Ben Hur (1959)

1959 • 222 minutes

About this movie

Record-breaking winner of 11 Oscars, including Best Picture, Director, Actor, Supporting Actor, and Score, this epic masterpiece stars Charlton Heston ("The Ten Commandments," "Touch of Evil") in the title role of a rebellious Israelite Jew who takes on the Roman Empire during the time of Christ. Featuring one of the most famous action sequences of all time -- the breathtaking chariot race. Directed by Oscar-winner William Wyler ("Mrs. Miniver," "The Best Years of Our Lives"). Recently selected as one of the top 100 American films of all time by the prestigious American Film Institute.
MPAA Rating: NOTRATED "BEN HUR and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and ©

Ratings and reviews

"Ben Hur" is truly an epic, a movie that is exciting, violent, heartfelt film ever made by William Wyler. The movie tells the story of a Jewish Prince, Judah Ben-Hur, whose life is thrown upside down, when he is betrayed and falsely accused of crimes against the Roman Empire by his childhood friend, Messala. Spending three years as a galley slave, Ben Hur must find, a way to restore himself to high standing and also seeking revenge on his enemies. It is stunning, electric, tense and very exciting. Almost all human sentiments are represented in the movie. The dialogue is concise and very well written. The personal relationship between Ben Hur and Messala in captured and displayed perfectly. The mixture of myth and drama is perfect. The acting is perfect. Charlton Heston delivers a very excellent performance in his role as the title character, Ben Hur. Stephen Boyd is incredible playing as the merciless Messala. Jack Hawkins works very well as Quintus Arrius. Haya Harareet, Martha Scott and everyone else in the cast were all fantastic in their roles. The costumes, props and movie sets are very well made. The cinematography and the landscape are very spectacular. The chariot race was the greatest cinematic achievement in history. From the cavernous arena where the race took place to the breathtaking spectacle of teams of four horses running flat out, this scene is epic and flawless. The experience was simply mesmerizing. Ben-Hur is a classic movie that has stood against the test of time. This is probably one of the greatest films I have ever seen.

Must comment on Bryant and his review.To give this movie 3 stars because of length when it tells you how long and how much time you are given to view the movie before you buy it is crazy. Also even half of this movie is 4 stars. Letterbox is the only way to view especially chariot race.

Mittlerweile bin ich 63 Jahre alt. Ich sah diesen epischen Film, der m.E. doch nah am Roman liegt zum 1. mal mit 13 Jahren. Damals wie auch heute noch bin ich einfach überzeugt, dass dies der beste Film aller Zeiten ist. Ich nannte unsere Tochter, die ich 1999 zur Welt brachte nach der Sklavin Esther. Diese Geschichte hat mich derart berührt, dass ich selbst auch sogar wieder zum Glauben fand! Mega, super!