Our story opens in a time of slavery and cruelty when the Pharaoh hears of a chosen one who will lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He has every newborn baby boy killed ruthlessly to prevent the prophesy from coming true, but unknown to him a mother has lain her baby in a basket and floated him through the bulrushes, praying that God will lead him to safety. He is found by the daughter of Pharaoh and taken to be raised as her own, the only witness sworn to secrecy upon the penalty of blood. Because she has found him among the rushes, the Princess names him "Moses." A number of years pass, and Moses and the King's son Rameses are at odds, for the Pharaoh has not yet chosen which will assume the throne at the coming of his death. Rameses is the one true heir, but Moses is more preferred. The future pharaoh will not only glean all of Egypt, but the beautiful princess Nefretiri as his bride.

Nefretiri is in love with Moses but lives under Rameses' shadow. She uses all of her persuasion to attempt to sway the Pharaoh's favor toward her beloved, and at last he commissions a task that will decide. Rameses is sent to destroy a city, and Moses to rebuild it. However when Moses is shown the cruelty of the masters to the slaves, he becomes impassioned to learn of his true heritage and identity and leaves the palace to work among them. 

What will happen? Well, you know the answers if you have any slight knowledge of Moses or the Passover. But this film truly captures the passion and feeling of the historical and biblical characters, and though it takes a few liberties it is well worth the four hours you'll spend taking in its splendor. However, it is not entirely without its flaws. Nefretiri is very sensual and the Egyptian garments leave very little to the imagination; they are at times almost sheer. She tries to seduce Moses on several occasions. The drunken Israelites at the foot of Mount Sinai carouse and attempt to sacrifice a girl to their golden calf. A Hebrew girl is taken into the house of an Egyptian as his mistress.

It contains some violence in the beating of slaves and other cruelty, as well as the progression of the plagues. One can easily see where the recent Prince of Egypt was taken from The Ten Commandments. Magnificent in every particular, from the marble walls of the court of Pharaoh to the parting of the Red Sea, the acting is superb, the costumes and set designs beautiful and fascinating, and the story well laced with power, excitement, and even a touch of romance. It's a pity they don't make them like this anymore, but perhaps with time and prayer, that will change, and once again Hollywood will pay attention to the writings of the Bible and magnificent stories within, instead of scorning and laughing at them. Definitely a film worthy of praise, but recommended only to more mature viewers.