This isn't to say that Ramses is in the right, and Scott still portraysthe Pharaoh as a greedy and self-centered ruler; however, Exodus: Gods and Kingsalso highlights the challenges of Ramses'predicament: the Egyptiangods (source of his birthright) werenot responding - while the Hebrew god was terrorizing the Egyptian people withonehorrifying(and deadly) plague after another. Scott comes up with a somewhat more credible portrayal of how the Israelites managed to cross the sea before a monumental storm drowned the Egyptians. There is no pillar of smoke to follow and, even though Moses asksfor help from God, his cries go unanswered. But while these events are integral to the biblical story, they come off here as the worst kind of anticlimax. He rejects that the boy could be an angel -- though there is mention of an angel in the Elohist version of the Scripture -- or God, who would never have been visible. The director of Media Content Tracking at the National Media Council explained: "This movie is under our review and we found that there are many mistakes not only about Islam but other religions too. Despite an excess of mascara, Turturro is sympathetic, but he doesnt fit all that comfortably into ancient Egypt. Cinematographer Dariusz Wolski and production designer Arthur Max make impressive contributions, though some of the aerial shots of the Egyptian capital look a little too much like CGI-enhanced sets. To help encourage Moses, God revealsthree different wonders - wonders that Moses can use to convince the Pharaoh, among others, that he actually was sent by God (for example:transforminghis staff into a living snake). Here are four ways the two Exodus stories diverge. However, two Hebrews spies overhear Nun's story and report their discovery to the Viceroy. But despite favoring a sword overtheiconic staff (not to mentionthe inclusion of a training montage and isolated moments of guerrilla warfare tactics), Scott still positionsGod's unrelenting siege over Egypt asthe catalyst forRamses' decision to free the Israelites. Malak has the exact temper of the Old Testament God who prevails in popular culture, but not in the minds and hearts of believers. The film features a number of visually stunning scenes, but above all else, Scott's Exodus movie is still a straightforward drama - meaning that the primary focus is on its human characters. God's manifestation appears to Moses and explains that ten plagues will affect Egypt. But on its own grand, imperfect terms, Exodus: Gods and Kings is undeniably transporting, marked by a free-flowing visual splendor that plays to its creator's unique strengths: Given how many faith-based movies are content to tell their audiences what to think or feel, it's satisfying to see one whose images alone are enough to compel awestruck belief. Meanwhile, a priestess predicts that someone will save the leader's life and will become the leader. Unlike the DeMille rendering, this one does not begin at the beginning but plunges us into the middle of the action, with Moses (Christian Bale) as an adult in the royal court. [17] Sigourney Weaver, Ben Kingsley, and John Turturro were then still negotiating about joining the cast. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Ramesses refuses to listen, insisting that freeing them is economically impossible. [31], In an interview for Access Hollywood, Scott claimed there is a "final" version of the film 4 hours long. Scott did a great job reviving the Roman sword-and-sandals epic when he made the Oscar-winning Gladiator. Repost is prohibited without the creator's permission. Moses meets with the slave elders to see if the slaves are planning on sedition as claimed by the Viceroy. Exodus: Gods and Kings is this centurys answer to Cecil B. DeMilles The Ten Commandments, but it already looks to be more controversial than that pious 1956 opus. "[59] Peter Travers of Rolling Stone was positive toward the film and said, "Exodus is a biblical epic that comes at you at maximum velocity but stays stirringly, inspiringly human. I do not take or plan of making profit for any of the videos posted here. Because once that happens, financiers of bigger and bigger budget films will say, 'We can actually do business here. He wants people -- both Israelites and Egyptians -- to understand his uniqueness, his compassion and love, as well as his justice. [19] Christian Today reported that an online petition was underway. This Egyptian saga is not quite in the same league, but it confirms the directors flair for widescreen imagery. The bible goads over the imperfections of man yet relies on man's interpretation (vis--vis; The Bible) to be factually accurate. [20th Century Fox] Director: Ridley Scott. The boycommissions Moses to free the Hebrews; but later, Moses doubts whether his vision was real - or simply a hallucination caused byhis injuries. A numbing and soulless spectacle of 3-D, computer-generated imagery run amok, Ridley Scott's "Exodus: Gods and Kings" presents an enduring tale by pummeling us over the head with it. When Ramses becomes pharaoh, Moses is his most-trusted adviser. He looks out and sees Malak amongst the crowd before he seems to disappear. After making their way through a dangerous mountain pass, Moses and the Hebrews arrive at the edge of the sea, uncertain about what to do. Angered, God commissions Moses to carve the Ten Commandments -as guidelines and principles for the Hebrews to follow going forward. It concludes with him as an old man, riding in a cart with the Ark of the Covenant, as the Hebrew people wander in the desert. We're simply comparing the film to its print source material and selectedthe NRSVbecause it isoften used by religious scholars and isoneof the most popular bible translations (across multiple denominations). 