Review of Ben-Hur (1959) by Russ B — 21 Nov 2010
A grand, spectacular, beautiful film to take home the Academy Award for Best Picture (a vast improvement over the previous year's winner). "Ben-Hur" is one of William Wyler's crowning achievements.
There are some scene of utter magnificence, particularly the war scene among the ships, in which Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston) is held prisoner, rowing intensely with many other inmates, perhaps also wrongfully imprisoned; and the exhilirating chariot race scene.
Fine performances, in addition to Heston's, include Griffith's, Hawkin's, Harareet's, and Boyd's. The special effects, set pieces, scenery, and cinematography are superb. In comparison to the Best Picture winning epic three years later, "Lawrence of Arabia," I prefer "Ben-Hur" over it, because of the exciting and very interesting plot.
Ben-Hur is a great Best Picture to end the 1950's, though quite long.
This review of Ben-Hur (1959) was written by Russ B on 21 Nov 2010.
Ben-Hur has generally received very positive reviews.
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