“The Prince of Egypt” is an animated musical film released in 1998 by DreamWorks Animation. Directed by Brenda Chapman, Steve Hickner, and Simon Wells, it retells the biblical story of the Exodus, focusing on the life of Moses and the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.
The film begins with the birth of Moses, who is destined to become the Prince of Egypt. However, he is raised as a brother to Ramses, the future Pharaoh of Egypt. As they grow older, Moses learns of his true heritage as an Israelite and witnesses the oppression of his people by the Egyptian overlords.
After discovering his identity, Moses flees Egypt and begins a new life as a shepherd in the desert. It is there that he encounters God in the form of a burning bush, who commands him to return to Egypt and demand the release of the Israelites.
Reluctantly, Moses accepts his role as a leader and returns to confront Ramses, demanding the freedom of his people. However, Ramses refuses to comply, leading to a series of plagues sent by God to convince him to change his mind.
Despite the devastation wrought by the plagues, Ramses remains stubborn, and it is only after the final plague—the death of the firstborn—that he relents and allows the Israelites to leave Egypt.
The film culminates in the iconic scene of the parting of the Red Sea, where Moses leads the Israelites to freedom while Ramses and his army are swallowed by the waters. As the Israelites journey toward the Promised Land, Moses receives the stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments, symbolizing their covenant with God.
“The Prince of Egypt” is celebrated for its stunning animation, powerful storytelling, and memorable musical score composed by Hans Zimmer and featuring songs by Stephen Schwartz. It remains a beloved classic that has captivated audiences of all ages with its timeless tale of faith, courage, and redemption.