Ben-Hur (1959)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Jeff "

  
  William Wyler's Ben-Hur is one of the greatest epics in cinematic history. The film changed the medium forever and is a stunning accomplishment in film. Ben-Hur is a masterful piece of cinema that combines action and drama. The performances delivered by the actors are flawless… More
  William Wyler's Ben-Hur is one of the greatest epics in cinematic history. The film changed the medium forever and is a stunning accomplishment in film. Ben-Hur is a masterful piece of cinema that combines action and drama. The performances delivered by the actors are flawless and the film is powerful, exciting and of course epic in scope. The film is complimented with flawless acting and a grand musical score that adds so much atmosphere and elevates the tone of the picture. Charlton Heston delivers one of his greatest performances and is also one of the most iconic performances in cinematic history. William Wyler's directing is solid, and he tells an effective story that is slow to unfold, but is necessary. Wyler effectively plots a solid film that steadily builds up to a great climax. The cast here is brilliant. actors Charlton Heston as the title character and Stephen Boyd as Messala, Ben-Hur's friend that betrays him are great in their respective roles. The rest of the cast are great as well. Ben-Hur has some of the most iconic scenes ever put on film. Most notably the chariot race, which is a behemoth of excitement and superbly well staged, and is one of the most iconic scenes in Ben-Hur, not to mention in cinematic history. Ben-Hur is a film that is grand, epic and too big for words. This is an exciting, well acted film. Though Ben-Hur has some religious overtones, it doesn't overdo it, and it manages to be fairly limited in its content. The film is a standout piece of cinema that blends drama and action beautifully and will satisfy people who enjoy grand cinematic epics. Ben-Hur remains the film of which all grand sword and sandal epics are judged upon. With a great cast, a majestic score, stellar action and dramatic sequences, Ben-Hur's place in the cinematic medium is assured. A stunning, beautifully directed film that still has the power to capture your imagination fifty years after its release. This is a TRUE epic of cinema, and a film that shaped the cinematic medium forever.

• Jens S

  
  The word monumental has been invented for this film. Larger than life sets, huge amounts of extras, gigantic matte paintings, a big orchestral score, everything about this film is gargantuan. The birth and death of Christ works as frame for Ben Hur's personal story of betrayal… More
  The word monumental has been invented for this film. Larger than life sets, huge amounts of extras, gigantic matte paintings, a big orchestral score, everything about this film is gargantuan. The birth and death of Christ works as frame for Ben Hur's personal story of betrayal and revenge. Of course the Christian message may look a bit naive from today's point of view, in the film's logic it makes total sense and even wonders seem entirely plausible. The highlight of the film, the class chariot race, is still one of the most spectacular action sequences because you can see how real it was filmed. An enthralling, atmospheric, impressive tale that deserves its spot in movie history.

• Carlos M

  
  Even though Charlton Heston is a terrible actor, Ben-Hur will always be remembered as a spectacular epic that boasts an astonishing production design, breathtaking cinematography and exhilarating action scenes. It is only a pity though that the focus of the story is shifted from Juda… More
  Even though Charlton Heston is a terrible actor, Ben-Hur will always be remembered as a spectacular epic that boasts an astonishing production design, breathtaking cinematography and exhilarating action scenes. It is only a pity though that the focus of the story is shifted from Juda to the Messiah in the last act, turning into a preachy religious movie and losing some of its power in a hallelujah ending.

• Raymond W

  
  Epic in scope, and a spectacle to behold, Ben-Hur is a defining classic of modern cinema with lavish sets and production design. It's uneven, the music (although excellent) was too overpowering, and the acting all the same (except for Hugh Griffith who was by far the best), but… More
  Epic in scope, and a spectacle to behold, Ben-Hur is a defining classic of modern cinema with lavish sets and production design. It's uneven, the music (although excellent) was too overpowering, and the acting all the same (except for Hugh Griffith who was by far the best), but Ben-Hur still manages to thrill, awe, and entertain.

• Brad W

  
  All time classic. A true must watch from everyone.

