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THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

"Behold the Power of the Lord"

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What You Need To Know:

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS tells the Biblical story of Moses from the Book of Exodus. It begins with Pharaoh issuing a decree to kill all of the baby Hebrew boys, including the infant Moses. Moses’ family manages to hide him in a basket and send him downriver, where he is found and raised by Pharaoh’s daughter. When Moses accidentally kills an Egyptian soldier, he is exiled into the desert, where he discovers the burning bush through which God tells Moses to return to Egypt and lead His people out of slavery. The story focuses on the Hebrews’ flight out of Egypt, the establishment of the Ten Commandments, and the journey to the Promised Land.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS starts off slow but becomes much more exciting and believable as the story progresses. It exhibits a highly Christian worldview in which our omnipotent God is loving and just, and it encourages children the value of faith and repentance. Some scenes contain violence that may be frightening to very young viewers. Overall, this is a very uplifting family film that can be used as a helpful tool to introduce children to the Old Testament.

Content:

(CCC, BBB, V, N, AA, M) Very strong Christian worldview in which God is the one true God who is omnipotent, forgiving, and just with very strong moral elements that promote love, repentance, and faith in God; no obscenities or profanities; implied that soldiers killing every baby Hebrew boy, infant in danger of drowning in a basket floating down the river but no harm comes to him, brief mention of man sacrificing slaves without remorse, man kills soldier with knife in self defense, implied that Angel of Death kills firstborn sons, wall of water collapses on soldiers and drowns them, God kills idol worshippers who do not repent, but no blood and no explicit violence; no sexual content; upper male nudity; idol worshippers celebrate with alcohol until drunk; no smoking or drug use; and, mention of Ra as a powerful deity but immediately rebuked, Pharaoh claims to be a god but is rebuked, slave claims God has abandoned him but he is rebuked multiple times, and Hebrews constantly doubt God but either repent or are justly punished.

More Detail:

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS is the first in a series of CGI Bible stories from Promenade Pictures. It is clear from the very beginning that the filmmakers strived to create a faithful adaptation of the Exodus story.

The story chronicles Moses’ birth and exile, the Israelites’ escape from Egypt, the creation of the Ten Commandments, and the eventual journey into the Promised Land. It begins with Pharaoh issuing a decree to kill all of the baby Hebrew boys, including the infant Moses. But, Moses’ family manages to hide him in a basket and send him downriver, where he is found and raised by Pharaoh’s daughter. When Moses accidentally kills an Egyptian soldier, he is exiled into the desert, where he discovers a burning bush through which God tells Moses to return to Egypt and lead His people out of slavery.

This animated movie puts an emphasis on teaching Biblical morals to its younger viewers, in which faith, love, and repentance are paramount. God picks Moses to lead His people out of Egypt because of Moses’ humility and faith, not because he is the strongest or most powerful. The movie shows that those who have faith in God are blessed, and unbelievers are brought to justice after being given numerous opportunities to repent.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS has a high profile voice cast, and the actors fit their roles well. Ben Kingsley and Alfred Molina, in particular, shine as the Narrator and Ramses, respectively. Kingsley brings a sense of nobility and poise to his role while Molina perfectly brings out the jealousy and callousness of Ramses, a good contrast to the other lighthearted characters.

The first few scenes seem rushed and lose dramatic tension in order to get to the main story, beginning when Moses is exiled from Egypt. This results in several scenes that may distract older viewers. However, once the story gets going, it becomes cohesive and engaging.

One of the most powerful moments takes place after Ramses refuses to give in to God’s Will and let the Hebrews go free. Moses warns that God will send the Angel of Death to kill all the firstborn of the households that do not have sheep’s blood around their door. When Moses is dismissed from the palace, Ramses’ son questions his father’s decision to deny God’s Will again. His son says he is afraid, and after witnessing the power of God time and time again, he seems to believe Moses’ warning. Ramses, however, assures his son that God can do nothing to defy the will of Pharaoh. Of course, those familiar with the Exodus story know that Ramses is quite mistaken.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS contains some potentially frightening scenes for small children, but all is used in a Biblical context. The movie contains no blood, and all violent scenes are exhibited tastefully.

This movie is a wonderful movie for families. It will raise many important questions about faith and repentance and is a great starting block as children are introduced to the Old Testament. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS is an important, inspirational and entertaining movie that the whole family can enjoy.