
The Prince of Egypt
By Nell Minow,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Animated feature tells story of Moses; some violence.

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The Prince of Egypt
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Based on 25 parent reviews
the prince of egypt is not for little kids
What's the Story?
DreamWorks SKG's first animated feature, THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, respectfully retells the story of Moses. The movie takes some liberties, with Moses (voiced by Val Kilmer) and Ramses (voice of Ralph Fiennes) raised as brothers who love each other deeply. But Moses learns that he was born enslaved and that the man he loves and respects as his father, the Pharaoh Seti (Patrick Stewart), once ordered the murder of babies. Moses runs away and marries the spirited Tzipporah (Michelle Pfeiffer), until he receives a message from God telling him that he must return to Egypt and "free the slaves."
Is It Any Good?
This movie has some astonishing visual effects, particularly a chariot race that rivals Ben Hur and the parting of the Red Sea. The filmmakers of The Prince of Egypt have done a good job of making a traditional tale exciting and vivid, with compelling characters, though the musical numbers are largely forgettable. Rameses, loving Moses but terrified of being responsible for the end of a dynasty, is a flawed but understandable character. And Miriam (Sandra Bullock) and Tzipporah are strong, intelligent women.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Prince of Egypt's themes of taking responsibility and the importance of freedom. How do these themes fit within the story of Moses and what can be learned from them?
How does this compare to other film interpretations of passages from The Bible?
How was violence used in the movie to show the barbarity of slavery? Do you think this violence was necessary? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters: December 18, 1998
- On DVD or streaming: October 26, 2004
- Cast: Michelle Pfeiffer , Ralph Fiennes , Val Kilmer
- Directors: Brenda Chapman , Simon Wells , Steve Hickner
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: DreamWorks
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: History
- Character Strengths: Courage
- Run time: 99 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: intense depiction of thematic elements
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
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