Review of Ben-Hur (1959) by Vincent S — 17 May 2016
Epic masterpiece that holds up as one of the best films ever made and an example of the kind of movies Hollywood doesn't make anymore. Charleton Heston gives the performance of his career as Ben-Hur, feeling the screen with his presence on his quest for revenge.
He is ably surrounded by a great supporting cast, with Hugh Griffith giving a stealing scenes in his Oscar winning performance as Sheik Idirum, the chariot horse owner who has a plays a pivotal role in Ben-Hur's quest.
Behind the camera, Wyler directs a truly epic movie, made more astounding today since this was a time before major visual effects or CGI. As a result, both the epic sea battle & the classic chariot race (to date, still one of the greatest action sequences in cinema history) are even more brilliant.
Plus, he expertly follows Lew Wallace's classic novel, intersecting with the life of Jesus & showing the futility of Ben-Hur's desire for revenge. The kind of films they just don't make anymore but you are glad Hollywood did at the time.
This review of Ben-Hur (1959) was written by Vincent S on 17 May 2016.
Ben-Hur has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
