The Prince of Egypt

Name: The Prince of Egypt - Christian Parent's Review
Item: The Prince of Egypt
Rating: 1
Author: StoryScanner

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General Review

Parent's Guide to The Prince of Egypt

The Prince of Egypt (1998) is an animated musical drama that vividly retells the biblical story of Moses, from his life as an Egyptian prince to his divine mission to lead the Hebrew people out of slavery. Celebrated for its breathtaking animation, powerful score by Stephen Schwartz and Hans Zimmer, and compelling narrative, the film explores profound themes of identity, faith, freedom, and brotherly conflict. It features a renowned voice cast, bringing dramatic depth to its timeless story. While presented as an animated feature, "The Prince of Egypt" delves into mature and intense subject matter. The film carries a PG rating, indicating that parental guidance is suggested due to its significant depictions of violence, frightening sequences, and thematic intensity. It is generally regarded for its respectful yet dramatic adaptation of a foundational religious epic, appealing to audiences seeking a visually and emotionally impactful retelling of the Exodus. The movie is best suited for an audience aged 8 and above, as younger children might find certain scenes, such as the plagues and the death of the firstborn, too frightening or emotionally overwhelming. Despite its artistic liberties, the film's core message aligns closely with the biblical account, making it a valuable tool for families to engage with the story of Moses, albeit with appropriate parental discussion regarding its more intense elements.

Things to Consider

High2

Violence

The film contains significant thematic and depicted violence, earning its PG rating. This includes mass infanticide, the harsh realities of slavery, numerous destructive plagues, and the annihilation of an army. While not overtly graphic, the intensity and implied suffering are prominent throughout the narrative.

1. The movie opens with the mass infanticide of Hebrew male infants ordered by Pharaoh Seti, depicted in a haunting hieroglyph dream sequence and through visual representations of infants being placed into the Nile River, implying their fate. 2. Moses accidentally pushes an Egyptian slave driver to his death while attempting to protect an elderly Hebrew slave. This pivotal scene shows the slave driver falling from a height and hitting rocks below, leading to Moses's exile. 3. The climactic 'Angel of Death' plague is shown as a chilling, shadowy entity moving through Egyptian homes, causing the death of all firstborn sons, including Pharaoh Rameses' young child, in a profoundly sorrowful sequence.

Scary & Intense Content

The film features several emotionally charged and visually intense sequences that can be frightening for younger viewers, including graphic depictions of natural disasters and the supernatural wrath of God. The consequences of these events, particularly the loss of life, are portrayed with significant impact.

1. The ten plagues are presented with intense visuals and sound design, such as the Nile turning to blood, swarms of locusts engulfing the land, and destructive hailstorms, creating widespread fear and suffering among the Egyptians. 2. The 'Angel of Death' sequence, depicting the death of the firstborn in Egypt, is chilling, with an ethereal, shadowy entity moving through homes, followed by widespread wailing and the visual of Rameses mourning his deceased son. This scene implies significant loss without graphic detail, but is emotionally devastating. 3. The parting and subsequent collapse of the Red Sea is a dramatic and overwhelming scene, featuring immense walls of water and the terrifying drowning of Pharaoh's pursuing army.

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Medium2

Witchcraft & OccultDisrespect & Rebellion

Low5

LGBTQ & Gender IdentityRomance and Sexual ContentProfanitySubstance UseAnti-Christian Themes

Medium2

Witchcraft & Occult

The film depicts elements of Egyptian paganism and sorcery, primarily through the actions of Pharaoh's high priests, Hotep and Huy, who attempt to counter Moses's miracles. These magical acts are consistently portrayed as inferior and false compared to the divine power of the Hebrew God.

1. The high priests Hotep and Huy perform a magic ritual where they transform their staffs into snakes in Pharaoh's court, attempting to mimic Moses's miracle. However, Moses's staff, transformed by God's power, devours their snakes, demonstrating the limited nature of their sorcery. 2. The film consistently portrays the Egyptian deities and their associated practices as false and ineffective against the might of the monotheistic God of the Hebrews, emphasizing a clear contrast between true divine power and human-attempted sorcery, particularly during the plagues.

Disrespect & Rebellion

The film extensively portrays themes of disrespect and rebellion, both in a youthful, mischievous context and as a central element of the narrative through Moses's defiance against Pharaoh Rameses and Pharaoh's prolonged resistance to God's commands.

1. In their youth, Moses and Rameses engage in rebellious behavior, such as a destructive chariot race through the city, causing significant property damage and incurring the disapproval of Pharaoh Seti. Moses is often seen as the instigator of such mischief. 2. Moses's entire adult arc centers on his rebellion against Pharaoh Rameses and the Egyptian regime, repeatedly challenging Rameses with the demand, 'Let my people go,' directly defying the established authority and social order. Pharaoh Rameses, in turn, demonstrates significant disrespect and defiance towards Moses and God by continuously refusing to release the Hebrew slaves.

Low5

LGBTQ & Gender Identity

No explicit LGBTQ+ characters, themes, or gender identity discussions are present or implied in "The Prince of Egypt" according to comprehensive searches across various sources. The film focuses on heterosexual relationships and traditional gender roles typical of the biblical period it depicts.

Searches for terms such as "lgbtq," "gay," "lesbian," "transgender," "queer representation," and "LGBTQ characters" in relation to the film yielded no relevant content indicating their presence within the movie's narrative or character portrayals. Statements or interviews from directors Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, and Simon Wells also do not indicate any intentional LGBTQ+ representation in the film.

Romance and Sexual Content

Romantic content is mild, focusing on a respectful courtship and marriage. There is no explicit sexual activity or nudity. A brief instance of suggestive clothing is noted, but it is fleeting and not central to the plot.

1. Moses and Tzipporah develop a romantic relationship, shown through their interactions, a song ('Through Heaven's Eyes'), and ultimately their marriage, culminating in a chaste kiss. 2. During the song 'Playing with the Big Boys,' performed by the high priests Hotep and Huy, there is a brief visual of a woman in suggestive clothing, including a fleeting shot up a man's tunic revealing implied underwear, as part of their magical display.

Profanity

The film contains no explicit profanity or strong curse words. Any language used is mild and generally fitting for a family-oriented animated film, maintaining respectful dialogue even during conflicts.

Substance Use

There is no depiction of alcohol or drug use, smoking, or any references to addiction within the film. Characters are not shown consuming intoxicating substances, and the narrative does not involve themes related to substance abuse.

Anti-Christian Themes

The film, based on the biblical Book of Exodus, is generally regarded by Christian reviewers as a reverent and powerful portrayal of Moses's story and God's intervention. While it takes some artistic liberties, its core messages align with Christian teachings on faith, divine power, and liberation, depicting God as the central hero.

1. The film's narrative faithfully follows the core story of the biblical Exodus, depicting Moses's call by God at the burning bush and God's miraculous intervention through the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea to deliver the Israelites from slavery, consistent with Christian theological understanding. 2. DreamWorks consulted with numerous theologians and religious leaders during production to ensure the film remained "true to the essence, values and integrity" of the biblical account, aiming for a respectful and broadly acceptable interpretation.

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The Prince of Egypt (1998) offers a largely positive and respectful portrayal of the biblical Exodus narrative, aligning with a Judeo-Christian worldview by emphasizing God's sovereignty and miraculous intervention. The core themes of identity, faith, freedom, and the call to deliver the oppressed resonate strongly with biblical values. Moses's journey from a privileged prince to God's chosen deliverer illustrates a transcendent worldview, where divine purpose and calling take precedence over earthly power and materialism. While artistic liberties are taken, such as the deepened brotherly bond between Moses and Rameses, these generally serve to enhance the dramatic tension and emotional impact without fundamentally contradicting major theological points. The film clearly depicts the consequences of Pharaoh Rameses's pride and hardness of heart, demonstrating moral accountability for vice, while Moses is rewarded for his faith and obedience to God's command to free the Israelites. Redemption themes are prominent throughout the film, particularly through God's redemptive plan for the enslaved Hebrews. Although the film does not explicitly detail the sacrificial system as a foreshadowing of Christ's sacrifice, it vividly portrays the divine institution of the Passover and the angel of death passing over blood-marked homes, conveying elements of grace and deliverance through a designated act of faith. Some critiques note that the popular song "When You Believe" might overemphasize human belief over God's sovereignty, which parents could discuss with their children to highlight that God acts independently of, though often in response to, human faith. Family relationships are central, particularly the strained but deep bond between Moses and Rameses, and Moses's eventual reunion and solidarity with his biological family. The film portrays Moses's parents' desperate act to save him, and Miriam and Aaron's enduring faith and support for their brother. While the Egyptian royal family exhibits a form of parental authority, it is ultimately juxtaposed with the divine authority of God, to which Moses submits. Overall, faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is depicted respectfully, highlighting God as the hero behind the scenes who actively intervenes to deliver His people, offering a powerful visual and emotional engagement with a foundational religious epic for Christian families.

Additional Context

Best For Ages

8+ years old. The film's PG rating is justified by intense depictions of violence, peril, and frightening sequences, including mass infanticide and natural disasters. The emotional weight of the narrative and scenes of death may be too intense for children younger than 8.

Good to Know

The film's dramatic intensity and thematic depth, particularly regarding the consequences of defiance against God and the suffering of the enslaved, make it a powerful, though potentially challenging, viewing experience for families. Parental discussion is encouraged for younger viewers to process the heavier themes.

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