elicopperman 20 years ago to this day, Dreamworks Animation released their second feature film, The Prince of Egypt, based off the book of exodus. Although it received critical acclaim and did pretty well financially, it isn't really looked upon as much as other Dreamworks films like Shrek, Kung Fu Panda or How to Train Your Dragon. That being said, I personally think that this is one of their most outstanding achievements in both film and animation, and a highly respectable adaptation from the Bible. What's interesting about this adaptation is that at its core, it's a story about brothers: Moses and Ramses. The two different sides they choose end up tarnishing their relationship, making it very hard to feel sorry for either side. Moses transitions from a pompous son of Pharaoh to a man determined on freeing the enslaved Hebrews tremendously and the film really displays just how conflicted he becomes over his duty and trying to fulfill his task without harming anyone. Even though Ramses is despicable for his crimes as Pharaoh, it's made clear that his prejudice was passed down from generation to generation. As such, the film becomes all the more heartbreaking once the inevitable plagues come afloat, ruining both Egypt and siblings forever.Speaking of the plagues, it's remarkable how the film never shies away or sugarcoats the biblical story, showing off many mature themes and horrific imagery throughout the feature. In addition, the feature appropriately takes itself rather seriously, avoiding a lot of juvenile antics and cliches found in animated family films. While it may frighten some, it's always important to remember the horrible tragedies that had to take place in order to free the Israelis. For the first ever hand-drawn animated film made at the studio, the crew really went all out in creating a grand epic scale that truly showcases the impressive monuments in Egypt, from their rise to their demise. Along with realistic albeit stylized character designs and solid character animation, the visuals practically scream ancient Egypt, down to a scene depicting the killing of the first born Hebrew children being done in wall art. The parting of the Red Sea is a legendary moment in animation, really pushing the envelope of what computer animation and effects could pull off back in the day.As this film is a musical, it more than ever delivers with stunning and gut wrenching songs done by the wonderful Stephen Schwartz. "Deliver Us" sets the tone of the movie by showcasing the proper hardships that the Hebrews faced, "Through Heaven's Eyes" enlightens Moses in his reformed culture with the right amount of cheers and wonderment, and "The Plagues" song really showcases just how horrific the plagues really were while also rightfully showing the pain and devastation shown through Moses and Ramses. Finally, the Oscar winning "When You Believe" presents true exhilaration as the Hebrews taste the freedom that they desired for years. Not to mention, Hans Zimmer brings his usual poetically epic and spiritual score to elevate the raw emotional and grandiose aspects the film exhibits.Given how rare it is to see animated retellings from the Bible, this film truly is remarkable in how respectful, passionate and mature it is in doing so. With an epic scope, a heartbreaking story of sibling rivalry, and a fantastic score, The Prince of Egypt still shines as one of the greatest non-Disney animated films of the 1990s, if not of all time. Without a doubt, even if you're not religious, check this film out to gain a great taste of this well developed adaptation of biblical text to see what Dreamworks could have become if they stuck to this. It's kind of a shame Dreamworks hasn't done anything like this since its release, but considering that it's playing at Annecy soon to commemorate its 20th anniversary, here's to a bright legacy for the film in the following years.

banana_head2011 Finally a religious depiction that's not Hollywood biased! Great movie for all ages!

Jesper Brun This is easily one of my favorite American non-Disney movies, and by far the best Dreamworks movie along with How to Train Your Dragon 1 & 2. Everything is good in this movie. The animation is nicely drawn with the right amount of brightness and darkness at the right times. The story is moving and well told. The voices of Ralph Fiennes (Ramses) and Val Kilmer (Moses) are superb! Especially Fiennes. While not being in the movie, I also liked Patrick Stewart as Seti.But without a doubt! Hans Zimmer's musical score is amazing and haunting right from the start. "Deliver Us" is still my favorite along with "Through Heaven's Eyes". "When You believe" is also a beautiful song, but not a personal favorite. The scene in which Moses leads his people through the red sea is still one of the most epic scenes in any animated movie! I get blown away every time I see it. Honestly, I am a little shocked about the low user rating compared to Shrek, which I think is overrated. Go watch The Prince of Egypt and experience some truly amazing and timeless movie magic!

hilemandavid Wow. Just... wow! How did DreamWorks do such a natural phenomenon?!? I have read the Bible story many times, but never before have I seen a Bible story be portrayed and making the characters look this good! Awesome and handsome animation from our good old' buddies who used to work at Walt Disney Feature Animation and Amblimation. And even Simon Wells returns from Amblimation to direct this extravagance well-prepared from DreamWorks, brilliant as the history of the Bible, served with historical precision! No sugar included! DreamWorks is still a super-animation massive god studio. I think they look much better traditionally animated. And, like many future DreamWorks films, features the voices of some of Hollywood's greatest acting talents, like Val Kilmer, actor for Batman (Batman Forever), Ralph Fiennes, actor for Amon Goeth (Schindler's List), Michelle Pfeiffer, actress of Catwoman (Batman Returns), Sandra Bullock, actress who voiced Scarlett Overkill (Minions), Jeff Goldblum, actor for Seth Brundle (The Fly), Dr. Ian Crawford, (Jurassic Park), Danny Glover, actor for President Wilson (2012), Freakin' Patrick Stewart, actor for King Richard (Robin Hood: Men in Tights), Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Star Trek Franchise), and Steve Martin, and Martin Short, two of the Three Amigos, and actors from The Muppet Movie, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Fantasia 2000, We're Back: A Dinosaur's Story, (also done by Amblimation) and The Pebble and the Penguin! The plot is simply, the story of the Exodus, with historical accurate details. And no sugarcoating. No sugar included. The Plagues, I really like seeing. This animation is incredible! It's incredible! Incredible! Incredible! Incredible! And I still think this animated phenomena masterpiece deserved the $218,600,000 it got. Well done, good and faithful servants at DreamWorks!