Watch Exodus

Exodus is an epic retelling of the story of Moses and his struggles to lead the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Christian Bale as Moses, Exodus offers a sweeping and visually stunning portrait of one of the most famous events in biblical history. The film begins with Moses as a trusted advisor to the Pharaoh Seti I, but he is haunted by dreams of his true heritage as a Hebrew. When he learns the truth about his past from his adoptive mother (Sigourney Weaver), he is driven into exile and forced to confront the harsh realities of life as a slave.

After wandering the desert for years, Moses is visited by God in the form of a burning bush and commanded to return to Egypt and free his people. With his brother Aaron (Andrew Tarbet) by his side, Moses confronts the Pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton) and demands that he release the Hebrews from bondage.

Despite Ramses' initial resistance, Moses and his followers are able to strike a series of devastating blows against the Egyptian army, culminating in the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. As they journey towards the Promised Land, however, Moses struggles to maintain the loyalty of his people and the favor of God himself.

Exodus is a sprawling epic that spans decades and covers a wide range of themes and subject matter. At its core, however, it is a story about faith, sacrifice, and the struggle for freedom. Moses is portrayed as a complex and flawed hero, driven by his love for his people and his belief in a higher power.

The film also explores the complex relationship between the Egyptians and the Hebrews, with Ramses portrayed as a proud and stubborn leader who is ultimately brought down by his own arrogance. As the two sides clash, there are moments of both triumph and tragedy, as well as ample opportunities for visual spectacle and stunning special effects.

At times, Exodus can feel a bit uneven, with some scenes devolving into melodrama or over-the-top action. However, Scott's direction is always assured, and Bale's performance as Moses is compelling and nuanced. The supporting cast, including Edgerton, Weaver, and Ben Kingsley as Moses' mentor, also deliver strong turns.

If there is one major flaw in Exodus, it is the film's treatment of women. While there are a few key female characters, including Weaver's Queen Tuya and Aaron's wife (Maria Valverde), they are largely sidelined and given little agency. This is a shame, given the rich possibilities for exploring gender roles and power dynamics in this era.

Overall, Exodus is a powerful and engaging retelling of the story of Moses and the Exodus. It is not without its flaws, but it is an ambitious and visually stunning film that offers both spectacle and substance. Whether you are a religious scholar or simply a fan of epic filmmaking, there is plenty here to enjoy and admire.

Exodus is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes.