The Ten Commandments

Rating:
Summary: Religion At It's Best
Review: a remarkable making of one of the most interesting stories in the bible. If you don't know the story of Moses, you will know more then ever with this film. Great graphics for its time. It's a movie that will stay true in your heart for years to come.

Rating:
Summary: Cecil B. DeMille's Swan Song
Review: If Cecil B. DeMille wanted to go out with a bang, he did just that with his 1956 film "The Ten Commandments", which remains a very popular epic nearly 50 years later. The film is based primarily upon the Judeo-Christian biblical story of Moses freeing the descendents of Israel from slavery in Egypt and leading them to a land of their own, and is the second time he filmed the story. (He previously filmed the story in 1923.) DeMille also used other sources (including poetic license) to add depth to the original biblical story including:
* The Passover Haggadah,
* The Midrash,
* The novel "Pillar of Fire" by J. H. Ingraham,
* The novel "On Eagle's Wing" by A. E. Southon,
* And the novel "Prince of Egypt" by Dorothy Clarke Wilson.

The film begins with the infant Moses placed into a basket and sent down the river Nile by his mother, Yochabel (Martha Scott), because the Pharaoh Sethi (Sir Cedric Hardwicke) ordered all of the male Israelite children to be killed. While hiding, Yochabel watches the basket discovered by Pharaoh's sister, Bithiah (Nina Foch), and her personal slave Memnet (Judith Anderson), as well as her entourage of ladies from the royal court. Bithiah names the infant Moses and raises him as her own, in spite of Memnet's objections. Moses grows into a strong man (played by Charleton Heston) and Egyptian warrior, but a bitter rivalry exists between himself and Pharaoh's son Rameses (Yul Bryner). As was common in the Egyptian royal court, Pharaoh's daughter Nefretiri (Anne Baxter) is slated to marry the next pharaoh, which will be either Moses or Rameses. As time passes and as the biblical story describes, Moses' true heritage is discovered and he is banished not only from the royal court, but also from Egypt itself and into the unforgiving desert. After miraculously crossing the desert on foot, Moses happens upon the well of Jethro (Edward Franz) and his eldest daughter Sephora (Yvonne De Carlo). Wanting only to be a simple shepherd, Moses' life is forever changed when one of his animals strays onto the forbidden Mount Sinai, where the God of Abraham is purported to dwell.

In spite of having a heart attack (and surviving) during its filming, Cecil B. DeMille stopped at nothing to ensure that his vision of "The Ten Commandments" would be an unforgettable, powerful and engaging drama. (He died three years after its release.) The film won the Oscar for Best Special Effects and received Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Editing, Best Cinematography and three other categories. (Yul Brynner won the Oscar for "The King and I" which was released in the same year as "The Ten Commandments".) Memorable scenes include Moses leading the raising of an obelisk to honor Sethi, Rameses revealing Moses' real heritage to Sethi, Moses' first appearance at the well of Jethro, Moses finding the burning bush, Moses' staff turning into a snake, the Nile turning into blood, the burning hail, the first Passover, Nefretiri arguing with Rameses, the very famous parting of the Red Sea, and the golden calf. Other memorable characters include Joshua (John Derek), the self-serving Dathan (Edward G. Robinson) and Miriam (Olive Deering).

Ann Baxter's performance as Nefretiri was probably the best acted in the film. Yul Brynner also portrayed Rameses very well, as was Sir Cedric Hardwicke's performance of Sethi. Charleton Heston's portrayal of Moses is one of his most famous roles, along with his roles in the 1960 film "Ben Hur" (for which he won the Oscar for Best Actor) and the 1968 film "Planet of the Apes". Much of the acting in "The Ten Commandments" was exaggerated and melodramatic, but that is common with many similar films with very religious overtones from the same era. The powerful imagery, cinematography, and special effects do, however, make up for the film's flaws and will keep the viewer fully engaged, which is especially important since the film is nearly 4 hours in length.

