Why ’90s Kids Prefer ‘The Prince of Egypt’ to ‘The Ten Commandments’
Two famous movies tell the story of Moses: The Ten Commandments (1956) and The Prince of Egypt (1998). The former is a classic epic. The latter is a favorite among ’90s kids.
1. ‘The Ten Commandments’ is live action and ‘The Prince of Egypt’ is animated
The Prince of Egypt offers vibrant animation that captures the imagination of ’90s kids. The detailed, hand-drawn animation is beautiful and filled with life. Kids of the ’90s grew up with animated movies like The Lion King and Aladdin, making it easier for them to connect with a visually stunning film like The Prince of Egypt. On the other hand, The Ten Commandments relies on live-action, which feels slower and less visually engaging to younger audiences. The appeal of animated storytelling makes The Prince of Egypt stand out in a way The Ten Commandments can’t.
2. Catchy, iconic music
The soundtrack of The Prince of Egypt is unforgettable. With songs like “When You Believe” and “Through Heaven’s Eyes,” the film captured the essence of its story through powerful music. The songs are memorable, and their themes of freedom, courage, and faith resonate with audiences. ’90s kids grew up with these iconic tracks and associate them with childhood nostalgia. Britannica reports Elmer Bernstein composed the score for The Ten Commandments. His orchestral style wasn’t exactly beloved by small children.
3. Relatable characters
In The Prince of Egypt, the characters feel more relatable and emotionally complex. Moses, voiced by Val Kilmer, is a character struggling with identity, purpose, and destiny, which connects with a younger audience. His journey of self-discovery and inner conflict is something ’90s kids could easily relate to. While The Ten Commandments presents Moses as a larger-than-life figure, the character development feels less personal. The more modern take on Moses in The Prince of Egypt makes him feel like someone kids can root for and connect with on a deeper emotional level.
4. Faster pace and action
The Prince of Egypt offers a faster pace, with exciting action scenes that keep viewers engaged. From the intense plagues to the dramatic parting of the Red Sea, the film keeps things moving. ’90s kids, used to the quick pace of animated cinema, appreciate the action-packed storytelling. The Ten Commandments, however, moves at a slower pace with long speeches and dramatic sequences. While epic, its slower tempo might not hold the attention of younger audiences who grew up with more dynamic films.
5. Modern animation technology
The Prince of Egypt benefits from the advanced animation techniques of the 1990s. The stunning visuals, especially during the scenes with the Red Sea and the plagues, stand out as artistic achievements. The animation is fluid, and the colors are vibrant, making it an engaging visual experience.
The Ten Commandments, by contrast, has its charm but is limited by the technology of its time. The effects and sets are impressive for the 1950s but don’t have the same visual impact for today’s audiences, particularly those raised on modern animation.
