Watch Moses the Lawgiver

Moses the Lawgiver is a 1974 television miniseries produced by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and directed by Gianfranco De Bosio. The series tells the story of Moses, one of the most well-known and revered figures of the Jewish and Christian faiths. It spans over sixty years of Moses’ life, from his birth as an Israelite slave to his death on Mount Nebo.

The series stars Burt Lancaster as Moses, one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, in one of his few television roles. Lancaster brings his charisma and gravitas to the role, imbuing Moses with a noble and majestic presence. He is supported by a strong ensemble cast, including Anthony Quayle as Aaron, Moses’ brother and spokesman, and Irene Papas as Moses’ wife Zipporah.

The series begins with the story of Moses’ birth and his adoption by the Egyptian princess Bithiah (played by Anne Bancroft). It then follows his life as a prince of Egypt, his flight into the desert after killing an Egyptian taskmaster who was beating an Israelite slave, and his encounter with God in the form of the burning bush. Moses returns to Egypt as God’s chosen leader to deliver his people from bondage and to lead them to the Promised Land.

The central theme of Moses the Lawgiver is the struggle between Moses and the Pharaoh of Egypt (played by Laurent Terzieff), who refuses to let the Israelites leave Egypt. The series vividly portrays the plagues that God inflicted on Egypt to persuade the Pharaoh to release the Israelites, including the Nile turning to blood, the infestation of locusts, and the death of the firstborn. Despite the Pharaoh’s recalcitrance, Moses leads the Israelites to freedom after the parting of the Red Sea, miraculously creating a path for them to cross.

Once the Israelites are free, Moses establishes a system of laws to govern his people and to ensure their harmony and prosperity. This is where the titular phrase Moses the Lawgiver comes from. He receives the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai, which he writes on two tablets of stone. The series depicts the Israelites’ worship of the golden calf and their subsequent punishment by God for their idolatry. Moses then leads the Israelites through the desert for forty years, during which they have to rely on God’s miraculous provisions for sustenance.

The series also explores the relationship between Moses and his brother Aaron, who is intended to be Moses’ spokesman to the Israelites and to Pharaoh. However, Aaron’s loyalty is tested when the Israelites become restless during Moses’ prolonged absence on Mount Sinai and demand an idol to worship. Aaron acquiesces to their demands and builds a golden calf, leading to a major crisis in the nascent Israelite community.

Moses the Lawgiver presents a nuanced and complex portrayal of Moses. On the one hand, he is a heroic and charismatic leader who inspires love and loyalty from his followers. On the other hand, he is presented as a flawed and conflicted character, plagued by doubts and insecurities about his leadership and his relationship with God. The series also depicts his personal life, including his relationship with his wife Zipporah and his son Gershom.

Throughout the series, there is a sense of epic grandeur that befits the story of Moses. The stunning cinematography captures the awe-inspiring beauty of the desert and the majesty of God’s interventions. The music by Ennio Morricone is appropriately majestic and stirring, adding greatly to the series’ emotional impact.

In conclusion, Moses the Lawgiver is a powerful and moving depiction of one of the most enduring and important stories of the Bible. It presents a nuanced and complex portrayal of its titular character and vividly brings to life the world of ancient Egypt and the Israelites. It remains a classic of television drama, which will continue to inspire and educate generations of viewers.

Moses the Lawgiver is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on June 21, 1995.