Retro Review | “The Prince of Egypt” is Dreamworks’ Best Movie
Spoilers beware.
A biblical marvel and a majestic work of animation, Dreamworks’ The Prince of Egypt knows no bounds in its storytelling capabilities. An adaptation — with some creative liberties taken — of the first 14 chapters of the Book of Exodus in the Bible, the 1998 feature is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. From the 2D animation that would receive no justice from words alone to the operatic score by Hans Zimmer and Stephen Schwartz, The Prince of Egypt uses the medium of animation and layered storytelling to do justice for the biblical epic it tells.
For those unaware of the original biblical story, a baby Hebrew is sent away by his family in a last-ditch effort to keep him away from the clutches of the Pharaoh as he slaughters the Hebrew newborns. Found by the royal family and given the name Moses, years pass as the young prince and his brother, Ramses, live in luxury within the Pharaoh's temple. However, when Moses finds the truth about his Hebrew heritage — a heritage now trapped within the chains of slavery — he runs away, and learns of true, down-to-Earth humility. Years pass, and now Moses is given a mission from God to free the Hebrews from King Ramses clutches.
Whenever someone talks about The Prince of Egypt, they’ll likely bring up the musical score as well as…
