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The Prince of Egypt
(part 2)
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By David Bruce
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David Bruce
Click here to go to part one.
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Having new eyes isn't always a blessing. As the Bible says, "He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people... (and) he killed the Egyptian." Moses has now crossed the line. He leaves Egypt and journeys to Midian where he meets Jethro and his daughters; Moses marries the one named Zipporah. The next turning point in the life of Moses is the burning bush, where God tells him to go back to Egypt and set his people free. The bush in the film seems magical with a purple fire from which we hear the voice of God. Val Kilmer, the voice of Moses in The Prince of Egypt, similarly provides the voice of God at the burning bush.
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Moses returns. Seti has died and Rameses is now the Pharaoh. The two brothers now face each other again from opposing sides. Rameses will not release the Hebrew slaves, as he fears the words of his late father will come to pass: "Rameses you are the weak link."
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The film includes all 10 plagues, including locusts, the Nile turning to blood, and the slaying of the first-born. Each plague is related to a particular Egyptian god demonstrating Moses power over it.
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There is always risk when dealing with religion and so, to head off any criticism, DreamWorks brought in 360 religious leaders from around the world to serve as advisors. The Reverend Jerry Falwell, was one of the advisers who gave the movie 'two thumbs up.' Falwell was quoted by Newsweek as saying "They have done a great job of making it entertainment". Val Kilmer, the voice of Moses, was reportedly called back to re-record lines in which the words "a mark upon the door" were changed to "blood upon the door" after criticism by Evangelical Christian leaders. There have been numerous other cuts and changes to accommodate religious leaders. DreamWorks nixed as inappropriate fast-food tie-ins, a usual moneymaking must for animated features.
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The departure of the Hebrews out of Egypt is powerful. Pay careful attention to the background art. I was very impressed by both the rich symbolism and solid research that went into each scene. This is a film that you must watch several times to catch all fascinating detail.
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DreamWorks has out Ceciled Demille. The parting of the sea is the most amazing piece of animation ever done.
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The pillar of fire and the parting of the sea are saved for the end of the film. Spectacular. You must see it to fully appreciate it. How does the movie end? Well, I can't spoil everything. I can tell you that it leaves it open for a part two. I will also tell you that this film is some ways Biblically more accurate than "The Ten Commandments.