Amazon.com essential video: William Wyler (Wuthering Heights) had directing duties on most of this 1959 version of the story by Lew Wallace, starring Charlton Heston as the Jewish friend of a Roman (Stephen Boyd), who inevitably become enemies during the time of Christ. Stodgy but engrossing, the film has never lost its initial value as an ambitious and entertaining historical epic. Heston looks at home against the broad canvas, which leads through days of slavery, loss, and triumph. Andrew Marton directed the climactic chariot-race scene, a triumph of kinetic action and great editing. --Tom Keogh
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - one of the greatest stunts in film!
The story of a prominent and wealthy Jewish family, whose feud with a Roman friend nearly destroys them. An extremely emotional story against the backdrop of the birth and crucifixion of Jesus Christ is one of the greatest epics ever filmed. The chariot race is one of the most impressive and longest action pieces I've ever seen! That sequence alone takes the film out of the realm of greatness into an outstanding piece of visual cinema!
Rating: - The Best.
Whenever you hear the phrase "of epic proportions", you think of Ben-Hur. Everything about it is epic, from the soundtrack, to the sets, to the costumes to the excellent acting from every single character. Bottom line, it is by far the greatest movie ever made. I won't say any more because I don't want to ruin it for anyone who has not yet seen this wonderful masterpiece.
Rating: - The essence of well-done cinema
The very definition of an epic film. Grand, sweeping, yet intelligent, touching and intricate. Exquisite acting performances by Heston and Boyd; lush sets; impressive music. A timeless classic.
This is the best American movie ever made. Everything is done superbly. Great story, outstanding acting, fantastic picture made with 65mm cameras, masterful music score. It is hard to find anything bad about this movie.
Aspect ratio of this movie is incredible 2.76:1. On standard 4:3 TV black bars will occupy more space than the movie itself. This method creates spectacular panoramic shots which is important for epic movies with great action scenes.
Chariot race is one of the best action sequences ever shot in a movie. ... Read More
Rating: - Classic
Ben-Hur is an epic tale of childhood friends who ended up on opposite sides of a very harsh line in the time of Christ. The movie is an undeniable classic, and epic in every way. Fun to watch, powerful, touching at times - a must see!
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