The Prince of Egypt

Movie Review: The Prince Of Egypt

Released in 1988 by Dream Works Studies, The Prince of Egypt is a dramatic animated musical that has been adapted from the book of Exodus. In this movie, we follow Moses, who is an arrogant prince of Egypt and eventually comes to lead his people out of Egypt. This film was directed by Brenda Chapman, Simon Wells and Steven Hickner. This film was produced by Penney Finkelman Cox, Sandra Rabins, and Jeffery Katzenberg. It also has a lovely score written by Stephen Schwartz and composed by Hans Zimmer. This music was sung by professionals, with the exception of a few actors. This movie stars Val Kilmer as Moses, Ralph Fiennes as Rameses II, Michelle Pfeiffer as Tzipporah, Sandra Bullock as Miriam, and Jeff Goldblum as Aaron. Outside of Disney films, it is currently the 4^th top grossing animated film excluding those made by Disney.

There are many characters in this film and important settings. Yet, I feel a main focus of the movie that created the intensity was the relationship of the brothers, Moses and Rameses, so I feel they’re most important to discuss. Moses had a change in paradigm entirely from beginning to end. He comes across as a common man that you wouldn’t expect to follow initially. He sort of fell into his leadership as opposed to seeking it out, which most watchers love and come to admire in a main role as his. “You’ve chosen the wrong messenger,” Moses starts, “how can I even speak to these people?” also, “Who am I to lead these people?” He seems very human, and with his big role is hard to find. He is very relatable and a great main character. In Rameses, you see he has to choose between his legacy and his family, and then you’re sunk into his internal drama further in the story. Rameses has a blend of bitterness and love throughout that is very developed in his lines. He talks highly of his legacy, “I am the morning and the evening star, I am Egypt,” yet his brother shrewd of importance, as he admits to Moses, “you were always there for me.” Rameses and Moses have a conflict of values which builds great intensity and really draws you into the story.

The story starts out with a baby Moses and his family having to send him away in a basket down a river, due to the death threat of the higher political power. This is important, that Moses is a Hebrew and not actually of the lineage which he was forced into. The Pharaoh’s wife found the basket that Moses was in and raised him as a naïve and apathetic child, whether that was her intention or not. His brother in royalty, Rameses, is also that child, so it is probably due to their location, deep within the walls of the palace. There is a bond that is shown between the brothers, yet Rameses is condemned by his overbearing father since he is the heir. Rameses is determined to not be the weak link. In the middle, Moses finds out about his lineage and ends up running out of Egypt through seemingly endless dessert lands. He stumbles into the lands of the Midianites who do not worship Egyptian gods, but rather the Hebrew God. A new supporting character is introduced, Tzipporah. Moses ends up saving her and her sisters from bandits and is welcomed into the home of Tzipporah’s father, Jethro. Moses becomes a shepherd and gradually earns the respect and trust of those around him. He eventually marries Tzipporah. One day, Moses stumbles into a sacred area where he is confronted by God where his destiny is revealed: to lead the children of Israel, the Hebrew slaves, out of Egypt. With his wife at his side, Moses lovingly greets Rameses, only to inform him of their conflicting legacies. Rameses’ heart is heartened and is unable to be persuaded by Moses. Moses ends up gaining the Israelite’s trust. God sends plagues that Moses warns the people about. Rameses then tells Moses and his people to leave.

Themes are interpretive and I’ve found many themes in this movie, but my favorite is the sense of a true, higher power that I saw that correlated with a lot of other things in this movie. This can also be interpreted, either as the conquering power of the humble Israelites that can overrun those who have more political power yet false ideals, or to God who was able to lead the people through their trials through Moses, the medium. The Israelites, for example, were able to work together and get out of the Egypt with the help of their righteous leader, Moses, who knew what was best for the people, who had developed into a merciful character. When discussing God as the true higher power, it is plain to see why God is superior to gods they worshipped with the bird-eye-view we have. The miracles performed to show the ‘power’ of the Egyptian gods all seemed to be more magic, in the sense of smoke and mirrors. There were constant bright lights and flashes, while God’s miracles were clean and pure.

