Review of The Ten Commandments (1956) by Javier D — 23 Jul 2012

The epic majesty of Biblical stories is retold, through the vision of director, "Cecil B. Demille", in this unforgettable cinematic masterpiece that resides as an inspiration to the art of film-making.

The historical figures told of in the book of Exodus, are seen in the flesh through the superb acting talents of Hollywood's greatest stars of the Golden Era. Even with it's absurd running time of 3 hrs and 30 mins, it wastes no time in developing the characters, whom in turn receive their emotional attachments to other individuals and their own personal conflicts, which allows the story itself the ability to progress, without dragging onward in a sense of emptiness or slowness. As the film advances, it manages to conjure up a message that is spoken with both authority and clarity (without being too preachy), in spirit of the morals told within the biblical story itself, and reflecting the conflicts within modern-day racism occuring at the time of it's release. This can be noted in a scene where Moses, portrayed by "Charlton Heston" speaks the words, "Men shall live by the law, not by the will of other men!".

The special effects were beyond it's time, and engaged it's audience in a spectacle that no-one could have ever seen before on the silver screen. The direction commanded by Demille, manages beautiful cinematography, shot in the magnificent splendor of Technicolor. The story is brought to life, in a truly authentic cinematic experience, that allows it's audience to feel that they are in fact witnessing the historical event transpire before them, through the use of authentic and realistic set pieces, make-up and costume design,presenting great-eye candy to behold.

The Ten Commandments is a delightful retelling of the biblical story in a remarkable spectacle, that shall continue to amaze the world for generations to come.