Exodus: Gods and Kings (3/18/2015)

Rated PG-13 for violence including battle sequences and intense images.

Starring Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Aaron Paul, Sigourney Weaver, Ben Kingsley and John Turturro

Directed by Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Prometheus)

This film had me torn. As a movie critic, I loved it. As a Christian, I was frustrated by the film’s depiction of God. So what can you expect from this blockbuster from veteran director Ridley Scott?

Director Ridley Scott brings the epic story of the Exodus to the big screen. It is the story of one man’s daring courage to take on the might of an empire. Using state of the art visual effects, Scott brings new life to the story of the defiant leader Moses (Christian Bale) as he rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses (Joel Edgerton), setting 600,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.

Exodus: Gods and Kings is very similar to my favorite film of all time…Braveheart. Like Braveheart, Exodus: Gods and Kings is an epic film with an all-star cast, talented directed, wild special effects and larger-than-life battle scenes. Also like Braveheart, there are more than a few historical inaccuracies.

Instead of Mel Gibson leading the Scots to freedom in dramatic fashion, we get to see Christian Bale leading the nation of Israel out of slavery. I’ll admit I was skeptical when I first heard Bale was cast in the leading role. I mean he’s not exactly who I picture when I see Moses, but he was amazing! He brings humor, intensity and so much heart to the character I feel I already knew so well.

As good as Christian Bale was, Joel Edgerton as Ramses was surprisingly impressive. The rest of the cast including Aaron Paul, Sigourney Weaver, Ben Kingsley and John Turturro were all very, very good.

Director Ridley Scott has directed some great films over the years – Robin Hood, American Gangster, Kingdom of Heaven, Black Hawk Down, Hannibal, Prometheus and of course Gladiator. I feel confident adding Exodus: Gods and Kings to that list of “great films”. Although the film drags in a few spots, Scott manages to tell a familiar story on a massive scale…that it truly deserves.

Speaking of massive, the special effects including the ten plagues and “the wave” were incredible. Another of the surprises were the battle scenes. We usually see Moses carrying the stone tablets down the mountain or parting the Red Sea with his staff, but fighting alongside the future Pharaoh…that was an interesting take. Although there is no Biblical account of him fighting, I believe it is at least a possibility. And regardless of if it happened or not, the battle scenes are intense and very entertaining.

Which leads me to my final comment. The filmmakers definitely took some artistic license with the Biblical account of the Exodus. For example, familiar scenes like the burning bush, the “let my people go” speeches and the parting of the Red Sea were changed in significant ways or omitted completely. But the biggest change was the portrayal of God. The decision to make God a young boy who at times seems more spoiled than sovereign really left me scratching my head.

This is not a chapter and verse retelling of the story of Moses; this is a big-budget Hollywood blockbuster. So if you are looking for Bible Study material, please save yourself a few headaches and “skip it”, but if you are looking for an epic story that is wildly entertaining…this one is “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There is no sex, nudity or profanity. The film is rated Rated PG-13 for violence including battle sequences and intense images.

The plagues are quite frightening, especially the death of the first-born sons. Ramses screaming in sorrow when he discovers his son’s death is upsetting. Later his grieving wife is shown rocking an empty cradle.

The battle sequences and the wave scene are both massive and intense. Another intense scene involves Moses asking all the Hebrews to mark their doors with goat blood. Goats are shown being slaughtered in a brief sequence, which might upset younger viewers. We also see some pretty graphic scenes of Ramses’ mistreatment of the slaves.

CONVERSATION STARTER:

1. How did you feel when you saw Moses struggle with doubt and fear?


2. How did he handle his doubt?


3. Have you ever doubted the existence or plan of God? How did you handle it?

Read John 20:24-29

24 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”



4. How did Jesus help Thomas with his doubts?


5. What doubts do you have?


6. How can Jesus help you with your doubts?