gods of Egypt (2016)
Movie Synopsis
Gods of Egypt (2016) is an epic fantasy film that brings to life the ancient mythologies of Egypt in a visually stunning and action-packed adventure. The movie follows the tale of a mortal hero named Bek, who teams up with the powerful god Horus in a desperate attempt to save both his beloved and the world from the chaotic rule of the god Set. Set, the merciless god of darkness, has usurped the throne of Egypt, plunging the once peaceful empire into chaos and conflict. With Horus stripped of his power and Set growing stronger, the fate of humanity lies in the hands of Bek, a mere mortal with nothing to lose. Together, they embark on a treacherous journey across the heavens and the underworld, facing monstrous creatures and incredible challenges. As the ultimate battle between good and evil unfolds, Bek and Horus must learn to trust each other if they are to overcome the odds and restore order to the cosmos. The movie combines elements of mythology, adventure, and romance, creating a visually spectacular and emotionally resonant story that captivates the audience from start to finish.
Movie Details
- Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
- PG: PG-13
- Release Name: Gods of Egypt
- Tagline: “All of Heaven is at war”
- Audio Language(s): English
- Runtime: 127 minutes
- Release Date: February 26, 2016
- Production Company: Summit Entertainment, Thunder Road Pictures, Mystery Clock Cinema
- Movie Trailer Link on YouTube:
Cast: Who Acted Who?
Gods of Egypt boasts a stellar cast, with each actor bringing life to the iconic deities and mortals of Egyptian mythology. The lead role of Horus, the god of the sky, is portrayed by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, best known for his role as Jaime Lannister in Game of Thrones. Horus is depicted as a powerful but flawed god who must regain his strength to defeat his uncle Set and restore balance to Egypt.
Gerard Butler takes on the role of Set, the god of darkness and the main antagonist of the movie. Butler delivers a menacing performance, embodying the ruthless ambition and power-hungry nature of Set as he seeks to dominate the world of gods and men.
Brenton Thwaites plays Bek, the courageous mortal who becomes the unlikely hero of the story. His character is driven by love and loyalty, making him a relatable figure despite his mortal status. Bek’s love interest, Zaya, is portrayed by Courtney Eaton, whose character serves as a key motivation for Bek’s actions throughout the film.
Elodie Yung stars as Hathor, the goddess of love and Horus’s love interest, adding a layer of romance and emotional depth to the storyline. With other notable performances from Chadwick Boseman as Thoth, the god of wisdom, and Geoffrey Rush as Ra, the sun god, the ensemble cast brings the ancient mythological figures to life with charisma and depth.
Crew
The crew behind Gods of Egypt includes some of the industry’s most talented filmmakers, who combined their expertise to create a visually spectacular and engaging movie. The film was directed by Alex Proyas, known for his work on visually driven films like The Crow and I, Robot. Proyas’s vision for Gods of Egypt was to create a fantastical world that blended ancient mythology with modern visual effects, resulting in a unique cinematic experience.
The screenplay was penned by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless, a writing duo known for their work on films like Dracula Untold and The Last Witch Hunter. Their script for Gods of Egypt sought to balance the epic scale of the story with personal, character-driven moments, ensuring that the film was as emotionally resonant as it was visually impressive.
The film’s cinematography was handled by Peter Menzies Jr., who brought his experience from films like The Incredible Hulk and Clash of the Titans to the project. Menzies’s work on Gods of Egypt is marked by its sweeping, dynamic shots that showcase the grandeur of the film’s settings and the intensity of its action sequences.
Production design was overseen by Owen Paterson, who was responsible for creating the film’s richly detailed environments, from the golden halls of the gods to the desolate landscapes of the underworld. The visual effects, a key component of the film’s aesthetic, were supervised by Eric Durst, who ensured that the movie’s mythical creatures and divine beings were brought to life in a believable and visually striking manner.
