The Ten Commandments Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A baby gets fished out of a river, becomes a prince, then gets mad and ruins everyone’s summer vacation by unleashing plagues until the Pharaoh lets everyone go… but then changes his mind and chases them!

🍿 The Ten Commandments: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Infant Moses

Set in ancient Egypt, Pharaoh Rameses I orders the execution of all newborn Hebrew males to prevent a prophecy about a deliverer from coming true. To save her son, Yochabel places her infant son Moses in a basket and sets him adrift on the Nile. The basket is discovered by Bithiah, the Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopts Moses and raises him as her own, unaware of his true heritage. She names him Moses because she drew him from the Nile.

Moses the Prince

Moses grows up as an Egyptian prince, becoming a successful general and architect. He earns the favor of Pharaoh Sethi I and the love of Princess Nefretiri, who is also desired by Sethi’s son, Rameses II. Moses’s reforms to improve the lives of Hebrew slaves cause Rameses to suspect his loyalty. He is charged with building a treasure city for Seti’s Jubilee and institutes numerous reforms concerning the treatment of the slave workers.

Discovery and Exile

Nefretiri learns of Moses’s Hebrew origin from Memnet. Moses himself discovers his true heritage after learning about the Hebrew plight firsthand and is confronted by his birth mother, Yochabel, and his siblings. He saves Joshua, a Hebrew stonecutter, from Baka, killing him in the process. Rameses uses this as evidence of Moses being the prophesied deliverer and accuses him of insurrection. Seti, heartbroken, banishes Moses to the desert, clearing the way for Rameses to become Pharaoh.

Moses in Midian

Moses journeys to Midian, where he rescues seven sisters from Amalekite raiders. He finds refuge with Jethro, a Bedouin sheik and follower of God. He marries Jethro’s daughter, Sephora, and lives as a shepherd. One day, he encounters the Burning Bush on Mount Sinai, where God commands him to return to Egypt and free the Hebrews.

Return to Egypt

Moses returns to Egypt with his brother Aaron and confronts Pharaoh Rameses II, demanding the release of the Hebrews. Moses demonstrates God’s power by turning his staff into a serpent, but Rameses remains defiant. As Moses continues to challenge Pharaoh’s rule, Egypt is afflicted by a series of plagues, turning the water to blood, raining fire, and bringing darkness.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Moses (Charlton Heston): The Hebrew prophet raised as an Egyptian prince who fulfills his destiny by leading his people out of slavery.
• Rameses (Yul Brynner): The proud and stubborn Pharaoh who opposes Moses and refuses to release the Hebrew slaves.
• Nefretiri (Anne Baxter): The Egyptian princess torn between her love for Moses and her ambition to be queen.
• Dathan (Edward G. Robinson): A deceitful Hebrew overseer who betrays his people for personal gain and power.
• Sephora (Yvonne De Carlo): The Midianite shepherdess who becomes Moses’ wife and a source of strength.
• Bithiah (Nina Foch): The compassionate Egyptian princess who rescues and raises Moses as her own son.
• Joshua (John Derek): A loyal Hebrew stonecutter who wholeheartedly believes Moses is God’s messenger.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Moses: “Let my people go!” – Moses’s repeated demand to Pharaoh Rameses II to release the Hebrew slaves.
• Rameses: “His god is God.” – Rameses’s resigned admission after witnessing the destruction of his army in the Red Sea.
• Moses: “So it was written, so it shall be done.” – The concluding line of the film, signifying the fulfillment of divine will.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13,282,712
• Domestic Gross: $65,500,000
• Worldwide Gross: $65,500,755