• AJ V

  
  This is an incredible movie, a remake, I know, and I'd love to see the original, but Heston is really good in this movie, and the story is epic. This movie is a classic, check it out.

• Jason L

  
  'Ben Hur' still proves to be a milestone in filmaking. It is beautifully directed, acted, simply beautiful. The music: Every few minutes the music that one the big oscar shone through. It helped to tell the story, and it alone was its own art. 95/100 The acting: It… More
  'Ben Hur' still proves to be a milestone in filmaking. It is beautifully directed, acted, simply beautiful. The music: Every few minutes the music that one the big oscar shone through. It helped to tell the story, and it alone was its own art. 95/100 The acting: It was not something spectacular, but considering the time it was made, it was beautiful. The characters gave us a feeling of actually being there. 90/100 The directing: The directing was practically flawless. It was filled with wonderful macabre touches, and I felt William Wyer's had outdone himself. 96/100 Story/ Plot: The plot is so extremely intricate, that even if you don't like it, you can't help but admire it. It has polished details that you could tell took time to form. 85/100 Art Direction: The layouts and backdrops of every scene were spectacles to behold. They nailed the touches to create the feel of actually being in Rome and Jerusalem. 85/100 My favorite parts: Although it can be a bit tiring at times and you'll sometimes feel bored, it is worth it when in some scenes you feel the suspense, drama, and tension you feel between the characters. 85/100 Overall: Overall, Ben- Hur is an amazing epic that will be remembered as one of the greatest movies of all times. It is beautifully done, perfectly suspenseful, and entertainment at it's best. 90.7/100

• Thomas B

  
  An amazing journey. Full review later

• Tim S

  
  Marvellously epic. I was worried that the 4 hour timespan would prove boring. Alas, that is not the case. Never once was I bored. :)

• Jon L

  
  To sum this film up in one word, it would be "Epic". I was blown away with how good this film was shot, as well as how it was written. The original story is ingenious and puts a different perspective on the bible, which very few if any have had the courage to do. This… More
  To sum this film up in one word, it would be "Epic". I was blown away with how good this film was shot, as well as how it was written. The original story is ingenious and puts a different perspective on the bible, which very few if any have had the courage to do. This movie takes that story and builds a great film out of it. I did not know that this was the 3rd rendition of the Ben-Hur story, but I would now love to take a look at the others. Watching this is a sobering reminder of what Christ did for us and how he can, and does use anyone for his purpose, regardless of how useful they might feel they are. We are an integral part of his plan for our lives, weather we want to believe it or not. Everyone should see this film.

• Mike S

  
  Biblical movies are usually something I avoid, as they are of little or no interest to me, but I had read so many positive things about this film that I just had to see it for myself. And it is indeed as impressive as they say. The story itself is quite enthralling, and altough… More
  Biblical movies are usually something I avoid, as they are of little or no interest to me, but I had read so many positive things about this film that I just had to see it for myself. And it is indeed as impressive as they say. The story itself is quite enthralling, and altough featuring some scenes with Jesus Christ, it doesn't go overboard with the religious themes and can be enjoyed whether you are a Christian or not. What I liked most about it, however, was its epic and lavish scale, accompanied by an equally grand music score. In other words, plenty of candy for both the eyes and ears. So don't be detered by its long running time, because despite having a plot that takes as long as nearly four hours to be told, you'll find that it's not without reason that they call it a mile stone in cinematic history.