Filming Locations
The production of Gods of Egypt took place in various locations that contributed to the film’s epic scope and fantastical setting. Most of the filming was done in Australia, with the majority of the movie being shot at Fox Studios in Sydney. The studio provided the necessary facilities to create the large-scale sets and utilize the advanced visual effects that were integral to the film’s production.
The vast desert landscapes that feature prominently in the movie were filmed in Broken Hill, New South Wales, a location known for its barren and rugged terrain. This setting perfectly captured the desolate and otherworldly environment required for many of the film’s scenes, particularly those set in the underworld and the more remote regions of Egypt.
In addition to these real-world locations, much of the movie’s environment was created through CGI, allowing the filmmakers to construct the grand, fantastical world of the gods. The city of Thebes, the floating boat of Ra, and the massive scale of the gods themselves were all brought to life through a combination of practical sets and digital effects, ensuring that the movie’s visual style remained consistent throughout.
The Soundtrack
The soundtrack of Gods of Egypt is as epic as the movie itself, providing a dynamic and immersive musical backdrop that enhances the film’s action-packed and emotional moments. Composed by Marco Beltrami, the score is a blend of orchestral and electronic elements, creating a soundscape that reflects both the ancient and modern aspects of the movie.
Here’s a list of songs featured in the movie:
- “Prologue” – Sets the tone for the movie with a grand and foreboding orchestral piece.
- “Bek and Zaya” – A tender and emotional track that underscores the love between the two mortal characters.
- “Market Chase” – A fast-paced, rhythmic piece that accompanies one of the movie’s intense action sequences.
- “Coronation” – This track plays during Set’s usurpation of the throne, highlighting the dramatic shift in power.
- “God of the Air” – A powerful piece that reflects Horus’s struggle to regain his power.
- “Wings of Ra” – Accompanies the visually stunning scene of Ra’s boat and the cosmic battle that takes place there.
- “Hathor’s Love” – A romantic and mystical track that plays during moments between Hathor and Horus.
- “Battle of the Gods” – The climactic battle music that drives the final confrontation between Horus and Set.
- “Resurrection” – A hopeful and uplifting piece that plays during the movie’s resolution.
- “End Credits” – Concludes the film with a reprise of the movie’s main themes.
Beltrami’s score is integral to the movie’s atmosphere, seamlessly blending with the visuals to create a cohesive and impactful cinematic experience.
The Real Story Behind Gods of Egypt: Fact vs. Fiction
While Gods of Egypt is rooted in Egyptian mythology, it takes significant liberties with the original myths to create a more engaging and action-packed narrative. The movie’s portrayal of the gods as towering, larger-than-life beings with supernatural abilities is a creative interpretation rather than a literal representation of ancient Egyptian beliefs.
In reality, Egyptian gods were believed to be powerful but not necessarily physically gigantic beings. The movie also condenses and dramatizes several myths, combining different stories and characters to fit its narrative structure. For example, in Egyptian mythology, Set is indeed a god associated with chaos and disorder, but his rivalry with Horus and the usurpation of the throne are not as straightforward as depicted in the movie.
The relationship between mortals and gods in the film is also more personal and direct than in the myths, where the gods were often distant, and their interactions with humans were more symbolic than literal. The film’s depiction of the afterlife, with its elaborate underworld journey and resurrection, is inspired by Egyptian beliefs but heavily stylized to fit the movie’s fantasy genre.
While Gods of Egypt isn’t a historically accurate retelling of Egyptian mythology, it serves as an entertaining and visually rich interpretation that introduces audiences to the themes and characters of these ancient stories.
Box Office Performance
Gods of Egypt was a highly anticipated release, but its box office performance was ultimately disappointing. The movie had a budget of around $140 million, a significant investment that reflected the film’s ambitious scope and high production values. However, despite the star-studded cast and extensive marketing campaign, the movie struggled to attract a large audience.
