The movie “The Ten Commandments” has been a favorite for many years, even appearing on TV every Easter and Passover season. There’s a reason for this! This movie, directed by Cecil B. DeMille and starring Charlton Heston, is considered the “granddaddy” of all biblical epic movies. But what makes it so special?
A Big Story, Brought to Life
Biblical epics are movies that tell stories from the Bible. The Bible is a collection of books that many people believe is the word of God. It tells stories about important events in history, like the creation of the world and the lives of important people. “The Ten Commandments” tells the story of Moses, a man chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
DeMille wasn’t the first director to make a movie about Moses, but he wanted to make the biggest and best one yet. He used special effects that were amazing for the time, like showing the parting of the Red Sea. He also built giant sets to show the grandeur of ancient Egypt. The movie is full of exciting scenes, from chariot races to plagues that devastate Egypt.
Characters We Care About
A movie can’t be great just because of big sets and special effects. It also needs characters that we can root for. Charlton Heston plays Moses with a strong and determined personality. We see him struggle with his faith and his duty to his people. He’s a hero we can admire.
The movie also has interesting villains. Yul Brynner plays Rameses, the Pharaoh of Egypt, who keeps the Israelites enslaved. Rameses is arrogant and thinks he’s a god. We enjoy seeing him brought low by Moses and the plagues. There’s also Anne Baxter as Nefretiri, caught between her love for Moses and her loyalty to Rameses.
A Story with Meaning
Even if you’re not religious, there are reasons to enjoy “The Ten Commandments.” The movie tells a story about good versus evil, about standing up for what you believe in, and about the importance of freedom. The Ten Commandments themselves are a set of rules for living a good life. They’re about things like not lying, not stealing, and honoring your parents. These are important ideas that are still relevant today.
A Legacy That Lives On
“The Ten Commandments” was a huge hit when it first came out in 1956. It’s been shown on TV many times since then and is still enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s inspired other movies about the Bible and stories from history.
There have been other movies about Moses, but none have quite captured the magic of “The Ten Commandments.” It’s a classic film that will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.
Here are some other reasons why “The Ten Commandments” is so popular:
- The music:The movie has a powerful score that helps to create the mood of the story. The song “The Parting of the Red Sea” is especially memorable.
- The costumes:The costumes in the movie are beautiful and help to transport us back to ancient Egypt.
- The acting:All of the actors in the movie give great performances, even the ones with smaller roles.
“The Ten Commandments” is more than just a movie. It’s a cultural touchstone. It’s a film that has been seen by millions of people and that continues to be relevant today. So next time you see it on TV, take some time to watch it and see why it’s considered the “granddaddy” of all biblical epics.