Review of The Ten Commandments (1956) by J K — 09 Jul 2011

Aside from the severe Hollywood schmaltz, Shakespearian dialogue, and self-indulgent overacting that, to this day, still gives me the creeps, a fantastic, visually stunning epic for the ages. Cecil B DeMille was known for these sweeping monster films and it he did a very admirable job of showing how big the scope of The Exodus was back during a time that CGI wasnt even an idea yet.

Despite this lack of special effects technology, DeMille still manages to make the supernatural scenes of The Ten Commandments look plausible and powerful. Charlton Heston at his over-the-top best and a delightfully sinister Yul Brynner as Rameses and Anne Baxter's Nefertiti also provides the sex-factor in a Biblical movie that is purely absent of it.

Another phenomenal cast with supporting roles by acting legends Edward G. Robinson, Cedric Hardwicke, Nina Foch, Dame Judith Anderson, John Derek, Yvonne De Carlo and Vincent Price. There's a reason why ABC shows this every Easter weekend.

Its simply an iconic film and maybe THE iconic film next to Gone with the Wind.