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Exodus: Gods and Kings


kmt_sesh

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Warning: This is a discussion about the new Exodus film, so if you haven't seen it, you might want to ignore this thread. Spoilers are bound to pop up.

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I'm home for Christmas this season (first time in 20-some years) so instead of sitting around I thought I'd go see Exodus: Gods and Kings. I'm wondering if other members have seen it and what their thoughts are. How does it compare to the classic 1956 Cecil B. DeMille film with Charlton Heston? What adaptations of Ridley Scott's version did you like or dislike?

I thought the film was terrific. I suppose nothing could supplant the original DeMille film but, in my own humble opinion, Scott's film surpasses it in numerous ways. I've been reading reviews and have seen how some critics feel Scott has removed the supernatural from the story, so I'm left to wonder if such critics have actually seen the film.

I especially enjoyed how Scott avoided representing God as the stereotypical thunderous voice from the clouds and replaced that with an 11-year-old boy, and the kid nailed it. He could be alternately sweet and menacing. Very Old Testament.

Thoughts?

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Oh good, "the film is terrific" review by kmt, I do intend to see it kmt, in January when I visit my parents in the city and I really look forward to seeing it, the ad looks awesome.

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Oh good, "the film is terrific" review by kmt, I do intend to see it kmt, in January when I visit my parents in the city and I really look forward to seeing it, the ad looks awesome.

I hope you enjoy it, Puz, but don't take my review as absolute. I highly enjoyed it but not all critics are being kind. And a lot of the ultra-Christian crowd shows strong disapproval. I've actually come across an article or two where Christians were upset that the God of the Old Testament is shown as so mean.

Naturally this leaves me to question whether such Christians have ever read the Old Testament or if they've ever paid attention to what's going on in the Book of Exodus.

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Like I posted in another thread, I'd give this about a 50% to 75% accurate to the Book rating. I also enjoyed it. I like a good action film.

I thought it interesting how Moses was less a channel for God, and more of a reluctant leader, who was being almost dragged along. In the Bible Moses reads as a very willing and adoring minion of God, and not morose, depressed and angry all the time.

I also thought the kid was simply an angel, because Moses calls him a messenger at one point, and yells and rants and argues with/at him.

Edited by DieChecker
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It seems that Ridley Scott calls the "Mouth of God" kid character Malak. Which translates as "messanger", which makes him an angel (in my opinion).

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/exodus-how-ridley-scott-chose-748373

In Exodus, director Ridley Scott has chosen various ways to convey God's communication with Moses, played by Christian Bale. When God speaks directly to Moses, it is through a young boy, Malak, played by 11-year-old Brit Isaac Andrews.

"Sacred texts give no specific depiction of God, so for centuries artists and filmmakers have had to choose their own visual depiction," Scott tells THR. "Malak exudes innocence and purity, and those two qualities are extremely powerful."

In the film, which cost about $150 million to produce with tax breaks from Spain and the U.K., the boy meets Moses in front of a burning bush. He reappears thereafter to guide and debate Moses, who soon realizes the child is speaking as God.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angel_of_the_Lord

The Angel of the Lord (or the Angel of God) is one of many terms in the Hebrew Bible (also: Old Testament) used for an angel. The biblical word for angel, מלאך malak, which translates simply as "messenger," obtained the further signification of "angel" only through the addition of God's name, as ("angel of the Lord," or "angel of God", Zech. 12:8).
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I went to see it a few days ago with my other half. I enjoyed the movie and its, lets say, loose interpreatation of the Bible and history in general. To me, it came a cross as slightly irreverent which I found pleasing. My other half, who is more into her religion than I am, was less enamored but still enjoyed it..

I wonder if there is a clear inverse relationship between a person's devotion to religion and their enjoyment of this film.

To me its simply a modern interpretation of an old story. Which is good - no point in retelling the same story over and over again in the same way is there?

Edited by RAOK
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For those interested?

Richard Carrier and Robert M. Price Review Exodus

Edited by davros of skaro
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