There’s big productions and then there’s The Ten Commandments. Charlton Heston would be in other Biblical epics, but here he has captured the role of Moses to perfection. Ten Commandments is the movie adaptation of the events that lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. A film for all generations and families to enjoy Ten Commandments is the definitive movie for these historical events.
Moses was born as Hebrew and was going to be a slave like his ancestors. The Pharaoh has other intentions at the time and ordered all first-born male Hebrews slayed in order to prevent the coming of the Deliverer. He was saved by his mother, being cast down stream to a fate better than death. He would soon become one of the prince’s of Egypt.
There is a transportation into this time period that few movies manage to create.While some men would quietly live with their heritage in secret, once Moses learns of his heritage, he is compelled to find answers. Answers to who he really is and what does his existence mean. During this search into slavery and suffering, his evil brother Rameses has learned of Moses heritage. He uses it to take the throne of Egypt for his own and cast Moses into certain death.
The Ten Commandments is a production beyond the wildest dreams. In the era in which we live, the scope of this movie can not be understood. There’s literally hundreds of cast members on-screen at a given time. There is a transportation into this time period that few movies manage to create. The amount of rehearsal and patience needed for each shot must have been unbelievable.
It’s truly a story about freedom and never giving up hope in the belief of God.A movie is only as strong as its source material and in the case of The Ten Commandments, it couldn’t be any stronger. Based around the Biblical Book of Exodus, Ten Commandments loving and accurately displays its source. It’s truly a story about freedom and never giving up hope in the belief of God. The Hebrews could only be freed from slavery if they persevered through the hardest trials to finally get their freedom.
The sets and costume design are incredible and add greatly to the feeling of being in that time period. They only help improve the great performances from the leading cast. Charlton Heston as Moses has the audience believing in his trials and suffering only to be the savor of his people. Yul Brynner as Rameses completely captures a man who is too egotistical and proud to ever give into the slaves of Egypt. The supporting cast is as excellent including John Derek as Josuha and Anne Baxter as Nefretiri.
While the special effects may be dated the spectral of The Ten Commandments still illuminates brightly. There’s few productions that have the resources or competence to pull off such an epic. DeMille and company have made a timeless movie for a timeless story. The Ten Commandments is a towering achievement that will always be remembered.
