I watched "The Ten Commandments" from 1956 for my film review. This film was about the biblical figure of Moses and how he eventually leads the Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt. The issues to be considered are how the film depicted religion during the times of Ancient Egypt, the religious beliefs and the role of the Pharaoh in the religion, and the use of slaves in the Ancient Egyptian society. The central thesis or argument of this film is that monotheism is good, and one should follow one god. The polytheistic Egyptians were the protagonists in the film, compared to the monotheistic Hebrews who were the antagonists.
             "The Ten Commandments" tells the story of Moses who was raised in the Pharaoh's house, and how he led the Hebrews to freedom from slavery. The pharaoh's daughter discovered the abandoned infant Moses and takes him into the Pharaoh's family. Moses is raised by the Pharaoh as an Egyptian prince. Unlike his brother, Ramses, Moses is kind and compassionate. Moses' father, the Pharaoh prefers Moses to Ramses, his blood son, and the Pharoah will appoint Moses the next Pharaoh and husband to Nefretiri, whom Moses loves. Ramses, jealous over the love his father and Nefretiri have for Moses, is furious. Moses later learns the truth about his true identity as a Hebrew and leaves his life as an Egyptian prince to become a Hebrew slave. When his father learns of Moses' true heritage he allows Ramses to send him into exile. While in exile, he marries and receives a message from God. He accepts his role and helps free the Jews from Pharaoh's rule.
             Cecil B. DeMille tells the story from the point of view of the Hebrews and Moses. Throughout the film, the Egyptians are seen as the antagonists, and Moses is viewed as the protagonist. The viewer is led to side with Moses and the Hebrews by the actions of the film. For example, when the old woman (Moses' real mother) is being crushed between the stones, the Egyptians have no remorse, ...