2014 American biblical epic film by Ridley Scott, divines a prophecy from animal intestines, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, "Ridley Scott Says He's Working on the Biblical Adaptation MOSES", "Ridley Scott's 'Exodus' with Christian Bale gets a title change", "How Ridley Scott looked to science -- not miracles -- to part the Red Sea in 'Exodus: Gods and Kings', "Ridley Scott's 'Exodus' casts a wide net of spectacle and family", "Moses was 'Barbaric, Schizophrenic,' Says 'Exodus: Gods and Kings' Actor Christian Bale", "Christian Bale Calls Moses "Barbaric," "Schizophrenic" Ahead of 'Exodus' Release", "Joel Edgerton to Battle Christian Bale in 'Exodus', "Ridley Scott In 'Exodus' Talks With Ben Kingsley, John Turturro, Sigourney Weaver, Aaron Paul", "Ridley Scott's Exodus film cops complaints about 'racist' casting of Joel Edgerton and Sigourney Weaver", "Ridley Scott's Exodus Accused of Racism Biblical epic features only white heroes, Black slaves and villains", "Why 'Exodus' Didn't Need to Be Whitewashed", "Christian Bale Defends 'Exodus' Casting, A New Kind of Moses and Epic Special Effects", "First look: Christian Bale as Moses in Ridley Scott's 'Exodus', "Noah and Exodus: Gods and Kings presented VFX challenges of biblical proportions", "Christian Bale & Ridley Scott: The Role CGI Plays In 'Exodus', "Alberto Iglesias to Score Ridley Scott's 'Exodus: Gods and Kings', "Global Box Office: 'Exodus: Gods and Kings' Delivers $23 Million in Early Foreign Launch", "Forecast: 'Exodus' to Reign Supreme at the Box Office This Weekend", "Exodus: Gods and Kings An IMAX 3D Experience", "Egypt bans 'Zionist' film Exodus and cites 'historical inaccuracies', "Egypt Reported to Ban Latest U.S. 'Exodus' Film", "Morocco Clears 'Exodus: Gods And Kings' For Release, With Tweaks (Report)", "Exodus', 'Top Five' Kickstart Weekend With Thursday Shows UPDATE", "Moses Battles Plague Of Holiday Shoppers On Friday Box Office", "Around-the-World Roundup: 'Hobbit' Finale Opens to $122 Million Overseas", "Footloose 'Hobbit' Grows; 'Mockingjay' Tempers 'Fire': Intl Box Office Final", "Global box office: Exodus grapples with Noah for top prophet margins", "Mel Gibson On His Venice Festival Comeback Picture 'Hacksaw Ridge' Q&A", "Exodus: Gods and Kings review holy Moses, wholly acceptable for the devout", "Exodus: Gods and Kings review: Ridley Scott's biblical epic is equally inspired and plagued", Mose et Pharaon, ou Le passage de la mer rouge, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Exodus:_Gods_and_Kings&oldid=1133857386, Films with screenplays by Steven Zaillian, Short description is different from Wikidata, Official website different in Wikidata and Wikipedia, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 15 January 2023, at 21:24. Although Tuya wants Moses killed, Ramesses, still unwilling to believe the story, exiles him instead. Scott's film clearly depicts Moses as a well-trained general and strategist in King Seti I's army - alongside his "brother" (read: adopted cousin) Prince Ramses. In Scripture and in DeMille's version, this is an epiphany, yes, but one where Moses "sees" God through his soul and is changed. Whilethe remaining Hebrews sprintto the other side, Moses and his generals, including Aaron and Joshua, prepare to hold-off the first wave of Pharaoh's army. And the plagues begin. While some filmgoers have been intrigued by the idea of a swords and sandals epic centered on one of the bible's most well-known leaders, others have balked at images depicting abearded Christian Bale wielding an ornate sword - rather than a staff. Setting . The savage crocodiles were not in the Old Testament, but as they attack humans as well as fish, they turn the Nile blood red, which is at least an ingenious explanation of how the river might have turned to blood. Later on, Moses is carving out the Ten Commandments onto a slab of stone. Seti is depicted as a capable (albeit complicit) leader and a caring father figure to Moses - dyingbefore Moses is revealed to be a Hebrew. He does what God asks, rarely debating, and is a welcome participantonseveral occasions. [7], Some controversy and criticism arose concerning biblical accuracy of the script and its portrayal. Of course,Given that countless translations of Hebrew scripture exist, select comparisons between the movie and biblemay vary depending on translations/interpretations of the scriptures. