southwold-scene.com – Released on December 18, 1998, The Prince of Egypt was DreamWorks Animation’s first full-length animated feature and an ambitious attempt to adapt one of the most iconic and influential stories in the Bible: the story of Moses. Directed by Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, and Simon Wells, The Prince of Egypt is a visually stunning, emotionally powerful, and musically captivating film that explores themes of faith, freedom, identity, and destiny.
The film was praised not only for its groundbreaking animation and star-studded voice cast, but also for its mature and respectful treatment of the Biblical narrative, balancing family-friendly storytelling with deep philosophical and spiritual themes. It marked a departure from the traditional, family-oriented animated features of the time, using sophisticated animation techniques and a mature, emotionally complex story to captivate audiences of all ages.
In this article, we will delve into the plot of The Prince of Egypt, its central themes, the creative and technical aspects of the film, and its lasting impact on animated cinema.
Plot Summary: A Journey of Faith, Identity, and Liberation
A Story Rooted in the Bible
The Prince of Egypt is based on the Biblical Book of Exodus, which tells the story of Moses’ rise from an adopted prince of Egypt to the leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to free them from the oppression of Pharaoh Ramses and lead them to the Promised Land. However, DreamWorks’ film takes a creative approach, emphasizing the personal journey of Moses, his struggles with identity, his moral dilemmas, and the bonds between him and his adoptive brother, Ramses.
The film begins in Egypt, where Moses (voiced by Val Kilmer) is raised as the son of Pharaoh Seti (voiced by Patrick Stewart) and is given the title of Prince. Moses is unaware of his true heritage as a Hebrew child, as he was saved from death as an infant by the Egyptian princess and adopted into the royal family. As Moses grows up alongside his adoptive brother Ramses (voiced by Ralph Fiennes), the two share a deep, affectionate bond. Together, they live a life of luxury, privilege, and ease, but all of this changes when Moses learns the truth of his origins.
The Revelation of Moses’ Heritage
Moses’ world is turned upside down when he discovers that he is actually a Hebrew, the son of a people enslaved by Egypt. This revelation occurs after Moses accidentally kills an Egyptian overseer who was mercilessly beating a Hebrew slave. In a moment of great personal conflict, Moses flees Egypt, grappling with the moral implications of his actions and his newfound identity.
He takes refuge in the land of Midian, where he meets the woman who will become his wife, Zipporah (voiced by Michelle Pfeiffer), and starts a new life as a humble shepherd. While in Midian, Moses encounters the presence of God in the form of a burning bush. It is here that Moses is called by God to return to Egypt and free the Israelites from slavery. Reluctantly, Moses accepts this divine mission and returns to confront his adoptive brother Ramses, who has ascended to the throne as Pharaoh.
The Confrontation with Pharaoh Ramses
As Moses and Ramses come face-to-face, their deep emotional bond becomes strained by their conflicting duties and beliefs. Moses demands that Ramses free the Hebrews, while Ramses stubbornly refuses, determined to uphold the authority of his kingdom and his father’s legacy. This tension between Moses and Ramses forms the emotional core of the film, as the two men’s differing paths pull them in opposing directions—one driven by the call of faith and destiny, the other by pride, power, and duty.
As Moses calls upon the power of God to bring plagues upon Egypt, the film portrays some of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring moments in the Biblical story, from the river turning to blood to the death of the firstborn sons of Egypt. The plagues devastate the Egyptian people, but Ramses remains obstinate in his refusal to let the Israelites go, leading to one of the most climactic and pivotal moments in the story: the parting of the Red Sea.
In a miraculous act of divine intervention, Moses leads the Israelites through the parted Red Sea to safety, while Ramses and his army are swallowed up by the waves. The film ends with Moses leading his people into the wilderness, setting them on their journey to the Promised Land.
Key Themes: Faith, Identity, Liberation, and Leadership
Faith and Divine Calling
At the heart of The Prince of Egypt is the theme of faith and divine calling. Moses’ journey is one of profound spiritual transformation, as he moves from disbelief and reluctance to complete trust in God’s plan. The voice of God, who speaks to Moses through the burning bush, serves as a guiding force in his life, urging him to take action and fulfill his destiny. The film captures Moses’ internal struggle, as he grapples with the weight of his responsibilities and the fear of failure.
The theme of faith is further explored through Moses’ interactions with the Hebrew people. Despite Moses’ initial hesitation, God’s guidance enables him to overcome his doubts and rise to the occasion, ultimately becoming the leader of the Israelites. This divine calling is emphasized by the miraculous events that occur throughout the film, such as the parting of the Red Sea, which serves as a powerful symbol of God’s intervention in human history.
Moses’ unwavering faith in God’s plan is also mirrored by his relationship with his people, as he leads them with compassion and conviction, despite the difficulties they face in the wilderness. His journey of faith inspires those around him and ultimately leads to their liberation.
