The story of Moses rescuing the Hebrews from slavery
"The Ten Commandments," released on October 5, 1956, in the USA and distributed by Paramount Pictures, is an epic adventure-thriller directed by Cecil B. DeMille. Adapted from the Bible, the film follows the remarkable journey of Moses, who, as a baby, is saved from death by Pharaoh's daughter and raised as an Egyptian prince. However, as he grows older, Moses becomes aware of his true identity and his divine mission to lead the Hebrew people to freedom from slavery in Egypt. With stunning cinematography by Loyal Griggs, the film depicts the awe-inspiring events of the Exodus, including the parting of the Red Sea. "The Ten Commandments" has received acclaim for its compelling storytelling and memorable performances, earning a solid IMDb rating of 7.9/10 and an 85% approval rating from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. With its timeless themes of faith, courage, and liberation, this classic film continues to resonate with viewers around the world. The runtime of the film is 3 hours and 40 minutes.
The film begins with the Israelites enslaved in Egypt under the tyrannical rule of Pharaoh Seti I. Amidst this oppression, a baby boy is born to Hebrew slaves, but in order to save him from Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew male infants, his mother places him in a basket and sets him adrift on the Nile River. The baby is found by Pharaoh's daughter, who raises him as her own and names him Moses. As Moses grows older, he becomes aware of his true heritage as a Hebrew. After accidentally killing an Egyptian overseer who was mistreating Hebrew slaves, Moses flees into the desert to escape Pharaoh's wrath. He eventually finds refuge in Midian, where he marries and becomes a shepherd. One day, while tending his flock, Moses encounters a burning bush that miraculously does not consume itself. From the bush, God speaks to Moses, commanding him to return to Egypt and demand the release of the Israelites from bondage. God also reveals himself as Yahweh, the God of Moses' ancestors.
Reluctantly, Moses returns to Egypt and demands that Pharaoh let his people go. However, Pharaoh refuses, prompting God to unleash a series of devastating plagues upon Egypt. These plagues include turning the Nile River to blood, infesting the land with frogs, lice, and locusts, and afflicting the people with boils and disease. Despite the plagues, Pharaoh remains obstinate, leading to the final and most devastating plague: the death of all firstborn sons in Egypt. To spare the Israelites from this fate, God instructs them to mark their doorposts with the blood of a sacrificial lamb, a ritual that comes to be known as the Passover. Overwhelmed by grief and loss, Pharaoh finally relents and allows the Israelites to leave Egypt. Led by Moses, they embark on a perilous journey through the wilderness toward the Promised Land of Canaan.
However, their journey is fraught with challenges and obstacles. They face hunger, thirst, and attacks from hostile tribes. Along the way, Moses ascends Mount Sinai, where he receives the Ten Commandments from God, engraved on two stone tablets. Despite Moses' efforts to lead the Israelites to freedom, they struggle with doubt, disobedience, and idolatry. In one instance, they create a golden calf and worship it as a god, angering Yahweh and prompting Moses to intercede on their behalf. Ultimately, after wandering in the wilderness for forty years, the Israelites reached the borders of the Promised Land. However, Moses is not permitted to enter because of a past transgression. Instead, he views the land from afar before passing away. "The Ten Commandments" is a sweeping epic that depicts the biblical story of Moses and the Exodus with grandeur and spectacle. With its dazzling special effects, majestic score, and memorable performances, the film continues to captivate audiences and remains a timeless classic in cinematic history.
The Ten Commandments (1956) Trailer
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