• First L

  
  Charlton Heston stars as Judah Ben Hur, a rich jewish prince in the time of Christ in this epic 4 hour drama. His childhood friend Messala, has become a rather important figure in the Roman army and is now in charge of policing the land Judah's family once ruled. When Judah Ben… More
  Charlton Heston stars as Judah Ben Hur, a rich jewish prince in the time of Christ in this epic 4 hour drama. His childhood friend Messala, has become a rather important figure in the Roman army and is now in charge of policing the land Judah's family once ruled. When Judah Ben Hur accidentally knocks some shingles off the roof and onto the passing governor, he's condemned by Messala (to set an example) to be a galley slave and his mother and sister are imprisoned. Ben Hur saves the galley captain's life and the two of them are returned to Rome victorious. The man he saved adopts him and makes him wealthy again. When he returns home for his mother and sister and finds them in prison, he threatens Messala (who has a cleft in his chin you could park your bicycle in) with destruction if he does not free them. Unfortunately, as the jailor frees them, he says "Japus!" (I rewound it and listened to it twice, he says japus. Japus? Japus.). Not "japus", "lepers"! Ahhh... they sound nothing alike. Anyway, yes, Ben Hur's family are now lepers. This leads to the "big game", er chariot race (which features some pretty amazing stunt work, by the way). Messala's fervant hatred of Ben Hur is never explained. Sure, Judah wouldn't play ball with the Romans and turn in the jews who might be disloyal to the empire, but surely Messala wasn't so loyal that he would take it so personallly. His hatred of Judah is almost completely irrational. I've seen so many parodies of this movie without having seen the original, everyone from Mel Brooks to John Candy has done a gag or skit about this movie. And while the nearly 4 hour running length is too long, it's a good sidebar to the story of Christ.

• Chris W

  
  Twenty years after Gone with the Wind set the record for most Oscars won (10), this film came along and bested it by earning one more. This is one of the giants of the 'Old Hollywood' style epics, and well-deserving of the praise it gets as well as it's status as a… More
  Twenty years after Gone with the Wind set the record for most Oscars won (10), this film came along and bested it by earning one more. This is one of the giants of the 'Old Hollywood' style epics, and well-deserving of the praise it gets as well as it's status as a classic. True, it drags at times, but the film is rich with great themes and religious subtext, giving it some redeeming values. The chariot race, to this day, STILL holds up as one of the greatest action sequences committed to film. I wish more films nowadays could be made like these old school epics, instead of being CGI'd to death.

• Pierluigi P

  
  The mammoth of cinema that squashed for good the then rising menace of television, proclaiming its superiority in every scale. An astonishing, lavish, gigantic display of entertainment and dramatic intensity. Also the biggest winner of Academy Awards, when they meant something.

• danny d

  
  one of the great epics of all time. re-watchability is effected by its 3 1/2 hour length, but other than this the film is nearly perfect. the chariot race is a stagering feat, the performances, locations, and cinematography are astounding, and the story is inspiring. great… More
  one of the great epics of all time. re-watchability is effected by its 3 1/2 hour length, but other than this the film is nearly perfect. the chariot race is a stagering feat, the performances, locations, and cinematography are astounding, and the story is inspiring. great reverence is paid to Christ in making him voiceless and faceless and the imagery of his death bringing life is perfectly painted. worthy of its 11 oscars, this film is wonderful.

• Mark H

  
  Classic.

• Jennifer X

  
  Freaking cinematic masterpiece. William Wyler is unparalleled.

• xGary X

  
  Charlton Heston stars in this classic historical epic as a jewish prince betrayed and condemned to death by a Roman tribune. It's one of his defining performances and he charismatically heads a great supporting cast in a well written if overlong tale of revenge and redemption. It… More
  Charlton Heston stars in this classic historical epic as a jewish prince betrayed and condemned to death by a Roman tribune. It's one of his defining performances and he charismatically heads a great supporting cast in a well written if overlong tale of revenge and redemption. It takes a little too long to get going, and the subplot involving his mother and sister is melodramatic nonsense, but when Chuck is on the warpath it's great, and the chariot race is a scene every movie lover should see. Not as good as Spartacus, but still one of the best examples of the genre.

• moon r

  
  a sword and sandal epic intended to begger than your measly little life...which it almost manages. dadgumit! heston takes himself too seriously once again while real he-men sweat profusely nearby...and then we ride the horseys!

• Mister C

  
  The title says it all. A Epic within itself and it shows in the performances of Charlton Heston and Stephen Boyd. The winner of 11 Oscars including Best Picture.

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