Identity and Self-Discovery
Moses’ struggle with his identity is one of the central themes of The Prince of Egypt. Throughout much of the film, Moses is caught between two worlds: the world of the Egyptians, who raised him as a prince, and the world of the Hebrews, to which he belongs by birthright. This internal conflict leads Moses to question who he truly is and what his purpose in life is.
His revelation about his true heritage forces him to confront the reality of his identity as a Hebrew and his responsibility to his people. This crisis of identity is made even more complicated by his relationship with Ramses, who represents the life Moses was raised to lead, and the Pharaoh’s refusal to accept Moses as a leader.
Moses’ journey of self-discovery is powerful, as he ultimately embraces his destiny as a prophet and leader, shedding the identity of a privileged prince in favor of a humble and righteous servant of God. The film suggests that true identity is not merely defined by birth or status but by the choices an individual makes and the faith they embrace.
Liberation and Freedom
The theme of liberation is central to The Prince of Egypt. The Israelites’ physical liberation from the oppressive rule of Pharaoh is the driving force behind Moses’ journey, but the film also emphasizes the broader, spiritual liberation that Moses brings to his people. The film depicts how Moses’ faith in God transforms the lives of the Hebrews, offering them a path to freedom not only from physical bondage but also from spiritual and emotional oppression.
The Exodus narrative is framed as a story of hope and deliverance, as Moses leads his people from slavery into the unknown wilderness, where they will learn to become a free people and establish their covenant with God. This theme of liberation is emphasized throughout the film, as Moses takes on the mantle of leadership and guides his people toward a better future.
Leadership and Responsibility
Another central theme in The Prince of Egypt is leadership and the weight of responsibility. Moses is not an idealized or infallible hero; rather, he is portrayed as a man who struggles with doubt, fear, and insecurity. However, he grows throughout the film, learning that true leadership is not about power or control, but about serving others and being faithful to a higher calling.
Moses’ relationship with Ramses also highlights the complexities of leadership. Despite their deep bond, Moses and Ramses are forced to confront the difficult choices that come with power. Ramses, consumed by his pride and desire to maintain control, refuses to act with compassion, while Moses is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of his people. The film illustrates that leadership is not just about making decisions but also about the ability to make sacrifices for the greater good.
Creative and Technical Excellence
Animation and Visuals
The animation in The Prince of Egypt is nothing short of breathtaking. The film features lush, detailed backgrounds that beautifully capture the grandeur of ancient Egypt, from the towering pyramids to the sweeping desert landscapes. The character designs are equally impressive, with Moses, Ramses, and the other characters rendered in a way that is both expressive and realistic.
One of the standout sequences in the film is the parting of the Red Sea, which remains one of the most visually stunning moments in animated film history. The scene is a masterclass in animation, blending hand-drawn and computer-generated effects to create a sense of awe and wonder. The animation is complemented by the film’s vibrant color palette, which ranges from the golden hues of Egypt to the cool blues of the parted sea.
Music and Songs
The music in The Prince of Egypt is another highlight of the film. The soundtrack, composed by Hans Zimmer with songs by Stephen Schwartz, is powerful and evocative, perfectly complementing the film’s themes and emotional depth. The film features several memorable songs, including “Deliver Us,” “Through Heaven’s Eyes,” and “When You Believe,” the latter of which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
The music in The Prince of Egypt serves as more than just an accompaniment to the story—it is a central part of the narrative, with each song reinforcing the film’s themes of faith, freedom, and identity. The hauntingly beautiful melodies and emotionally charged lyrics elevate the film and add to its timeless appeal.
Legacy and Impact
The Prince of Egypt was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $200 million worldwide. It earned praise for its mature handling of the Biblical story, its stunning animation, and its memorable soundtrack. The film remains one of DreamWorks Animation’s finest achievements, and its impact can still be felt today.
The film’s influence can also be seen in the continued success of DreamWorks Animation’s subsequent films, such as Shrek (2001), How to Train Your Dragon (2010), and Kung Fu Panda (2008), which also explore complex themes with sophisticated animation and storytelling.
The Prince of Egypt is often cited as one of the best animated films ever made, and it continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. It stands as a testament to the power of animation as a medium for telling stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Animation and Storytelling
The Prince of Egypt remains one of the most remarkable animated films ever made, combining stunning visuals, powerful storytelling, and deeply meaningful themes. The film’s exploration of faith, identity, and liberation resonates with viewers, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire and move audiences to this day.
Through Moses’ journey, the film teaches us the importance of courage, faith, and the pursuit of justice, while also emphasizing the need for compassion and humility in leadership. It is a testament to the power of animation as a medium to tell stories that transcend time and place, offering audiences a chance to reflect on the values that define us as individuals and as a society.