MUMBAI:  Ten Commandments, The Bible: In the Beginning, Ben-Hur, The Passion of Christ; Biblical themed movies have inspired many filmmakers to recreate medieval events on a grand scale.

The latest in the offering is Exodus: Gods and Kings and as the name suggests the film is about the mass departure of the Hebrews from Egypt. The film stars Batman-turned-Moses Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, John Turturro, Aaron Paul and Ben Kingsley. The 150 minute film is directed by Ridley Scott and written by Steven Zaillian.

The plot revolves around the defiant leader Moses rising up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses played by   Edgerton. The first half is about Moses discovering he does not belong to the lineage of the Egyptians (he is raised as a brother to Ramses) and after a wakeup call from God, who is portrayed as a kid (Yes, as a kid who goes about guiding  Moses!), returns from exile to free his people and guide them to the promised land.

While the storyline seems like old wine in new bottle, there are few new twists (spoilers ahead!).  Instead of Moses dipping his staff into the river of Nile, God sends monstrous crocodiles to destroy the river life, giving rise to multiple plagues that command most of the second half of the movie. And instead of the prophet’s staff that works miracles, it is a sword here.

The movie ends with both Moses and Pharaoh surviving the parting of the Red Sea. The added 3-D effects definitely bring to life the old tale especially the mammoth animals that turn the blessed city of Egypt into a ruin.
It is produced by 20th Century Fox studios.