The Prince Of Egypt can easily be compared to the 1956 film, The Ten Commandments, directed by Cecil B. DeMille. They are both epic adoptions from the book of Exodus, so it’s easy to compare them. Yet they weren’t telling the exact same story. There were different angles, scales, and a different spin on the main characters. For example, Rameses is entirely different. In The Ten Commandments, Rameses is very cold-hearted, cunning, and cares nothing for anyone or anything except for his legacy. In contrast, in The Prince of Egypt, Rameses is the product of his environment. A tetrad soul who still loves his brother, but is under the psychological grip of his overbearing father. Therefore, Rameses comes across as more tragic, having to go against his own brother. Fienne’s version of Rameses is simply more complex, yet can still match the same vengeance that Brynner’s Rameses has. The God is also different. For Example, in The Ten Commandments, God is kind of badass and is seemingly very omnipotent. In The Prince Of Egypt however, God is very clever. The way the bush is drawn also very much adds to it. It looks as if it’s not of this world. It creates fire to be very comforting. His voice is also soothing and loving. This is entirely different from the brash God in The Ten Commandments.

This can be easily applied. A big concept is where true power lies in the people and the importance of a good leader. For example, how Moses was able to lead the people out. How the power of the Hebrew God frustrated Rameses so much that he told them to leave. The children of Israel worked for their freedom. With the help of Moses, a virtuous and righteous leader, they were able to prosper. Moses’ values are important, too. He came to understand that he shouldn’t command others, and to be empathetic. An understanding of empathy, correct morals and values, and knowing that one person can influence a nation’s future is important concepts we can take from this compelling masterpiece.

I love this movie and I think it’s extremely underrated. You hear animated musical mixed with Bible, you automatically think disaster. Although, I think it was very well done. There is a lot of depth and insightful, creative character development that is interesting to analyze. Even the cheesy comedy in the beginning between the two brothers builds some of the plot later in the story. It creates a great contrast to the later draw. It is overall a very dramatic film. There are some problems, but this movie knows that the most fascinating element is between the relationship of Moses and Rameses. They knew that would draw people in, allowing the audience to empathize. They portrayed this important element so well. It is a great watch. I recommend it.

I'm in love with a doctor.

I googled "super spiffy sunglasses" on google (no!), and this was the first result.

I don't get it. Why are these sunglasses super spiffy? Maybe they're spiffy because the guy wearing them has a really full upper lip. And then when you put the sunglasses on someone else, BAM! They're no longer spiffy and can't even be classified under 'spiffy sunglasses'.


So, it's 2 AM and I can't sleep. So naturally, I came on here to talk to no one. Gotta love that. :)

Hmm, new stuff new stuff...
Uh.
I'm moving. I guess that's new.
Where? Africa.
No. I'm lying.
Marysville, Washington. Google it, stalkers.
Yeah, in like, two weeks. I don't think I'll believe it's actually happening until I see a new truck in my yard that says some spiffy moving companies name in lights..

Other new stuff...
Well, I'm suddenly completely obsessed with my bass guitar. Well, I guess it wasn't sudden. Well, it was. It just wasn't recent. That was like, six months ago. But the obsession has carried over.
My favorite is my fender squire something something waffles fancy words and numbers something.

Also, I'm a proud 4th time aunt. Welcome to the family baby Addyson.:)

"Hey, where's your party going to be at?"
"It's not grammatically correct to end your sentence like you just did."
"Hey, where's your party going to be at, bitch?"

I had a dream the other day that I was in my advisory class, and they were serving sloppy jose and vegetarian sausages. Then I started eating my sausage and someone told me it was a vegetarian sausage and then I spit it out and started throwing up. It was... different.

If I got a letter from Hogwarts, I'd send them a picture of my lightsaber and say "NO." -This kid named Jet whom I've recently become more acquainted with.

Not that I expect you to do anything, but I just had this realization...
It's my birthday tomorrow o_O
Cool. I'm old. Or something?

Oh, yeah, this band. Mmm. Minus the Bear? Yeah. It's like a drug. AND I ONLY HAVE ONE ALBUM OF THEIRS RIGHT NOW.

Yes, I have a short attention span. No, I don't want fries with that. Yes, I still want the sweet and sour sauce. Yes, 5. No, I'm not single. Wait -- yes I am. But I'll pretend I'm not for your sake. Grow a beard!

Fair Photos

Sorry to have a super short post, but just to let you know that this thing hasn't been forgotten!
I'll try to jot things down on what to update or whatever, but I have a loooot of things going on this school semester, so I hate to promise it.

