Review of Ben-Hur (1959) by The Critic ( — 30 Jul 2012
Decades after its original release, one of the silver screen's biggest spectacles still holds up very well. Despite being unnecessarily/ridiculously overlong (more than three-and-a-half hours!), the journey of Judea Ben-Hur from harsh slavery to contentment is played out with dramatic strength by Charlton Heston, though the striking Stephen Boyd as his childhood friend and former lover Messala often overshadows the title character.
There are numerous examples of grandeur here (the sets are simply breathtaking and, it goes without saying, the chariot race is simply brilliant), but it's the simpler aspects of this film which are arguable the most effective; Messala's loving gaze upon Ben-Hur which ultimately turns to rivalry, the protagonist's interactions with Jesus Christ, and the lovely moments between his family are all rewarding to watch.
A defining moment in big-screen epics. Has there been anything bigger than 'Ben-Hur'?
This review of Ben-Hur (1959) was written by The Critic ( on 30 Jul 2012.
Ben-Hur has generally received very positive reviews.
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