Regardless of whether the film accurately depicts events that may or may not have actually taken place (or questionably at the correct point in history), I rate the "The Ten Commandments" with 4 out of 5 stars. The film probably leans somewhat more favorably towards Christian as opposed to Jewish interpretation, which makes sense since the target audience was predominantly Christian. People with pantheistic, polytheistic or animistic beliefs will probably find it difficult to identify with the film and may find its opposition to such beliefs offensive.

If you enjoy the film, I highly recommend purchase of the 2-disk DVD set since it depicts the film in widescreen and commercial-free. (A typical commercial TV broadcast of the film is full screen, and commercial breaks lengthen the time to watch the film considerably.)

Rating:
Summary: Grandiose Movie!
Review: This was a Grandiose and Great movie to see, especially around Easter. I remember when I was young seeing around each Easter The Ten Commandments and seeing it again is great to watch. The actors are good and the sript too. Great atmosphere, costumes but some of the specials effect look fake, like the fire and all that but it's an old movie so the specials effects were not so great at that time but it's still a good movie to watch. What I don't like is showing in this movie a punishing God, I don't like to think of him that way, I like to think of God as a forgiving one but it's a movie who is base on the old Bible and today some people like me beleive a forgiving God not the one for the old Bible, anyways it still a very good movie to watch and I especially like the Egyptien scenes, costumes and landscape, I always was fascinate by Egypte. Well if you like movie like that, you will like The Ten Commandments, it's one of the best movie by Cecil B. Demille's.

Rating:
Summary: Another Film that will Inspire You
Review: THE TEN COMMANDMENTS is a film that will inspire all. There is good and evil present in all forms of society. This film is good old fashioned film making with an important message about the human spirit: it flaws, weaknesses and triumphs.

Rating:
Summary: The classic Bible story is retold!
Review: Taking place 3,000 years ago, "The Ten Commandments" tells the story of the triumph over slavery and injustice, the story of Moses, a man chosen by God to free the enslaved Israelites.

A long but vivid epic, "The Ten Commandments" is a wonderful, well-done retelling of the favored Bible story, combined with movie-making techniques that help create a masterpiece. The scenery and sets were lush and beautifully done, and they will take you back to Ancient Egypt, where you will witness the Exodus take place. Your heart will even pound as the Red Sea opens - an impressive scene! The actors and actresses played their characters so well that you could almost believe that they were the real people. Charlton Heston's Moses was excellent!

Its message is powerful, making the film inspiring. Slavery has existed for thousands of years, and during the 1800s, the USA was torn apart by the issue of slavery. While watching this film, you will be convinced that slavery should never have existed at all! "The Ten Commandments" not only respects God, it is also a homage to life.

Though made in the 1950s, with old-fashioned technology, this retelling of the story of Moses is a masterpiece, still loved today. Old? Yes, but still good. Probably, after fifty years, this film will still be on the shelves of movie fans. Even young people (like me) enjoy this epic. In conclusion, this is the perfect Passover movie for the whole family!

Rating:
Summary: Solid and entertaining Hollywood hokum
Review: The Ten Commandments showed DeMille's savvy, commerical and epic style as a film director. It hasn't aged all that well but it's still entertaining and larger than life. Charlton Heston was never the most subtle actor, but the energy and vitality he brought to his many performances always make them memorable. Yul Brynner steals many of his scenes with a sharp and sly performance.

The visual effects are pretty good by today's standards and were outstanding by 50's standards. John Fulton's process photography particularly for the Red Sea sequence, is memorable. The matte paintings and process shots add to the epic elements in this fine if slightly dated film.

Although not DeMille's best film, The Ten Commandments certainly can claim the crown for his most over the top production. The striking visuals, performances and visual effects make this film a memorable Hollywood epic.

