Movie Review: Exodus: Gods and Kings
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
Exodus: Gods and Kings is unequivocally a technically savvy remake of the classic film The Ten Commandments (1956). The Ten Commandments was, for its day, pretty amazing in and of itself. Exodus: Gods and Kings is certainly not completely Biblically accurate, but what it lacks in authenticity it makes up for with an entertaining account of the Book of Exodus. Those that may have a problem with it not being true to the Old Testament account might do well to consider that this can be a means for opening up a dialog with those curious to learn about the God of the Bible.
Kudos goes to Christian Bale for playing the part of Moses. There were many scenes in which I felt Bale was an exact replica of Charlton Heston’s Moses. In addition, Joel Edgerton as Ramses was also very believable. Not quite of the same caliber as, my favorite, Yul Brynner, but entertaining for sure.
The story goes through the life of Moses, him learning that he was really a Hebrew, being exiled from Egypt, and then returning to free his people from Egypt. You are walked through all of the plagues, and of course the parting of the Red Sea. What I find interesting is all of the talk about how terrible it is to not be totally accurate, the refusal by many to even give the film a chance because it in some way will dishonor the Exodus account. Hogwash! Let’s give credit where it is due. With all that this century has to offer as far as cinematography, this film can finally give the truest sense of what it just may have looked like to have the sea turn to blood, the invasion of the locusts, the incredible parting of the sea. Please people, take this film for what it is, a story based on the Biblical book of Exodus. You may just leave with something in your mind’s eye that you could previously only imagine.
Honorable mention goes to Aaron Paul as Joshua. Paul, best known for his role as Jessie in the award-winning series Breaking Bad, really steps out in his performance. I was pleased to see this for I was certain that Breaking Bad had him typecast as a loser/stoner.
All and all folks, Exodus: Gods and Kings is a film anyone can enjoy. I would put it right up there with films that would help Biblical believers share the faith with their families. Let’s remember that when we re-watch The Ten Commandments at Easter or Christmas since it too is not completely accurate yet we still enjoy the rendition.
Betsy Cizek
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