The Prince of Egypt Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two royal bros have a falling out because one discovers he’s adopted and then God throws a tantrum, ending with a dramatic beach escape.

🍿 The Prince of Egypt: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Moses’ Discovery and Departure

Moses, raised as an Egyptian prince, discovers his Hebrew heritage and the suffering of his people. He learns of Pharaoh Seti’s decree to kill Hebrew male infants, a decree from which he was saved. This revelation shatters his world and leads him to question everything he knows about his identity and family. Driven by guilt and a newfound sense of responsibility, he confronts the harsh realities of slavery.

Exile and Revelation

After accidentally killing an Egyptian overseer, Moses flees Egypt and finds refuge in Midian. There, he meets and marries Tzipporah, daughter of Jethro. One day, while tending sheep, Moses encounters a burning bush and receives a divine revelation from God. God commands him to return to Egypt and demand the release of the Hebrew slaves. This marks a turning point in Moses’ life, transforming him from a fugitive prince into a divinely appointed leader.

Confrontation and Plagues

Moses returns to Egypt with Tzipporah and his brother Aaron, and confronts Pharaoh Rameses, demanding the freedom of the Hebrews. Rameses refuses, leading to a series of devastating plagues upon Egypt. These plagues, from turning the Nile to blood to unleashing swarms of locusts, escalate the conflict between Moses and Rameses. Each plague serves as a demonstration of God’s power and a test of Rameses’ resolve.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Moses (Val Kilmer): An Egyptian prince who discovers his Hebrew heritage and becomes the chosen deliverer of his people.
• Rameses (Ralph Fiennes): The Pharaoh of Egypt and Moses’s adopted brother, who refuses to free the Hebrew slaves.
• Tzipporah (Michelle Pfeiffer): A Midianite woman who becomes Moses’s wife and supports his mission to free the Hebrews.
• Miriam (Sandra Bullock): Moses’s sister, who recognizes him as a baby and encourages him to embrace his destiny.
• Aaron (Jeff Goldblum): Moses’s brother, who initially doubts him but eventually supports his leadership.
• Seti (Patrick Stewart): The Pharaoh of Egypt and father of Rameses, who ordered the execution of Hebrew baby boys.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Moses: “Rameses, let my people go!” – Moses’ iconic demand to Rameses, signaling his divine mission to free the Hebrew slaves.
• Rameses: “I will not be the weak link!” – Rameses’ defiant declaration, showing his determination to maintain his power and legacy.
• Moses: “Everything you believe is a lie!” – Moses confronts Rameses with the truth of his Hebrew heritage and the suffering of his people.
• Moses: “Goodbye, brother.” – Moses says farewell to Rameses after the exodus begins, acknowledging the irreparable divide between them.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $70,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $101,413,188
• Worldwide Gross: $218,613,188

💥 The Prince of Egypt Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing ‘The Prince of Egypt’ in the theater as a kid, and it blew me away. The animation was so unlike anything I’d seen before – the chariot race, the plagues, the Red Sea… absolutely epic! The music still gives me chills. ‘Deliver Us’ is haunting, and ‘When You Believe’ is just so uplifting. I still tear up every time I watch it, which I do regularly. The relationship between Moses and Rameses is so compelling and heartbreaking. It’s a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll, and that is why I love it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for an inspiring animated film”
  • “Those interested in biblical stories and historical epics”
  • “Fans of animated musicals with strong emotional themes”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Scenes of slavery and oppression”
  • “Animated violence and depictions of death”
  • “Religious themes and imagery”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “A visually stunning retelling of the Exodus story, ‘The Prince of Egypt’ captivates with its rich animation and powerful music. While some may find it heavy-handed, the emotional core of the brotherly conflict resonates deeply, making it a worthwhile cinematic experience.
• James Berardinelli: “DreamWorks delivers an epic animated film that stays surprisingly true to the biblical narrative. The visuals are breathtaking, especially the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, but the voice acting occasionally distracts from the overall immersion.
• Kenneth Turan: “While technically impressive, ‘The Prince of Egypt’ lacks the genuine heart and humor found in classic Disney films. The story is faithfully adapted, but the emotional impact feels somewhat muted, making it a visually grand but emotionally distant experience.

Audience Reactions

The visuals are absolutely stunning and unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s breathtaking animation and epic scale.

The music is powerful and moving, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.: The soundtrack is highly regarded, with many citing “When You Believe” and “Deliver Us” as standout tracks.

Overall Consensus: A visually spectacular and musically powerful retelling of the Exodus story that captivates audiences with its epic scale and emotional depth, although some find it lacks the genuine heart of classic animated films.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Song)- 1999

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The production team consulted with over 600 religious experts to ensure the film was as accurate and respectful as possible to the original story.”
• “The film marked a significant shift in DreamWorks’ animation style, aiming for a more mature and dramatic tone compared to Disney’s traditional fare.”
• “Hans Zimmer’s score blends traditional orchestral elements with Middle Eastern influences, creating a unique and powerful soundscape.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Prince of Egypt?

The Prince of Egypt is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for television airings. Consider purchasing the Blu-ray or DVD for a physical copy of the film.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Prince of Egypt, you might like these similar films:

• The Ten Commandments (1956): A classic epic retelling of the Moses story with grand scale and memorable performances.
• Joseph: King of Dreams (2000): Another animated biblical story from DreamWorks, sharing similar themes of faith, family, and destiny.
• Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014): A more recent live-action adaptation of the Exodus story, focusing on the conflict between Moses and Rameses.
• Jesus Christ Superstar (1973): A rock opera that tells the story of the last week of Jesus’ life, using music to convey deep emotion and humanize a religious figure.

🛒 The Prince of Egypt Related Products

• The Prince of Egypt: The Musical: Experience the beloved DreamWorks animated film like never before with the stage adaptation, which includes new music. A new way to see the classic.
• Funko Pop! Movies: The Prince of Egypt – Moses: A Funko Pop of Moses, stylized and detailed, to add to your collection. Makes a perfect desk buddy.
• The Prince of Egypt: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Relive the movie’s most iconic moments with the original soundtrack, featuring unforgettable songs by Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and more.
• The Prince of Egypt [Blu-ray]: Remastered Blu-ray edition, featuring stunning visuals and enhanced audio for a heightened viewing experience. Perfect for re-experiencing in high quality.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Deliver Us” – performed by Ofra Haza & Eden Riegel
• “When You Believe” – performed by Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey
• “Through Heaven’s Eyes” – performed by Brian Stokes Mitchell

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Prince of Egypt Explained For Adults! (A MEF Production!)

Dive into the hidden depths of ‘The Prince of Egypt’ with this insightful analysis that will leave you with a new appreciation for this animated masterpiece!

The Prince of Egypt is a CINEMATIC MASTERPIECE…

Join in the lively conversation as these hosts react to ‘The Prince of Egypt,’ providing their unique insights and sparking your own thoughts on the film!

What was the meaning and purpose of the ten plagues of Egypt?

Explore the historical and religious significance of the ten plagues of Egypt, and gain a deeper appreciation for the spiritual themes embedded within ‘The Prince of Egypt’.

✨ Rate