This film tackles a story that had already been tackled very well in previous films. The most famous of them all is the epic "The Ten Commandments" with Charlton Heston as the definitive Moses. Other filmmakers have tried to replicate this Moses story with different actors or even in animation, but the 1956 classic remains secure in its place.
This year, yet another attempt is made by director Ridley Scott with big star Christian Bale as Moses, a combination is too promising to ignore. So despite the lukewarm to negative early reviews, I wanted to see and judge this film for myself.
We all know the story of Moses from the book of Exodus. He was a Hebrew who grew up in the Egyptian palace side by side with Pharaoh's own son Ramses. When Moses' real origin was revealed, he was exiled. There in the wilderness, he obeys God's orders by way of the burning bush to return to Egypt to ask the new Pharaoh to set the Hebrews free from slavery. Only after God sent ten dreadful plagues did Ramses relent. Moses led the Hebrews across the Red Sea and into the Promised Land of milk and honey.
This film is basically faithful with the biblical story, with the advantage of higher technology in special visual effects to create grander vistas and more realistic plagues. It tried to inject some scientific logic into the supernatural events, particularly the Red Sea crossing. However, the explanation for the turning of water into blood was quite a stretch. This Moses did not have a miraculous staff. The Angel of Death scenes were presented curiously just like the way it was done on "The Ten Commandments"!
The lackluster portrayal by the actors added to the coldness of the film. Despite his reputation as a good actor, Christian Bale did not make a very good Moses. He felt like he was going through the motions here, no passion whatsoever. Joel Edgerton was totally wrong as Ramses. He looked ill at ease the whole film, and it was obvious from the posters alone! The presence of Ben Kingsley, Sigourney Weaver and Aaron Paul in cast were wasted in small unremarkable roles.
Some people may expect this to be a religious film. However, the whole film felt soul-less, and this made the long 150-minute running time seem so unbearably slow. The very way God was portrayed did not sit very well with me. God in this film was personified as an imperious young boy who was projected to be mercilessly violent and vindictive. There was no hint of compassion nor magnanimity here. Moses was even arguing with God. The film felt like it had an anti-God undertone, even atheistic, which was uncomfortable for me.
This is yet another disappointing Biblical film debacle this year. To be fair though, I would not consider as bad as the total disaster that was "Noah". 4/10.
I wonder what is this Hollywood craze for interpreting biblical plots! They are all repeating themselves instead of trying to come up with something new and fresh, I completely agree with you and your review!
ReplyDeleteHaven't seen this movie and Noah. So Noah is that bad also? Hmmm, I'm curious about this 2 films, but because of your review I lost a bit of interest in viewing these. I did love the Charlton Heston 10 Commandments.
ReplyDeleteI havent seen this movie and I guess I am going to watch it soon !
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of watching this film last night. But you saying it has some sort of anti-God undertone, I'm not gonna waste my money, let alone a single penny.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, though I'm not that religious like I pray every day or read the bible, but I still have a huge amount of respect to God. And it saddens me to know filmmakers are doing these kind of movies for entertainment rather than preaching. I like movies or series like The Bible that was shown in History channel a few weeks back. At least it helps viewers remember the story of the bible and somehow remind us of the preaching. But this kind, I just find it for entertainment... and gross sales.
ReplyDeleteOf the Biblical films released this year, I did like "Son of God". That film is derived from the same "Bible" TV series on History Channel you talk about.
Deletethis is an epic, will definitely watch it soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review. Will definitely check it out :D
ReplyDeleteHmmm... That sounds like Emma Watson's Noah... I think it will most probably be a good watch for non-christians and a good attempt for christians to think through? I care a lot about the acting though... Might be equally disappointed as you based on what you said.
ReplyDeleteYes, I was referring to the "Noah" with Emma Watson in which I was deeply disappointed with their out-of-this-world interpretation, stone angels and all. I cannot speak for everyone, but I think Christians will not like the way God was portrayed in this film Exodus. I was personally annoyed and even offended.
Deletei don't think i'll watch this :/ doesn't sound like a thing for me
ReplyDeleteOh man.. I wanted to watch this film cos' of its exciting trailer! Looks like I won't be choosing this film after all..
ReplyDeleteMy husband wants to watch this, I'm not sure this would be a movie for me after all, though.
ReplyDeletefrankly speaking, many of these genre of movie never ever turned out well. but still i'm gonna catch this if i can for the sake of Christian Bale!
ReplyDeletewow, this blows my mind. I asked my friend about this and he said this was good, but reading this now, I am having second thoughts. How's the wife of Moses? Said she was stunning. Is she? :D
ReplyDeleteHi Raymond. Of course, this is just my own opinion. I'm actually curious of how others feel about it, if they agree with me or not. Do come back and let's discuss if you do decide to watch it.
DeleteAnd about Zipporah, Moses' wife, she was played by beautiful Spanish actress Maria Valverde. Talking about stunning ladies, the Egyptian high priestess was played by British-Indian actress Indira Varma. Ms. Varma is also the actress who played Ellaria Sand on "Game of Thrones".
DeleteI think it's always harder to show biblical stories in films. There may be some limitations in terms of creativity since it could stir some controversies.
ReplyDeleteMight want to watch this movie! Sounds interesting to me
ReplyDeleteRecently I have not been watching any movie. But, I didn't find this on big screen in Malaysia. Not sure will it be showing here?
ReplyDeleteHmm... lack lustre acting can never make up for a lavish set, locales and script. It is the acting that holds a film together. Thanks for sharing your honest review :)
ReplyDeleteGlad I read this because I would be disappointed to see some of my fav actors (Christine, Ben, Sigourney and Aaron) in a movie that bombed. I'll hold unto the classic "Exodus" starring Charlton Heston, for now.
ReplyDeleteGreat review! But it doesnt really capture my attention :/
ReplyDeleteI watched 10 commandments years back... don't remember much of that movie but I still remember liking it a lot. Too bad this one could not match up.
ReplyDeleteI did watched Son of God, and it's really good. I saw this Exodus banner the other day and I wished to watch it. Good review with Chriistian faith.
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