Rabbit Ears Productions did nine biblical adaptations between the years 1991 and 1994 as part of their 80s and 90s takes on literature (whether classic fairytales, stories of American heroes and legends, world stories and of the bible). All the Greatest Stories Ever Told adaptations are well worth watching, as is the company's entire output with the best of them being brilliant. Moses is one of the most iconic characters of the Old Testament so was looking forward to see Rabbit Ears Productions' treatment of his story.
'Moses the Lawgiver' for me is not quite one of the best Greatest Stories Ever Told adaptations. It isn't quite 'A Saviour is Born', 'Jonah and the Whale' and 'Moses in Egypt'. It is though a rousing and powerful telling of one of the most epic and most important stories in the Bible, as it tells of how the Ten Commandments came out. It is adapted in a layered and faithful way while also in a way that is easy to understand and get into for younger audiences.
To me, there is nothing here that is quite on the same level of emotional power as the truly harrowing opening sequence in 'Moses in Egypt' as far as the Greatest Stories Ever Told adaptations go.
Criticisms though are extremely few and the above is pretty nit-picky. Was very taken by the sketch drawing look of the visuals, which were quite atmospheric and very fitting for reading a bedtime story from an illustrated book. Will admit though to preferring a stained glass window-like or oil painting-like style that would suited the story a little better.
Sir Ben Kingsley's narration is full of rich command and nobility that is so perfect for noble authority characters. The music score is the very meaning of majestic in a way that does stir the emotions, without manipulating or overpowering.
Furthermore, the storytelling was simple and approachable, while not being too simple. It was mature but never too scary, without being over-complicated. Appreciated its faithfulness too without it being over-stuffed or too wordy. Same with the scripting, which was like bringing the biblical story to life. Very interesting to see how the Ten Commandments came about.
In summary, great. 9/10.
'Moses the Lawgiver' for me is not quite one of the best Greatest Stories Ever Told adaptations. It isn't quite 'A Saviour is Born', 'Jonah and the Whale' and 'Moses in Egypt'. It is though a rousing and powerful telling of one of the most epic and most important stories in the Bible, as it tells of how the Ten Commandments came out. It is adapted in a layered and faithful way while also in a way that is easy to understand and get into for younger audiences.
To me, there is nothing here that is quite on the same level of emotional power as the truly harrowing opening sequence in 'Moses in Egypt' as far as the Greatest Stories Ever Told adaptations go.
Criticisms though are extremely few and the above is pretty nit-picky. Was very taken by the sketch drawing look of the visuals, which were quite atmospheric and very fitting for reading a bedtime story from an illustrated book. Will admit though to preferring a stained glass window-like or oil painting-like style that would suited the story a little better.
Sir Ben Kingsley's narration is full of rich command and nobility that is so perfect for noble authority characters. The music score is the very meaning of majestic in a way that does stir the emotions, without manipulating or overpowering.
Furthermore, the storytelling was simple and approachable, while not being too simple. It was mature but never too scary, without being over-complicated. Appreciated its faithfulness too without it being over-stuffed or too wordy. Same with the scripting, which was like bringing the biblical story to life. Very interesting to see how the Ten Commandments came about.
In summary, great. 9/10.