The Prince of Egypt

　　梦工厂的动画巨献——关于信仰，关于选择。出自圣经的题材，摩西出埃及记。

Taken from the Old Testament, here's a film that's a testimony to the serious art of animated film making. "The Prince of Egypt" may be animated, but it's certainly no cartoon. It's a Biblical epic, along the lines of "Ben Hur" and "The Greatest Story Ever Told," that's a serious retelling of the story of Moses based on the Book of Exodus.

The story centers on Moses, who was adopted by the Queen when he was an infant; and his brother Rameses. Rameses and Moses are the best of friends, although Rameses often complains that Moses is the real troublemaker when Rameses receives the blame.

When Moses happens to meet Miriam, his sister, he first hears about his real Hebrew heritage and family. And the disbelieving young man cannot believe that he, a prince of Egypt, had such origins.

When he leaves his brother and royal family behind, Moses begins the simple life of a shepherd. Along the way he meets the spirited Zipporah, who encourages him in his mission to free his people from slavery.

This is high-quality material all the way through, from the mind-bending animation to the story line to the wonderful soundtrack that includes gorgeous ballads, lullabies and songs of celebration. Oscar winners Hans Zimmer ("The Lion King") and Stephen Schwartz ("Pocahontas") wrote the six original songs that include "Deliver Us," sung by the Hebrew slaves, along with the beautiful "When You Believe" that's bound for hit-dom by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.

Not surprisingly, the Dream Works animation, which contains computer-generated effects, is outstanding. Especially memorable is a fantasy sequence in which hieroglyphics act out a past that Moses doesn't want to believe or face. And the parting of the Red Sea is simply majestic to behold. In keeping with a season that emphasizes faith, this is a thoughtful, earnest show that's well wrought and well timed.

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