Moses (The Bible Collection)

Filmed in sub-saharan Quarzazate and Agadir, Morocco, it is visually beautiful, with the excellent cinematography by Raffaele Mertes; I like the neutral palette, and the artifacts and costuming that give it an authentic look of ancient times. Added to the atmosphere is the wonderful score by Marco Frisina.
The effects are good, from the parting of the sea to the tablets of the law, and other than a short sequence of violence (which includes a swift depiction of sacrificing an animal) after the golden calf incident, it is family friendly. Total running time is 184 minutes.
This is a film that stands up to a lot of repeated viewing; it is so full of eternal truths, and content that is applicable to our lives today.


More adult, more accurate version of the Prince of Egypt   December 1, 2002
milleniumistic
19 out of 19 found this review helpful

This less 'Disneyfied', more biblically accurate version of Moses is a less spectacular, yet highly dramatic, character-driven story that is engaging throughout most of its 3 hours. Ben Kingsly does a terrific job as Moses. I liked how Moses went from a stutterer, full of feelings of inadequacy and self doubts and who required his brother to 'translate' the message for him, to one who speaks with absolute authority as the Voice of God.

The story retains its faithfulness, but loses some of its steam after the climactic parting of the Red Sea, until the ending, where Moses' faith brings him to the gates of the Promised Land, but where he is denied access. It's a very moving scene and displays Moses' ability to truly surrender to and accept the will of God.

Anyone who doesn't mind a little less spectacle, for a little more meat, I recommend "Moses" .


Stimulating and Stirring   January 9, 2000
Franklin Howell (Dallas, TX USA)
16 out of 18 found this review helpful

Devoid of the excessive stereotyping and Americanization prominent in The Ten Commandments, Young's work is a long-awaited breath of fresh air. In this version, Kingsley portrays a Moses much more warm and human, complete with occasional stuttering and blunders. The viewer will find in this character a mortal man facing genuinely impossible obligations. His humanness is demonstrated, for instance, during the great slaughter of the masses following the golden calf event. Standing bold and firm with his staff in hand, Moses oversees the brutal, gratuitous killings while shedding tears in the process.

The beauty of the miracle events in this movie is in the raw atmosphere accompanying each moment. These miracles portray realism rather than magical wonders in a fairy tale, candy coated with church liturgy. For example, the burning bush scene in The Ten Commandments involves a state of piety not unlike that of a modern day church in Western society. The setting bears soft lights and prominent silence. In essence, Moses enters a holy altar. Bowing to God, his movements are rehearsed and orderly, like a skilled monk in a prayer closet. Quietly and humbly, Moses moves into repentance and consecration. When God tells him what he wants him to do, Moses' question of "Who am I to do such a thing" carries a tone of modesty instead of rejection. But in Young's rendering of this event matters are very different. Moses is caught off guard in an otherwise normal setting of sheep, rocks, and dust when a common shrub a few meters from him suddenly bursts into flames. Upon investigation, Moses finds himself not so much at an altar but rather in an altered state. Yet the rawness of nature surrounding this phenomenon remains unchanged. When confronted with his assignment, Moses pleads with God consistently to reconsider. He cries out and insists that he is the wrong man for the job. Equally impressive is the scene's conclusion. With a promise of assurance God gets the last word in, and just like that the bush returns to normal and the altered state is gone. No music, no space gun sound effects, no singing angels. Moses, still in shock, checks his surroundings and then himself as if questioning his own sanity.

The film presents a cast of good actors. The character dispositions are slightly peculiar and odd in a way that seems to jibe with the nature of ancient Middle Eastern culture. This serves to alienate the audience just enough to generate a convincing level of authenticity throughout the saga. Though made on a budget, the movie avoids those tell-tale budget features that get in the way of enjoying the moments. I found it both colorful and poignant, and consider it suitable for anyone, believer and atheist alike.


Excellent movie, worth watching   January 4, 2001
Neil (Tennessee)
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

This was the first movie from the TNT group that I bought and I was not disappointed. The movie covers Moses' life from his birth to the time right before the conquest.

From a Scriptural point of view, Exodus is the book they follow most. They do not deal with most of the wars during the wandering in the desert and they skirt over some things like Korah's rebellion. Most of the time is spent in building up Moses' encounter with God and the actual exodus from Egypt.

Scripturally, the movie is well done. They had to personify the Israelite people into individuals. Also they make no mention of Moses' children and very little about his wife. Like all movies about Moses, they compress the time frame a lot. They also tone down the size of the Israelites to a few hundred (on screen).

The production is very good. This movie is definitely PG-13. It portrays some sacrifices and war. It may not be appropriate for younger children.


Inspiring experience.   August 23, 1999
15 out of 17 found this review helpful

Wonderful! I've seen Abraham, David, Jacob, Joseph and Moses from THE BIBLE COLLECTION. But Moses is the one I like most. Ben Kingsley as Moses is the best I have seen. Very close to what the Bible says. The Bible comes to life in this movie. You will see "real", very human Aaron, Miriam and Joshua in this version. I have lost count of how many times I've seen it, and every time it's been a spiritual experience. God's love for his people is so amazing. DON'T MISS THIS ONE!