Genocide, slavery, family conflict, and religion are all topics that are best left out of polite conversation. Yet, 1998's The Prince of Egypt manages to weave these same controversial topics into an animated tapestry that is certain to enthrall children and parents alike. While the film relates the familiar tale of the Book of Exodus, it utilizes breathtaking animation, complex characters, and soaring songs to infuse new life into the ancient tale. This Passover and Easter season relive the triumph and tragedy of The Prince of Egypt.
The story begins with Pharaoh Seti I ordering the execution of all male Hebrew infants in an effort to prevent his slaves from outnumbering and eventually overthrowing their masters. In the midst of the carnage one slave, Yocheved, defies her masters and puts her infant son into a woven basket in the Nile. The child's older sister, Miriam, watches as her younger brother is found floating in the river by Seti's wife, Queen Tuya, who proceeds to adopt him despite his heritage. Decades later the baby, Moses, has grown into a young man and prince of Egypt. Moses leads a life of ease and privilege until a chance meeting with his biological siblings leads to the revelation that his entire life has been a lie. After he reluctantly accepts his true identity he feels compelled to intervene when he sees a slave being abused. In the ensuing struggle he accidentally kills one of the Egyptian overseers, prompting him to retreat into the desert. During his self-imposed exile he rebuilds his life as a shepherd and marries a Midian shepherdess. Just when he is sure that he has left the ghosts of his past behind, however, he receives a vision from God and becomes determined to return to Egypt and set his people free. He then embarks upon an epic struggle that will pit him against the home he knew and the family he loved in one of the greatest fights for freedom the world has ever known.
While Western animation is often reduced to juvenile fare The Prince of Egypt is the rare animated film that the whole family will truly enjoy. The film relates the tale of the Book of Exodus with a gravity and depth that is rarely found in American animation. The film manages to balance between exploring the story's mature themes and remaining geared towards a young audience, ensuring that it appeals equally to both children and their parents. The film particularly shines in its efforts to relate its tale on an epic scale without sacrificing any of its humanity. While classic epics of Old Hollywood portrayed their heroes as larger than life figures The Prince of Egypt sets itself apart by making a conscious point to show each of its characters on both sides of the conflict as flawed, complex, and entirely relatable. As a result, their struggles carry greater emotional resonance and audiences are more invested in the outcomes. The film's animation is never less than gorgeous as it showcases grand landscapes and character close ups with equal skill. The animation brilliantly transports viewers to the majesty of ancient Egypt with surprising historical accuracy while relaying the plot's supernatural events with awe inspiring beauty. Similarly, the musical score soars as it superbly conveys each of the characters' emotions and provides the film with its beating heart. Join Moses on a journey for the ages in The Prince of Egypt.
The book of Exodus is brilliantly brought to animated life thanks to the stellar work of the vocal cast. Sandra Bullock infuses Moses' sister, Miriam, with her signature plucky charm. Jeff Goldblum expertly captures the toll of life in bondage as Moses' brother, Aaron. Danny Glover lends warmth and humor in his boisterous turn as Moses' father in law, Jethro. Patrick Stewart perfectly captures the duality of Seti as both a ruthless ruler and a loving father. Helen Mirren portrays Queen Tuya with maternal warmth. Ofra Haza is nothing short of heart breaking in her brief appearance as Moses' biological mother, Yocheved. Michelle Pfeiffer blends her signature sensuality with sass in her turn as Moses' strong willed wife, Tzipporah. Even in the midst of its star studded supporting cast the film belongs to Val Kilmer and Ralph Fiennes as brothers turned enemies Moses and Rameses. In Fiennes' hands Rameses is one of the most sympathetic and complicated villains in cinema as he struggles between his love for his brother and his desire to live up to their father's legacy as Pharaoh. Similarly, Kilmer portrays Moses as a well meaning, but ultimately flawed and all too human man and the story is all the richer for it. Together, Fiennes and Kilmer ensure that The Prince of Egypt is one of the most emotionally resonant, mature, and moving stories ever put to animation.
Through its masterful storytelling The Prince of Egypt relates one of the only animated tales that could be considered truly epic. The film's animation brilliantly transports viewers to the grandeur of ancient Egypt while offering vital insight into its characters. The music propels the story forward while infusing its familiar tale with with emotion and atmosphere. The star studded vocal cast brings the film's colorful array of characters to vibrant life with charm, complexity, and humanity. This Passover and Easter gather the whole family around The Prince of Egypt.
