Review of Ben-Hur (1959) by Adam C — 04 Mar 2010

Classic epic. Slow-moving for 3 1/2 hours. The movie takes a lot of time to establish the story and one thing I couldn't help but think as I watched this film was that I could trim at least 20-30 minutes from this film -- including the 10-minute opening overture and intermission.

But the cinematography, the staging of scenes, elaborate costume design, film locations, the managing of the extras, the choreography (if you will) of fights, the rowing of the war ships and the chariot race... this film was very well done for its time.

Of course the budget was astronomical.