These were photos that I entered in the county fairs and they all placed really well.
Hope you enjoy ^^

Anna's photo shoot:)

This descriptive writing assignment from a while back. Like, December or something.

I looked at its bespoke ebony wood as it shined out. Its pearly keys harmonized with the black all too well. I lifted up its roof and set it on the slender and fragile stand. Now the immaculate melody would resonate throughout the chamber. I spun around to install myself on the bench, positioning it closer. With this, I could execute my goal with a higher degree of perfection. The dimension was so surreal, and so exquisite. It wanted to be touched; it was begging to be played. It wanted its voice to be heard. Finally… my hands stretched out and all at once I was in a vivid and colorful world of light.
The passion that was sewn into my fingers long ago was flying out into its melody. My fingers glided without any control as if the instrument was playing itself. The joy of its beauty was exhibited across my face with an ear to ear grin. I had been so naive before of what this instrument could hold. The sound bounced off the walls with such an alluring elegance, such as I have never heard before. The piece was captured with such perfection. My eyes were suddenly wet. This is everything I had ever wanted to do.


The point was to describe something without naming it. I think I accomplished that :P

Let me know what you think
vvv

-Genevieve

So, we meet again...

I admit. I practically forgot about this thing/didn't really care.
But then, this awesome, bubbly, and drop dead gorgeous woman told me to post more stuff because she found it to be profound. Whoo! XP
So, as you see, that raised my motivation.
But, ya know, I am a human being and procrastinate. And instead of doing what I need to do, I'm posting this at 2 am XD

It was 1:30, and I was still trying to get to sleep. Then a flying cow knocks on my window, and he's all like "You needa save the world!" "No, I'm tired..." "But people are dying!" "fine..." so I beat up the evil monkeys and saved the world, but I got home at 7:45 and I'm like "crap...." And then I was like ah! I needa puke. But then I didn't, but I felt like I was. I'm better now, but I need a 3 hour nap later.

Now, you see, a lot has happened.
I'm not to sure what all I want to share really because a lot I feel is extremely personal. But, I'll share a few highlights.
1) Ms. MM and I are liking ALL of each others stuff.:)
2) I went to the dentist like, 3 times for fillings >_<
3) I had tried expired milk for the first time, ever XD
4) XDD looks like a double chin laughing man.
5) Got new glasses. FINALLY.
6) babegeous is the best term of endearment ever:)
7) I had Panda Express for the first time ever, and I've had it, like, 3 times since then even though I RARELY eat out XP
8) I've had a bizarre orange juice fetish *-*
9) My brother/best guy friend, Stephen... him and his girlfriend had to break up, and he's still more or less depressed about it. BUT he comes home from college tomorrow; he's done for the school year:)
10) The show, Willy Wonka.... We had like, 6 different performances! ><
But I made some amazingly fun friends:) (this was at the end of March)
11) Chuck, the show, is awesome.:D
12) Luke, my cousin, came home from his mission.
13) I spent Spring Break in St. George with my best friend. That had been the best week all year, thus far.
14) I went to Seattle on the 16th and got back really really early the 23rd. Saw Evan, Kyle, Maddy, Serena, Kendall, and Danielle. It was really great, bittersweet in some ways, but definitely the best Seattle trip thus far!!!!!
15) I named my slippers Hop and Spaghetti. I'm so weird.
16) I finished my History course and I'm SO close to finishing my vocabulary course
17) Got really good scores on my ISATS (State Standardized Testing)
18) Dream Theater's new drummer is Mike Mangini.
19) Everyone suddenly thinks I'm super pretty. It's weird, but a good weird XP
20) 8 is always more symmetrical.
21) Dance recital was a week ago; went really well. And this Saturday, my dance troop is going to Lagoon to compete and may possibly go to D-land next year.
22) Pajamas has been born! XP

And today, well, I'll just share the highlights.
23) I went to volunteer today with my dad, Nathan Lower, and Stephen. It was nice seeing Stephen and I'm glad that him and I have such a tight bond.
Cora had a party tonight. I ate 1,200 calories worth of ice cream! >_<
Pretty good though, for the most part.

24) Tomorrow is my middle school project thinger and I feel so unprepared. :|

That's it for now-- I seriously need to sleep. ><

-Genevieve <3