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MOVIE REVIEW: A New Moses Rises Up in EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS!

 

 
Overview
 

Directed by: Ridley Scott
 
Produced by: Ridley Scott, Peter Chermin, Michael Schaefer
 
Written By: Adam Cooper, Bill Collage, Jeffrey Caine, Steven Zaillian
 
Starring: Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Ben Kingsley, Aaron Paul, John Turturro, Sigourney Weaver, Maria Valverde, Indira Varma, Tara Fitzgerald
 
Genre: ,
 
FG RATING
6.0
6/ 10


User Rating
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Raves


It's a modern take on the tale of Moses, one that is contemporary and relevant for present times. The shots are brilliant, and the 3D's scope is nothing short of amazing,

Rants


Some of the characters felt forced, story might be far off deviant than what most theologists and believers got used to.


Unless you are hiding under a rock, busy racking up kills on DoTA 2, or probably slacking off somewhere, you should be familiar with the tale of Moses and the Hebrews’ exodus from Egypt. It was a story we all knew, thanks to the countless renditions of the Biblical epic, particularly De Mille’s Ten Commandments […]

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Posted December 6, 2014 by

 
FULL REVIEW
 
 

Unless you are hiding under a rock, busy racking up kills on DoTA 2, or probably slacking off somewhere, you should be familiar with the tale of Moses and the Hebrews’ exodus from Egypt. It was a story we all knew, thanks to the countless renditions of the Biblical epic, particularly De Mille’s Ten Commandments as well as the animated film The Prince of Egypt. Which is why when Ridley Scott announced that he’ll be doing his own take on the aforementioned story, most netizens dissed it off and presumed the plot as a no brainer. That it’s no different from the rest of the adaptations. Exodus-Gods-and-Kings-Poster-Bale-and-Edgerton

Alas, IT’S NOT.

Exodus: Gods and Kings is a drastically different take on the saga of Moses. It’s a contemporary and modern adaptation to say the least, one that viewers aren’t familiar with at all. It completely deviates from the dictum and tells a story of its own.

Much like Nolan and Batman Begins, actually.

This is not the Moses your Religion professor babbled about

In recollection, Moses is often described as an individual with incorruptible morals and conviction, a leader capable of guiding his flock to their supposed destiny. The Torah even portrayed him as someone who’s completely faithful to God’s will, even if he goes against the desires of many.

This film’s version on the other hand, is a far contrast.

The Moses you’ll see here is a revolutionary, a person who apparently led his people with the might of a blade. Unlike his Biblical counterpart, he is always at odds with God and his supposed destiny. He is angry, frustrated, and confused – which brings us to the central theme of the movie.

Apparently, the Exodus described in the title isn’t implying the liberation of God’s people. It depicts a different exodus – that of Moses who is apparently chained from his faux identity and destiny. His journey from a prideful Egyptian prince to a revolutionary, and eventually, Israel’s leader, is an interesting tale to tread. While it is true that it strayed away from the annals of the Old Testament, it grounded the film and presented the idea that all great leaders – no matter how brilliant and iconic they are – are fallible, and akin to flaws. This is a story about how an individual frees himself from all his doubts and fears in order to reach his path.

A frightening rendition of the plagues

Perhaps the main highlight of the film(yes, not the dividing of the Red Sea, I fear), the depiction of the ten plagues showcased Ridley Scott’s technical brilliance. Unlike the previous Moses films, he grounded the mechanics of the plagues and gave a different explanation as to how these Egyptians acquired them. Interestingly, it is also dynamic and frightening in part to how they reflect in a 3D environment. It seemed just too real.

To give you an idea, here’s an example: The Bible states that the Nile River just turned to a pool of crimson together with the rest of Egypt’s water supply in an instant. In the movie however, it was a group of crocodiles that became the trigger for the plague.

Creeped? You should be.

Another thing that’s noteworthy is the depiction of God as a child. Despite being cast as a kid, God’s portrayal in the film is superb, and downright resounding. Imagine a kid throwing immense fits of anger at you for failing to recognize your job. Got the idea? That’s Exodus’ God for you.

It should’ve been perfect

Yes, it should’ve been an excellent movie if not for the following points:

A. Some of the characters felt forced, thus, dissipating the supposed impact of the casting. It felt as if some of them were totally unnecessary at all, and hindered the plot in some ways. Sigourney Weaver’s Tuya is a great example. Her role in the movie wasn’t clear at all, and she didn’t even show up at the succeeding acts. Aaron Paul’s Joshua is also a miss. It appeared as if his only job is to tag behind Moses and watch him speak with himself.

B. Bale’s acting is a little disappointing, given his repertoire of diverse roles. It’s completely similar to how he portrayed Bruce Wayne in Nolan’s Batverse. The concept given to him was a perfect opportunity for him to display his capacity as a thespian. However, we saw nothing but Bruce Wayne in his tortured Moses.

Should you watch it?

Despite the flaws above, I’d say, YES. Watch it, by all means. Like I said before, Exodus: Gods and Kings proves just how Ridley Scott is capable of as a director. His grounded and dynamic way of presenting the tale of Moses to a modern audience is technically brilliant and inspired to say the least. However, if you are looking for a more faithful adaptation of the Hebrew epic, then you might want to shift to The Prince of Egypt and save a few bucks from your end.

Special thanks to 20th Century Fox Philippines for the invite. Exodus: Gods and Kings is now showing at a theater near you.

 


Yuri Mangahas

 
Yuri is magnanimously juggling between two managerial jobs: A technical manager position for an advertising/copy-writing company, and an associate editorial position for a fashion and lifestyle magazine. Nevertheless, he still finds time taking photos and seeking for geek nirvana.


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