Rating:
Summary: Good intention...I guess
Review: I've seen this movie in pieces as a child and got the Dvd to view it as an adult. Not very impressed at all...Based on the movies made at the time...to me, this was very over rated. The special effects were very impressive...However, what was up with the script? Cecil de Mille's speech in the begining wasnt really necesary... The film's story Although sacred and true...wasnt well written and didnt translate without sounding not too beleiavable...maybe it was also the fact that he mixed Very Good Actors with bad ones... Key parts of the story of Moses weren't even included (Moses producing water from the rock, the reason why GOD was angry with him, etc...)
Overall it was a "pretty" film, nice colors, costumes, music, and effects...Not much substance though... Ben-Hur was an INCREDIBLE film, Well written, acted, and directed! (without any major special effects)
I sincerely and honestly beleive "Prince of Egpyt" moved me more than "Ten Commandments"...

Rating:
Summary: I love this movie!
Review: I never get tired of it. I've never been able to get over Edgar G. Robinson playing an Egyptian. Or pretty-boy John Derek, for that matter. And Yul Brenner! What a great Pharoh. They don't come anymore imperial or frightening. Even Heston is able to pull off an impressive Moses. As a kid I watched in awe as the Red Sea closed in on the pursuing army. Even today, that's an excellent special effect. This is one of those movies that everyone should see. You'll like it, I promise.

Rating:
Summary: Simply amazing
Review: There is little I can say about this movie that hasn't already been said. Great special effects for 1956 still hold up pretty well today. A great biblical story has, perhaps, its best telling in history in this movie. Charlton Heston does an amazing job as Moses, as Yul Brenner does a fantastic job as pharoh. And who could forget the parting of the Red Sea, perhaps one of the most famous scenes in movie history delivered alongside of one of movie history's most famous lines delivered by Charlton Heston. "The lord of hosts will do battle for us. Behold his mighty hands!" The film also incorporates a wonderful score which fits the film very nicely. This is a must have for every serious movie enthusiast, or religious man.

Rating:
Summary: Powerful, Epic Film, Still Captivating After Many Years
Review: Cecil B. DeMille, the great filmaker of the early half of the twentieth century, had already made "The Ten Commandments" in silent film format in 1923. When he rereleased it in the 50's, with dazzling Technicolor and booming sound, audiences were swept away. It was without question the most ambitious and most sweeping film since Gone With The Wind. The panorama of thousands of Hebrew slaves crossing the Red Sea, the glory of Egypt's pyramids and palaces, and the powerful performance by legendary actor Charleton Heston, made this film a blockbuster, earning its place in the hall of great films. Starring Charleton Heston (Moses), Yul Brynner (Ramses the Pharaoh) and a cast of thousands, The Ten Commandments is quality drama and always an experience to watch. This film is still aired on television every Easter.

Taken from the biblical book of Exodus, and some other sources, such as a novel "Prince Of Egypt", it begins with the old Pharaoh issuing the order to slaughter every first born Hebrew male. Moses life is spared by the intervention of the barren Egyptian princess who raises him in the Egyptian court. The pharaoh believes Moses to be his son, although Yul Bryner is the rightful heir and clearly jealous of Moses. Nefertiti is in love and in lusst with Moses, desiring to be his queen consort when the Pharaoh proposes Moses be the future king. But the truth about Moses' Jewish blood is revealed and is mocked for being a slave. As an exiled man in the desert, Moses discovers a group of nomadic Jews and marries a wife, Sephora. He begins to worship the nameless God of the mountain, who sends him on the mission to free the Hebrew slaves from Egyptian opression. The special effects are phenomenal for their time, including the scenes of the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. Never before has Heston uttered more powerful words in his acting career than "Behold the hand of God!".

The acting is melodramatic, at times, nearly superfluously dramatic and tense, with poetic diction and the type of hammy dialogue that is called for early radio and tv screenplay. But nevertheless, it is a stunning film. On this DVD release, there is much to marvel at, including the entire film unedited and with an intermission. The Ten Commandments is yours to watch on DVD and a treasure for years to come.