, this is a vivid tale, underscored by a great musical score and brilliant animation.

The music really communicates the period of the Bible, with the overtones of Jewish styles, and probably one of the lighter areas of the film is when Moses returns to Pharaoh's court and encounters the court magicians, who inevitably prove powerless against the rod of Aaron and Moses.

A great and brilliant film, and highly recommended for any family library!!!

Rating:
Summary: Dreamworks Creates an Animated Classic
Review: This is a beautiful movie and a great DVD. The animation is some of the best ever done. Notice, in particular, the life-like Nile River and Red Sea at the beginning and end of the picture. The chariot race that opens the movie is thrilling and the parting of the Red Sea is breath taking. Frankly, I hesitated to see this because I believed that it would just be "The Ten Commandments" re-visited. However, the creators decided to focus on how the God's edict to "Let my people go" would effect the relationship of the two brothers--Rameses and Moses. This point of view permits the audience to have a strong attachment to both characters and the things that happen to them. Another surprise is that the creators did not tone down or "Hollywoodize" the religious aspects of the story. They realized that the great power of this story is its spiritual element. The DVD "extras" make it well worth the price. In particular, I found the comparison drawings showing the creation of the chariot race to be particularly compelling. The music and songs perfectly compliment the action and are never distracting. Clearly, Disney is not the only studio that can create a great animated film.

Rating:
Summary: Full of Hope and Courage
Review: This review is dedicated to the children of Israel from way back in the mists of time to the present day and the future.
To little Miriam-seen here in the movie- crouching by the River Nile waiting to see what would happen to the basket where her baby brother Moses was sailing down the River Nile in.
Here the pretty little tyke sings the song of hope blessing her baby brother - sung by the talented young actress Eden Riegel
To the children of Israel today - all of them!

The dedication was inspired by the lovely voices of the blessed Israeli children who sung an exquisite melody in Hebrew during the part of the film where the Israelites where departing from Egypt-it were part of the song: "When You Believe"
This was perhaps the most touching and beautiful part of "Prince of Egypt".

The hardship of the Israelites whose life was embittered by their Egyptian oppressors is perfectly displayed here, and Moses life as a swashbuckling Egyptian Prince, and a close friend of the young Ramses is an interesting one.
The animation was amazing, both the people and the Egyptian landscape.

Particularly outstanding and memorable scenes:

When the Pharaoh Seti's Egyptian storm troopers charge into the Israelite slave quarters to cease the first-born sons of every Jewish woman, and Yocheved (Ofra Haza) flees, with the baby Moses in her arms, accompanied by her small children Miriam and Aaron. Beautiful songs by the magnificent Ofra Haza , who was taken from us so young , and Eden Riegel

Where Miriam (read with heartfelt sincerity by Sandra Bullock) tells Moses (Val Kilmer) that he is their brother, while a nervous Aaron (Jeff Goldblum) assures Moses that Miriam is not well and should be excused her impudence.

When Moses go's into the Temple where the whole sage unfolds through his eyes about what the Egyptians did to the Hebrew babies and what happened to the infant Moses himself, he confronts Pharaoh Seti ((Patrick Stewart) about the diabolical mass murder of the Israeli babies Seti replies: " Sometimes sacrifices have to be made for the common good'. The same evil refrain used by tyrants through the ages from Pharaoh Seti to Hadrian, Torquemada, Robespierre, Lenin, Stalin, Hitler, Mao, Castro, the mass murderer Arafat, Mugabe and every other bloodthirsty tyrannical monster ever.

Moses' sojourn with the family of Jethro in Midian, where he marries Tzipporah. The dancing and singing there was incredible. (...).


Where G-D appears in the blue translucent light of the burning bush and instructs Moses to lead the Israelites to freedom. : `I have indeed seen the affliction of my people that is in Egypt, and I have heard its outcry because of its taskmasters, for I have known its sufferings. I shall descend to rescue it from the hand of Egypt and bring it from that land to a good land flowing with milk and honey.'

Moses confrontation with Pharaoh Rameses and the long struggle to free the People of Israel from Egyptian bondage, his struggle with Pharaoh's magicians (who provide some humor) , and finally the angel of death sparing the Hebrew children and slaying each Egyptian first born son. Leading to the most beautiful scene, the triumphant march of the Hebrew people to freedom, full of love and hope!