The Ten Commandments (1956)

Release Date:

1956

Movie Rating:

G

Runtime:

3h 40m

Release Date:

1956

Movie Rating:

G

Runtime:

3h 40m

The Ten Commandments (1956) - Vertical Movie Poster

Synopsis:

The Ten Commandments is an epic tale that follows the life of Moses, a Hebrew child raised as an Egyptian prince. As he grows, Moses discovers his true heritage and is chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. The story unfolds with Moses confronting Pharaoh Ramses, demanding the freedom of his people. When Ramses refuses, a series of divine plagues are unleashed upon Egypt. Eventually, Moses leads the Israelites on a perilous journey through the Red Sea and into the wilderness, where he receives the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. The film captures the struggle and determination of Moses as he guides his people towards the Promised Land, facing numerous challenges along the way.

IMDb logo
7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Logo
84%
Metacritic Logo
IMDb logo
7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes Logo
84%
Metacritic Logo

The Ten Commandments, released in 1956, is an epic historical drama that captures the grandeur of biblical tales. While not specifically a children's or teen movie, its G rating suggests it is accessible to younger audiences. Parents generally appreciate the film's educational value and its impressive visual storytelling, though some note its lengthy runtime and complex themes may not hold the attention of all kids.

Why Kids Should Watch The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments is celebrated for its grand storytelling and moral lessons.

  • Promotes themes of faith, leadership, and perseverance.
  • Features a strong character arc with Moses, who evolves from a prince to a leader.
  • Offers stunning visuals and epic scenes that captivate young viewers.
  • Provides historical and cultural insights into biblical times.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Ten Commandments

Some parents express concerns about the film's length and mature themes.

  • Contains intense scenes of plagues and suffering that may be unsettling.
  • Depicts harsh punishments and dramatic confrontations that could be confusing.
  • The film's long duration may challenge younger viewers' attention spans.

Verdict: Mixed Messages

Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its length and mature themes.

What Parents Should Know About The Ten Commandments

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? Moses demonstrates leadership and courage, inspiring others to follow a righteous path.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? The depiction of the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea are intense and may require parental guidance.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? The film clearly shows the consequences of defying moral laws through the suffering of the Egyptians.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? Moses' leadership encourages teamwork and unity among the Israelites.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The core message is about the importance of faith and following moral laws, delivered through Moses' journey.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

The Ten Commandments is praised for its epic storytelling and moral lessons, making it a valuable educational experience. However, its lengthy runtime and mature themes may require parental involvement to help younger viewers understand and stay engaged. Parents might consider watching it together to discuss its historical context and moral implications. For those seeking similar content, films like "Prince of Egypt" offer a more concise and animated retelling of similar stories.

Official The Ten Commandments Trailer

The Ten Commandments, released in 1956, is an epic historical drama that captures the grandeur of biblical tales. While not specifically a children's or teen movie, its G rating suggests it is accessible to younger audiences. Parents generally appreciate the film's educational value and its impressive visual storytelling, though some note its lengthy runtime and complex themes may not hold the attention of all kids.

Why Kids Should Watch The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments is celebrated for its grand storytelling and moral lessons.

  • Promotes themes of faith, leadership, and perseverance.
  • Features a strong character arc with Moses, who evolves from a prince to a leader.
  • Offers stunning visuals and epic scenes that captivate young viewers.
  • Provides historical and cultural insights into biblical times.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch The Ten Commandments

Some parents express concerns about the film's length and mature themes.

  • Contains intense scenes of plagues and suffering that may be unsettling.
  • Depicts harsh punishments and dramatic confrontations that could be confusing.
  • The film's long duration may challenge younger viewers' attention spans.

Verdict: Mixed Messages

Verdict: Mixed Messages
Parents are divided—some love it, others raise concerns about its length and mature themes.

What Parents Should Know About The Ten Commandments

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? Moses demonstrates leadership and courage, inspiring others to follow a righteous path.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? The depiction of the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea are intense and may require parental guidance.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? The film clearly shows the consequences of defying moral laws through the suffering of the Egyptians.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? Moses' leadership encourages teamwork and unity among the Israelites.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The core message is about the importance of faith and following moral laws, delivered through Moses' journey.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

The Ten Commandments is praised for its epic storytelling and moral lessons, making it a valuable educational experience. However, its lengthy runtime and mature themes may require parental involvement to help younger viewers understand and stay engaged. Parents might consider watching it together to discuss its historical context and moral implications. For those seeking similar content, films like "Prince of Egypt" offer a more concise and animated retelling of similar stories.

Official The Ten Commandments Trailer


The Core Values Learned From The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments' most common core values include Leadership, Perseverance, and Standing up for what's right. Throughout the movie, Moses exemplifies leadership as he guides the Israelites on their journey to freedom, making tough decisions and inspiring others to follow his path. Perseverance is highlighted as Moses faces numerous challenges and obstacles, yet remains steadfast in his mission to lead his people to a better future. Standing up for what's right is a central theme, as Moses confronts the powerful Pharaoh to demand freedom for the enslaved Israelites, showing kids the importance of fighting for justice and equality.

These core values are woven into the story, teaching children about the strength and courage needed to make a difference.

Other Core Values Explored: Courage | Determination | Responsibility. | Family love | Respect | Loyalty | Bravery | Empathy | Making good choices | Self-discovery | Trust | Honesty | Respecting rules

The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From The Ten Commandments

Accepting Your Identity: In the ten commandments, Moses learns about his true heritage and embraces his identity as a Hebrew. This journey of self-discovery teaches kids the importance of understanding and accepting who they are, even when it means facing difficult truths.

Being True to Yourself: Moses's decision to leave behind his life as an Egyptian prince to stand with his people shows children the value of staying true to oneself. It highlights the courage needed to follow one's heart, even when it means making tough choices.

Choosing Right Over Easy: When Moses confronts Pharaoh to demand freedom for the Israelites, he chooses the difficult path of justice over the comfort of his royal life. This teaches kids the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it's not the easiest option.

Leading with Courage: Moses's leadership in guiding the Israelites out of Egypt demonstrates the power of courage. Kids learn that true leadership involves bravery and the willingness to face challenges head-on for the greater good.

Persevering Through Obstacles: The journey through the Red Sea and the wilderness is fraught with challenges, yet Moses perseveres. This teaches children the value of determination and not giving up, even when the path is difficult.

Other Lessons Learned: Doing What’s Right | Embracing Differences | Holding Onto Your Values | Importance of Family | Letting Go of the Past | Making a Difference | Standing Up for Others | Trusting Intuition

Why Kids Love The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments is an epic adventure that sweeps kids into a world of daring quests and breathtaking escapes. With fast-paced action and thrilling sword fights, the movie keeps young viewers on the edge of their seats. As Moses takes on the challenge of saving his people, kids are captivated by the epic battles and the excitement of standing up for what's right. The film's focus on family bonds and being the hero resonates with children, who love seeing characters prove themselves and learn to lead.

The journey through the Red Sea and the dramatic confrontations with Pharaoh are filled with suspense and excitement, making it a memorable experience. The movie's blend of adventure, action, and heart makes it a captivating tale that keeps kids engaged and eager to see what happens next.