Upon its release in February 2016, the film opened to mixed reviews and a modest box office gross. In its opening weekend, Gods of Egypt earned approximately $14 million in the United States, placing second at the box office behind Deadpool. The film’s total domestic gross amounted to just over $31 million, far below its production budget.
Internationally, the movie fared slightly better, bringing in an additional $119 million from overseas markets. This brought the worldwide total to approximately $150 million, which just about covered the production costs but fell short when factoring in marketing expenses. The film’s underwhelming performance at the box office was attributed to several factors, including its release date, competition from other films, and mixed critical reception.
Critics and audiences pointed to the film’s reliance on CGI over practical effects, its uneven pacing, and the controversial casting choices, which sparked discussions about the lack of diversity in the film. Despite these setbacks, Gods of Egypt did manage to gain a cult following over time, with some viewers appreciating its visual spectacle and adventurous spirit, even if it didn’t live up to its box office expectations.
Review: Is It Worth Watching?
Gods of Egypt is a movie that divided audiences and critics alike. On one hand, it offers a visually stunning and action-packed journey into the mythological world of ancient Egypt. The film’s special effects are undeniably impressive, with grandiose depictions of gods, monsters, and otherworldly landscapes that are a feast for the eyes. The movie also boasts a charismatic cast, with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Gerard Butler delivering strong performances as rival gods Horus and Set.
However, the movie’s strengths are often overshadowed by its weaknesses. The plot, while ambitious, is somewhat convoluted, with too many storylines and characters vying for attention. The dialogue is at times clunky, and the pacing can be uneven, with some scenes dragging on while others feel rushed. Additionally, the film’s casting choices drew criticism for lacking authentic representation of Egyptian culture, which detracted from the movie’s credibility and sparked controversy.
Social Media Reviews
Despite its flaws, Gods of Egypt has its share of fans, particularly among those who enjoy fantasy epics with a strong visual component. Here are some social media reviews that reflect the mixed reception:
- @FilmFanatic on Twitter: “Visually stunning but the story could have been tighter. Still, worth a watch if you’re into mythology. #GodsOfEgypt”
- @CinemaLover on Facebook: “Loved the action scenes and the effects, but the story was all over the place. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau was awesome though!”
- @MythologyBuff on Twitter: “Not the most accurate depiction of Egyptian mythology, but it’s a fun ride if you don’t take it too seriously.”
- @CriticCorner on Twitter: “The CGI is top-notch, but the lack of a coherent plot made it hard to stay engaged. It’s a visual treat, but not much else.”
- @MovieGeek on Reddit: “I went in with low expectations, and it was better than I thought! Gerard Butler as Set was a highlight for me.”
- @PopCultureFan on Twitter: “It’s a mixed bag. Some parts are really entertaining, but others are just too cheesy. Still, it’s worth watching for the spectacle.”
- @EgyptHistoryNerd on Facebook: “As an Egyptology enthusiast, I cringed at some of the inaccuracies, but I get that it’s a fantasy movie. The visuals are impressive!”
- @ActionJunkie on Twitter: “If you like non-stop action and don’t mind a bit of a messy plot, you’ll probably enjoy Gods of Egypt. It’s not perfect, but it’s fun.”
- @TheMovieAddict on Instagram: “Mixed feelings about this one. The effects were great, but the story felt lacking. Worth it for the visuals though.”
- @FantasyFreak on Facebook: “It’s not on the same level as Lord of the Rings or Clash of the Titans, but it has its moments. A solid watch for fantasy lovers.”
- @CGILover on Twitter: “Honestly, I just watched it for the CGI. The story wasn’t great, but the visuals made up for it.”
- @Cinephile101 on Reddit: “It’s a popcorn movie. Don’t expect deep storytelling, just enjoy the ride and the eye candy.”
- @CasualViewer on Instagram: “Not the best movie I’ve seen, but not the worst either. It’s entertaining enough for a Friday night.”
- @EpicAdventures on Twitter: “Loved the epic battles and the visuals, but I wish the story was better developed. Still, not a bad watch.”
