“Exodus: Gods and Kings” is an epic movie that is just as deep as it is wide, without any pretension or fluff. For two-and-a-half hours the story drives the imagery as the characters drive the story. What drives the characters is what resonated with me the most.
Unlike most Hollywood productions, “Exodus” takes a realistic approach to political power. “Gods and Kings” is the fitting subtitle of the film. Fitting because they, too, are exiled, just in the opposite direction of Moses’s people. What an important observation for Americans to reflect upon as we are whipped into the next presidential election season.
To paraphrase pharaoh Seti from an early scene, the problem with political power is that it is so easily acquired by those who have no business exercising it. Libertarians (and all Americans) should appreciate that sentiment because it’s also just a plain fact.
As Moses led his people out of Egypt, he knew (and God told him) that one day the “nation of tribes” would no longer be united under him. What would prevent chaos once the united goal was achieved? The rule of law, as presented in the form of the Ten Commandments. No government, however well-intentioned and perfectly respectful, will ever do for society what its individual participants -- however flawed -- can with respect for property and liberty.
For a movie that doesn’t feel like two-and-a-half hours, it touches on other themes worth reflection as well. Love and faith are not mutually exclusive, and the same is true when ethnicity is thrown in the mix. That’s for another review, perhaps to come when I get a chance to see the movie again. I wouldn’t pass that up.
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