💥 The Ten Commandments Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this as a kid during Easter. I was completely mesmerized by the sheer scale of it all. Seeing Charlton Heston as Moses and Yul Brynner as Rameses made those characters come to life for me. The parting of the Red Sea was like nothing I had ever seen before, and even now it still gives me chills. It might be a bit long, but to me, it’s a classic and I still love watching it every year.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of epic historical dramas.”
  • “Those interested in biblical stories and adaptations.”
  • “Viewers who appreciate classic Hollywood filmmaking.”
  • “Families looking for a movie with strong moral themes.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence and depictions of slavery.”
  • “Some intense scenes that may be disturbing to young children.”
  • “Thematic elements related to religious beliefs.”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “DeMille’s epic spectacle is a visually stunning achievement, showcasing grand sets and impressive special effects for its time. While the acting may lean towards theatrical, the film’s scope and historical significance make it a worthwhile cinematic experience.
• The New York Times: “While undeniably impressive in its scale and ambition, ‘The Ten Commandments’ suffers from melodramatic performances and a lengthy runtime. However, the iconic scenes, such as the parting of the Red Sea, remain unforgettable.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Despite its age, ‘The Ten Commandments’ continues to captivate audiences with its impressive visuals and epic storytelling. Though some elements may feel dated, the film’s historical and cultural impact is undeniable. It’s a timeless classic with great performances from the cast, in particular Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner.

Audience Reactions

The parting of the Red Sea still holds up today as an iconic cinematic moment.: Visually impressive special effects and grand scale

Charlton Heston’s portrayal of Moses is powerful and commanding.: Strong performances by the cast, especially Charlton Heston.

Overall Consensus: A classic epic film renowned for its scale and visual spectacle, but sometimes criticized for its melodramatic acting and length.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Visual Effects)- 1957

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “At least 14,000 extras and 15,000 animals were used in this movie.”
• “Charlton Heston’s physical resemblance to Michelangelo’s sculpture of Moses was a key factor in his casting.”
• “The film’s sets were specially designed to recreate the splendor of ancient Egypt.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Ten Commandments?

The Ten Commandments is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where you can rent or buy the movie. Check your local listings for TV broadcasts, especially around religious holidays. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also readily available at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Ten Commandments, you might like these similar films:

• Ben-Hur (1959): Shares the epic scope, biblical themes, and Charlton Heston as a lead. Both feature grand chariot races and powerful redemption stories.
• The Prince of Egypt (1998): An animated retelling of the Exodus story, focusing on the relationship between Moses and Rameses with modern animation and music.
• Gladiator (2000): Features a similar theme of a wronged hero rising against a tyrannical ruler in an ancient empire, with grand battles and a focus on honor and freedom.
• Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014): Modern, large-scale retelling of the Exodus story, focusing on the relationship between Moses and Rameses with more realistic and gritty visuals.

🛒 The Ten Commandments Related Products

• The Ten Commandments [Blu-ray]: Experience Cecil B. DeMille’s epic masterpiece in stunning high definition. Includes special features and behind-the-scenes footage for a deeper appreciation of the film.
• Charlton Heston: An Autobiography: Delve into the life and career of the iconic actor who portrayed Moses. A must-have for fans interested in the making of the film and Heston’s personal journey.
• The Ten Commandments: A Novelization: Experience the story in a brand-new way.
• NECA The Ten Commandments – Moses Head Knocker: This retro-style bobblehead features Charlton Heston as Moses, capturing his iconic look from the film. A fun and unique addition to any collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Ten Commandments features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Elmer Bernstein
• “The Exodus” – performed by Elmer Bernstein
• “Chant of Priest and Priestesses” – performed by Elmer Bernstein

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Did you know THIS about THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (1956)?

Want to impress your friends with some cool facts about ‘The Ten Commandments’? This short video is packed with trivia you probably didn’t know – I was surprised by a few of them!

Top 10 Practical Movie Effects of All Time

CGI is cool, but this video shows how they pulled off the parting of the Red Sea *without* computers! Prepare to be amazed by the ingenuity of old-school movie magic.

Anne Baxter Bared It All for the Ten Commandments (Audiences Saw Everything)

Ever wonder how Anne Baxter felt about playing Queen Nefertari? This video dives into her casting and personal experiences during filming. It turns out she wasn’t even sure she was right for the part!

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