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his kinsfolk. Although Rabbi Adlerstein complimented the cinematography and special effects, the larger problem for him is Malak, the "boy" who speaks for God and is harsh in attitude and word to Moses. It also compared Exodus to the 1956 film The Ten Commandments with its all-white cast and said, "The racial climate, number of black actors, and opportunities provided to them were very different in 1956, however. Maria Valverde is strikingly beautiful as Moses wife,Zipporah, but her role is just as skimpy as most of the others. All Rights Reserved. [30] The Red Sea scene was filmed at a beach on Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands off the northwest coast of Africa. Now playing in 2D and 3D theaters. At first blush, the film seems to rest on the razor's edge of mystery and coincidence; however, in the end, God wins. Music: Alberto Iglesias, Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. '"[27], Shooting of the film began in October 2013 in Almera, Spain. I choose to think of "Exodus: Gods and Kings" as Ridley Scott's personal vision of God and his wrangling through his art with the consequences of what saying "I believe" means. The film was released on December 12, 2014 by 20th Century Fox, to generally negative reviews; critics praised the visual effects and cast performances, but criticized its inaccuracy to the source material and the whitewashing in the film. Someone at the screening said Scott wanted to make a different movie than those that came before, including "Prince of Egypt" in 1998. You say this is not your fault. The go-to source for comic book and superhero movie fans. Exodus 23:21 my power Literally, "my name."; Exodus 23:24 stones gods Or "memorials." Here, these were stone markers that people used in worshiping their gods. However, once outside the walls of Memphis, the film God does not lead the Hebrews to the Red Sea. Ramesses, devastated, surrenders, allowing the Hebrews to leave. [43][44] The film topped the box office during its opening weekend with $24.1 million. He said he came to the conclusion that the cord was probably a superstition that traces back to Kabbalah, the mystical interpretation of the Scriptures. The critical consensus states, "While sporadically stirring, and suitably epic in its ambitions, Exodus: Gods and Kings can't quite live up to its classic source material. Nowhere do we see singing Jews celebrating their freedom as in the song of Miriam. Go back and forth from gate to gate throughout the camp, and each of you kill your brother, your friend, and your neighbor. The sons of Levi did as Moses commanded, and about three thousand of the people fell on that day. "[20] Some Twitter users called for a boycott of the film. Upon Moses threatening Ramesses's life, Ramesses orders Moses's death, as well as killing random Hebrew families until Moses is found. Exodus: Gods and Kings is a 2014 biblical epic film directed and produced by Ridley Scott and written by Adam Cooper, Bill Collage, Jeffrey Caine, and Steven Zaillian.The film stars Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, John Turturro, Aaron Paul, Ben Mendelsohn, Sigourney Weaver, and Ben Kingsley.It is inspired by the biblical episode of the Exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt led by Moses and related . Director Ridley Scott's most recent epic, "Exodus: Gods and Kings," attempts to tell the biblical story of Moses from about the time he learns he is a Hebrew until he receives the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. (:1-5) Qualified to Lead Due to His Priestly Pedigree. That night, all of Egypt's firstborn children die, including Ramesses's infant son. The character Malak makes piles of small stones throughout the film, and Adlerstein did not know the significance from the perspective of Orthodox Judaism. "[65], On the negative side, Scott Mendelson of Forbes criticized the film for being too "dark" and "gritty", saying that the film lacked in humor and excitement, offering little nuance and little artistic interpretation beyond hitting the expected goal posts. When Pharaoh does not listen to you, I will lay my hand upon Egypt and bring my people the Israelites, company by company, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment.". [52], Exodus: Gods and Kings received generally negative reviews from critics. This drives a wedge between the couple, but Moses leaves anyway. While the Pharaohs (both Seti I and Ramses) are heavily featured in the Hebrew scriptures, neither is presented as anything much more than a vindictive and corrupt ruler. EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS is a great opportunity for those who love the story of Exodus to tell their friends and loved ones the rest of the story. "It's not even that good a story," Moses grumbles early on in Ridley Scott 's " Exodus: Gods and Kings ," shortly after learning of the mysterious events that . Excruciating Exodus Movie Exudes Errors Exodus: Gods and Kings reeks with wretchedness Ellen White Biblical archeology 12/18/2014 Colossal expense equals colossal waste for the new Ridley Scott movie Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014). [57] Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film a grade "B" on scale of A to F.