《出埃及记》

    A Biblical* story not talking much about religion, this film is full of action and impressive visual effects.

    Avoiding controversy*, director Ridley Scott limits the story to a battle of wills between two political leaders. The script focuses on the best parts of the Moses adventure while avoiding its faith-based content. In addition to the famous 10 plagues* and parting of the Red Sea, the film throws in a heated battle between the Egyptians and Hittites and an exciting chariot* chase that for some will be the highlight of the movie.

    Scott wisely tries to sidestep* the controversy, yet still falls prey to* strange casting choices (like John Turturro as a pharaoh*). While everything in “Exodus” builds to the action set-pieces, the force driving the movie remains justice* rather than religion.

    Even justice from an angry God, who is pictured in a credible* manner.

    Some religious leaders complained about* Scott’s interpretation, but most of the criticism has been thrown at the mostly Caucasian* cast.

    Christian Bale at first seems like an odd choice for Moses, but the actor grows into his role. Pushed by a guilty conscience*, Moses struggles with himself as much as with God, never quite knowing if his visions are real or illusions*. Uncertain of his own beliefs, he is a difficult leader to follow, and Bale is good at showing his doubts.

    Even at two-and-a-half hours, “Exodus” often feels rushed, with Scott zipping* past Moses’ family and meeting with God. His brother Aaron (Andrew Barclay Tarbet), an important figure in the Bible, barely gets a line in here. The story is so dense that it would make more sense* as a television miniseries, although that would reduce the impact of the movie’s special effects.

    Despite the occasional impression of déjá vu*, moments here match the best of Scott’s work. (SD-Agencies)