fireworksat Marvelous work of beautiful backgrounds and historical accuracy. Also retold the story of Exodus great, minus a few add'ins. Great work.

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.

yorkie297 This is a great family film and not just for Christians. It has great animation for the time it was made and amazing music!

Christopher Shobris This film is such an emotional experience, I literally cry throughout the film, not just one or two places, but throughout. If anyone says DreamWorks isn't talented or anything like that, they need to check their pulse, because this film made Disney realize what a monster DreamWorks could eventually come, but a good monster, at least for us audiences. OK, what is it that makes this film so wonderful. The idea of tackling such a sensitive topic as the story of Moses really was a risky move for DreamWorks, a film that could make or break them. Kudos, because it was so risky. They didn't shoehorn anything and gave us a fully realized, and well put together masterpiece of a film. Now here in 2017 and beyond people are starting to realize the brilliance and the majesty of the film. What works so well is the effort put into this, the music by Hans Zimmer is his best since The Lion King, and the songs are better than the songs Disney was making at the time in 1998. So much so that one was rewarded an Oscar. As of right now it is the only DreamWorks song "When You Believe" to win an Oscar. The animation is topnotch, about as good as The Lion King, and the story is heartwarming, and heartbreaking at times. The film isn't afraid to go to some dark places. The performances of the actors was genuine especially from Val Kilmer and Ralph Fiennes. Sandra Bullock and Jeff Goldblum make an appearance which is always nice. The only problem I have is the attempt at comedy. If you can't make good comedy work in a drama film like this, don't do it at all. But of course it had to appeal to kids somewhat. That's one thing about animated films is they always have to appeal to kids one way or another, even in films that don't need the lowbrow humor for your toddler. If they took the comedy out, it would have been more impactful than it already is. This isn't the only film that does it though, a generally great film but is bombarded by needless and forced comedy. Animated films should help kids grow, not stay kids. So let some blood on screen, let murder happen on screen, life isn't always fun and sweet. But, that's the only grip, other than that, its great. Now to grade. Animation: A Story: A+ Characters: A- Music: A+ Comedy: D+ Overall: A