[58], Stephen Farber of The Hollywood Reporter gave a positive review and said, "Scott did a great job reviving the Roman sand-and-sandals epic when he made the Oscar-winning Gladiator. The Martian is a 2015 science fiction film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon. Conversely, the film's God often leaves Moses in the dark, whilealso requiring less direct action from Moses (and Aaron) in the actual plagues - positioningthe brothers as little more than messengersthroughout the majority of God's assault. But viewers might want to ask themselves if director Ridley Scott has resurrected the same characters for a different story entirely.Taking a leaf from Prince of Egypt, [] 'Exodus: Gods and Kings' Director Ridley Scott on Creating His Vision of Moses . Moses is certainly the central character in the story, but he is not like any Moses we have seen before. Made up of sixty-six I use the word "attempt" because the film is an artistic extrapolation of the scriptural texts that shows the obvious and makes up or simply leaves out what the filmmakers don't seem to be able to grasp or think is important. With Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, John Turturro, Aaron Paul. "[61] Catherine Shoard of The Guardian gave 3 out of 5 stars and said, "Its impossible not to feel some awe at the spectacle, but more shocks would have helped see you through the two-and-a-half hour running time. While recovering, Moses reveals his past to Zipporah and reveals what God has asked him to do. He sees the suffering of the Hebrews. In the scripture, there is no direct mention of Moses serving in the Egyptian army, training as a warrior, or even carrying a sword - meaning thatScott definitely took liberties with his battle-hardened version. However, this isn't a direct endorsement of the NRSVover other versions (or religious overnon-religious beliefs). Ben Mendelsohn, however, has fun with the role of the sniveling, treacherous viceroy who exposes Moses true heritage. Director: Ridley Scott See Ex. [55] The film has a score of 30% on Rotten Tomatoes based on 210 reviews, with an average rating of 5.00/10. As nobody has firsthand experience from a story told over 4000+ years ago there is no possible way to actually make a movie based on the life of Moses and those around him, historically accurate. Published Dec 12, 2014. 1955, 489f.) SRK shuts down troll who takes on Pathaan, Paramount Pictures sued for over 100 million USD, Kavya Thapar heaps praises on Randeep Hooda, SSR's flat to get new tenant after 2.5 years, Bollywood sequels to look forward to in 2023, Jhoome Jo Pathaan gets Lakdi Ki Kaathi cover, Rishabh Pant airlifted to Mumbai, set to undergo surgery: BCCI, Tribal freed in 'fake' rape case sues MP govt for Rs 10,000cr, Why Congress will be its worst enemy in Karnataka polls, Biden admin proposes steep hike in US visa fees, SC stays HC order to hold UP local polls sans OBC quota, Delhi hit & run live: 'Body was stuck under car's left front wheel', Data shows Indian economy has a problem but, Violent clashes in Tripura, former CMs house 'attacked', 30-day travel ban on drunk man who peed on woman in flight, In pics: Ronaldo's unveiling ceremony as Al Nassr player, Terms of Use and Grievance Redressal Policy. [12], On March 15, 2013, Deadline Hollywood reported Scott wanted Christian Bale to star in the film;[13] in August he confirmed the role to be Moses. The 1619 Project Review: Nikole Hannah-Jones Groundbreaking Initiative Gets a Frustrating Hulu Adaptation, Critics Picks: Cate Blanchett, Steven Spielberg Films Among the 15 Best of the Fall Festivals, Wildcat Review: A Wildlife Doc Full of Human Feeling, The Corridors of Power Review: A Disturbing History of Genocide and Foreign Policy Failure, the resurgence of the Old Testament at the movies, Christian Bale on Earning Producer Credits on 'Amsterdam' and 'Pale Blue Eye': "I Was There Right From the Inception", 'Gladiator' Sequel: Paul Mescal in Talks to Star for Ridley Scott, Exodus: How Ridley Scott Chose His 11-Year-Old Voice of God, Ridley Scott Explains Why He Made Exodus: Gods and Kings in New, Jesus in Film and TV: 13 Devilishly Handsome Actors Whove Played the Son of God, Hollywoods 19 Most Dramatic Big-Screen Transformations, Missing Review: Nia Long and Storm Reid in Nerve-Jangling Searching Spin-Off, House Party Review: 90s Cult Classic Gets a Fun-Free Remix, Hilma Review: Lasse Hallstrms Vivid Portrait of a Visionary Artist Captures the Agony and the Ecstasy, Plane Review: Gerard Butler Genre Pic Gets the Job Done, Mars One Review: A Tender and Tightly Wrought Film Foregrounds Working-Class Brazil, 80 for Brady Review: Tomlin, Fonda, Moreno