Review of Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014) by Gabby J — 24 Nov 2015

Sir Ridley Scott visually stunning vastly underrated take on the traditional biblical events surrounding the Exodus & the story of Moses. It is a interesting and remarkably well made epic motion picture with astonishing CGI visual effects, great costumes, marvelous set design, and exceptional acting, we have the story from the Old Testament transformed for modern viewers in the form of a secular sequence of events where the God of the Jews is portrayed as an imaginary image inside the mind of Moses, brilliantly played by Christian Bale, in commanding star performance, which motivating him to take action.

The strange portrayal of God as a mysterious young child, well-played by Isaac Andrews, is compelling. The familiar story of Moses who after struggling with his destiny accepts his Hebrew roots and with the help of God leads his enslaved people out of bondage and Egypt to freedom.

The sensational portrayal of the jealous and merciless Pharaoh Ramses by Joel Edgerton is a real scene-stealing, he is quite impressive in wonderfully understated turn. Astute direction by Scott, with terrific supporting performances from John Turturro, Sir Ben Kingsley, Aaron Paul, Maria Valverde, Dar Salim, and Sigourney Weaver.

The scenes depicting ancient Egypt are truly stunning to say the least, as are the spectacular battles scenes. Ravishing cinematography by Dariusz Wolski, and an evocative score by Alberto Iglesias. This is an excellent and enjoyable epic regardless if one is religious or secular, and one should not take this film too seriously, as it is, only pure entertainment and an artist's own unique vision.

An engrossing film that is a rewarding watch. Highly Recommended.