- @HollywoodHater on Twitter: “This movie is all style and no substance. If you’re into that, go for it. Otherwise, you might want to skip.”
Gods of Egypt vs. Similar Movies
Gods of Egypt vs. Clash of the Titans (2010)
Clash of the Titans is another movie that dives into ancient mythology, though it focuses on Greek rather than Egyptian gods. Like Gods of Egypt, it features larger-than-life deities and epic battles, but Clash of the Titans offers a more cohesive story and better pacing. The visual effects in both movies are comparable, with each boasting impressive CGI, but Clash of the Titans is often seen as the more successful film overall, particularly in its handling of mythological themes and character development.
Gods of Egypt vs. Immortals (2011)
Immortals is another fantasy film that explores ancient myths, this time focusing on the Greek hero Theseus. Like Gods of Egypt, Immortals is visually striking, with a distinct style that sets it apart from other movies in the genre. However, Immortals takes a more serious and dark approach to its subject matter, while Gods of Egypt leans more towards a fantastical and light-hearted tone. Both films received mixed reviews, but Immortals is often praised for its visual creativity and intense action sequences.
Gods of Egypt vs. The Mummy (1999)
The Mummy is a classic adventure film that also draws on Egyptian mythology, though it combines it with elements of horror and comedy. Unlike Gods of Egypt, which takes a more straightforward fantasy approach, The Mummy balances its action with humor and a charismatic lead performance by Brendan Fraser. The Mummy is often seen as more successful in blending different genres and creating a fun, engaging experience for audiences, while Gods of Egypt struggles with its tonal inconsistencies.
Gods of Egypt vs. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is another fantasy adventure film that, like Gods of Egypt, relies heavily on CGI and action sequences. Both films feature a hero on a quest to save the world, but Prince of Persia benefits from a more focused narrative and a stronger connection to its source material (a popular video game). While neither film was a critical darling, Prince of Persia is generally seen as a more cohesive and entertaining film, despite its own flaws.
Gods of Egypt vs. 300 (2006)
300 is a historical fantasy film that, like Gods of Egypt, emphasizes stylized visuals and epic battles. However, 300 is far more successful in its execution, with a tightly crafted narrative and a unique visual style that became iconic. While Gods of Egypt tries to replicate some of the same grandeur, it falls short in terms of storytelling and overall impact. 300 remains a benchmark for how to effectively combine myth, history, and fantasy in a way that resonates with audiences.
Where to Watch/Download Gods of Egypt
If you’re interested in watching Gods of Egypt, there are several options available depending on your location and preferences. The movie is available for streaming on various platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. These services typically require a subscription, but they offer the convenience of watching the movie from the comfort of your home. Additionally, you can rent or purchase the movie through digital platforms like Google Play Movies, YouTube, or Apple iTunes. Prices may vary depending on the platform and whether you choose to rent or buy.
For those who prefer physical media, Gods of Egypt is also available on DVD and Blu-ray, which can be purchased online through retailers like Amazon or found in local stores. The physical editions often come with bonus features like behind-the-scenes footage, commentary from the filmmakers, and deleted scenes, providing additional insight into the making of the movie.
It’s important to note that while downloading movies from unauthorized sources may be tempting, it’s illegal and potentially unsafe. To support the filmmakers and enjoy a high-quality viewing experience, it’s recommended to use legitimate platforms.
Conclusion
Gods of Egypt is a visually ambitious movie that may not have lived up to its box office potential but still offers an entertaining journey into the world of Egyptian mythology. Whether you’re drawn to the stunning CGI, the epic battles, or the mythological themes, there’s something in the movie for fans of fantasy and adventure. While it has its flaws, it’s worth checking out, especially if you enjoy films like Clash of the Titans or Immortals.
For those interested in watching or purchasing the movie, it’s readily available on popular streaming platforms, digital stores, and physical media. By choosing to watch through these legitimate channels, you not only support the creators but also ensure a quality viewing experience.