and Field Outmaneuver Screenplay Fumbles in a Crowd-Pleasing Sports Comedy, The Best Womens Winter Jackets for Every Locale and Style, from Chic Puffers to Layerable Coats, The Best in Healthy Eating for Your New Years Wellness Resolutions, The Best MLK Day Sales to Shop Now Through the Weekend, Dysons New Airwrap Is Back in Stock Where to Shop the Hollywood-Loved Hair Tool Before It Sells Out Again, Austin Butler, Colin Farrell, Brendan Fraser, Jeremy Pope, Ke Huy Quan, Adam Sandler and THRs Actor Roundtable, Jerry Bruckheimer, Viola Davis and THRs Producer Roundtable: I Dont Want to Go to My Grave Saying I Wasnt Brave Enough, How The Last of Us Plans to Bring the Zombie Genre Back to Life, The Definitive Voice of Entertainment News. Summary: Moses (Christian Bale) rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton), setting 400,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues. Using state of the art visual effects and 3D immersion, Scott brings new life to the story of the defiant leader Moses (Christian Bale) as he rises up against the Egyptian Pharoah Ramses (Joel Edgerton), setting 600,000 slaves . Upon his arrival, he encounters the slave Joshua being lashed and questions the vicious lashing. That said, given his role in the royal family, it is plausible thatthe biblical Moses mighthave fought in the Egyptian army - since kings, princes, and other royalty often led the charge in battle and, at the very least,were trained to defend themselves against assassins, spies, and other threats. Anyway, the ending rushes along as if the producers wanted to end this "masterpiece" and go home. Starring: Ben Kingsley, Ben Mendelsohn, Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Sigourney Weaver. Without a doubt, there are plenty of other changes that we either did not include or may have missed - and encourage our readers to respectfully discuss those as well as the largerfilm in the comment section below. Still grieving his son, Ramesses assembles his army and gives chase. In the film, Moseskills (but does not bother to hide) two Egyptian guards that weremercilessly beating a Hebrew, but returns to Egypt anyway, hoping that his conversation with Nun (and rumors of his true heritage) never resurface. Going east symbolizes going away from God. [28] Additional filming was scheduled at Pinewood Studios, England. Exodus: Gods and Kings is a 2014 American biblical epic film directed and produced by Ridley Scott and written by Adam Cooper, Bill Collage, Jeffrey Caine, and Steven Zaillian.The film stars Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, John Turturro, Aaron Paul, Ben Mendelsohn, Sigourney Weaver, and Ben Kingsley.It is inspired by the biblical episode of the Exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt led by Moses and . (7) Revelation was an essential part of the garden and the temple. So let's just see who's more effective at killing: You or me. Writers: Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro. A Friendly Overview of Every Book of the Bible Reading the Bible can be intimidating. But the friendship between the two soldiers is not well established in the opening scenes, so the film stumbles out of the gate. In director Terrence Malick's Knight of Cups (2015), It is inspired by the biblical episode of the Exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt led by Moses and related in the Book of Exodus. He has been blessed with leadership . The rest of the plagues play-out similarly to scripture with the death of Egyptian livestock, painful skin boils, athunderstorm of hail and fire, crop-devouring locusts, and perpetual darkness, before culminating in the death of every firstborn child acrossEgypt (save for the Hebrews that painted their doors with lamb blood). We breakdown the story of Moses in 'Exodus: Gods and Kings' and compare any differences in Ridley Scott's 2014 movie to its source material - Hebrew bible scriptures. During the battle, Moses saves Ramesses's life, leaving both men troubled. The film hits its peak in the sequence recounting the 10 plagues. 2014 marks the resurgence of the Old Testament at the movies. For that reason, the Pharaohrallied his army in pursuit of Moses and his people. That is not what God is about, nor the story. [35] Nationwide release in North America was on December 12 in 3,503 theaters. The film was dedicated to director Ridley Scott's brother Tony Scott, who died on August 19, 2012. Written by Adam Cooper, Bill Collage, Jeffrey Caine, Steven Zaillian. The film begins with Moses (Christian Bale) as an adult. Feel free to share themin the comments below! Playing-off the theme that Moses has "wrestled" with God, the boy asks the Hebrew if he agrees with the commandments - to which Moses replies that he wouldn't be carving the stones if he did not agree. The climactic chase to the Red Sea is equally spectacular. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service,
Peter Goodwin Charlottesville,
Hunt County Property Tax Search,
City Of Allegan Fall Clean Up,
Articles E
