Review of The Prince of Egypt (1998) by Tristan P — 01 Nov 2010

Though Dreamworks would be later known for movies that inserted pop-cultural references, this is perhaps the direction that they should have gone. Released during a time when animation was starting to become more and more juvenile, this confronted its younger audiences rather than talked down to them.

There are liberties taken with the source material (i.e. the high priests given personalities.) However, it stays surprisingly faithful the bible story touching on its themes of prejudice, spiritual belief, and despair without flinching away from them.

Even though the use of celebrity voice casting in animation has become tiring, it is effective here as the actors fit their roles, especially Ralph Fiennes, Helen Mirren, and Patrick Stewart. Rameses isn't just some cliche cartoon villain. He is a more complex figure who is more pressured by what is expected of him by his father. The designs of the characters by Carlos Grangel provide the perfect blend of reality and stylization. In addition, the songs by Stephen Schwartz help tell the story rather than being show-stopping numbers. The song "The Plagues" not only gives us a view of the punishment being bestowed among the Egyptians but also how it is effecting the brotherly relationship between Moses and Rameses.

The visual effects are perhaps among the best for any animated film really demonstrating the endless possibilities of the medium. The parting of the Red Sea is just so beautiful and wondrous you almost want to walk between the waves.

All in all, a very worthy animated effort. My only wish is that Dreamworks could have done more films like this. Why Jeffrey Katzenberg? Why?