Directed by: Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, Simon Wells
Written by: Philip LaZebnik
Starring: Val Kilmer, Ralph Fiennes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, Jeff Goldblum
Rating: [4/5]
For all of the baggage that comes with the bible and how it has been used throughout history, one cannot deny the epic stories that exist within it. Filled with parables and the involvement of a higher being, they have the material movies love to bring to life and considering all released, The Prince of Egypt has persevered as one if not the best within this subgenre. Never losing its luster through its incredible animation matched with an impeccable soundtrack as well.
Floating down the river and found by the Egyptian Royal Family, Moses (Val Kilmer) gets raised with the Pharaoh’s family in luxury while his fellow Hebrews live in slavery. When Moses begins to hear God’s voice and witnesses the plight of the Hebrews, he pleads with his brother and Pharaoh, Ramses (Ralph Fiennes) to set his people free.
From the parting of the Red Sea to various plagues enacted by God, other than Adam Eve, the story of Moses and the freeing of the Hebrew slaves remains one of the most well-known Old Testament stories by those who call themselves Christian or not. It has everything one could want in making for an epic film and something this narrative harnessed so well. This film contains so much significance and such a magnitude in this particular undertaking Moses takes on, especially given the life he enjoyed from the very beginning. Having nothing but privilege for the majority of it and having to throw it all away for the freedom of his people and answering the call of what God asks of him no matter the internal strife it brings him.
In addition to it all, where this film differentiates itself from the biblical story comes from it diving into the relationships Moses builds with those in his life and how it brings happiness in the form of his wife, but also a deep tragedy with regard to his brother Ramses. Having just cursory knowledge of this story ensures that one knows things will not go well between these two brothers. Raised together and inseparable, they deviate when Moses begins to advocate for his people, while Ramses believes in firmly holding the line of keeping the Hebrews as slaves. Where things go from there really set this film in motion, but a tinge of sadness remains because of the love and bond displayed when these two grew up together only for this to break them apart in dramatic fashion.
Right from the onset, The Prince of Egypt displays the prowess with its incredible soundtrack with “Deliver Us” kicking everything off, displaying exactly what type of story we have before us. A story of freedom and faith, which only continues to ratchet up the stakes of the story and the songs to match it with each stride. It matches directly with Hans Zimmer’s score that some feel remains as his greatest work throughout his illustrious career. Certainly not the first one that comes to mind when I think of him, but he produces sensational work here in capturing all of the emotions each scene demands in addition to building the epic scope of this story.
As with many animated films of this time, the complexion of the cast often did not match the ones of their characters but even so we received some strong voice acting. Ralph Fiennes, in particular, who voiced Ramses absolutely came to play. Always carrying a commanding voice, Fiennes does so well in capturing the multitudes of Ramses as both someone who loves his brother but remains bound by duty to his own detriment. Certainly the most dynamic character of the bunch, Fiennes applies his obviously British voice to the role of an Egyptian but he certainly applies the necessary dramatics to fully display the heavy drama at the center of this tale. Others like Val Kilmer and Jeff Goldblum also fare well in voicing their particular characters as they assist in adding further gravitas to this story.
Still to this day one of the greatest films DreamWorks has ever released, The Prince of Egypt combines so many elements that makes this film such a satisfying watch. Everything with it combines so well from the score, the voice acting, the soundtrack, but also the strong animation at hand. All of the plagues look frightening in their depiction, especially the one that tragically involves children, and then we have the moment where Moses parts the Red Sea, which remains the most recognizable facet of this entire story. The animation rises to the occasion to capture this moment and display the feat accomplished by Moses and how it bemused all involved and those who follow the same faith. In the end, we receive a film befitting the epicness of this biblical tale and also heightening the emotion and the relationship dynamics involved.
Films with Josh 