Ben-Hur (1959)
Historical/Period/Epic (PG)
Rating: 5/5 Excellent, genius, a classic
Synopsis
Judah Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston) is the leading member of one of the most prominent Jewish families in the Roman province of Judea.
When his childhood best friend Messala (Stephen Boyd) returns after years spent living in Rome, Judah hopes their closeness will resume but Messala is a changed man, a Roman Tribune who has nothing but the Empire in his veins.
He wants Judah to betray his people but turning informant on anyone who us set against Roman rule. He refuses and after loose roof tiles smash near to the horse of the new Governor, nearly killing him, Messala vindictively jails his mother and daughter and condemns Judah to a life as a slave, rowing in the bowls of a galley ship forever.
But destiny has a different idea and Judah will live many different lives before he can return home.
When to see it: Boxing Day, ITV4, 2:45pm. Also, New Year's Day, ITV4, 2:35pm.
Review by @Reelreviewer
A UK Christmas TV staple for many years now, so there's no excuse for anyone over the age of 30 having not seen it.
Unless of course massive, three hours plus-long, sword and sandal epics aren't your cup of tea.
In the title role, Charlton Heston scooped a Best Actor Oscar (one of an impressive 11 Oscars) for his heroic, square-jawed, manly toga wearing and chariot driving, but he bested by newcomer Stephen Boyd, steely and vindictive as Messala, Judah Ben-Hur's blood brother, newly returned and corrupted by the greed and licentiousness of Rome after more than a decade away.
William Wyler keeps a tight reign on the action sequences (the chariot race is still thrilling and takes up a whopping 18 minutes near to the end of the movie) but keeps an eye on the intimate scenes of familial love and friends-turned-foe throughout.
He's helped out by a blessedly literate, poetic script, famously stitched together by umpteen writers over a lengthy pre-production period.
For more, read the full review: http://bit.ly/BenHur1959
Cast & credits
Director: William Wyler. 212 mins. MGM. (PG).
Producer: Sam Zimbalist.
Writers: Karl Tunberg.
Camera: Robert L. Surtees.
Music: Miklos Rozsa.
Sets: Vittorio Valentini.
Charlton Heston, Stephen Boyd, Haya Harareet, Jack Hawkins, Hugh Griffith, Martha Scott, Cathy O”Donnell, Sam Jaffe, Finlay Currie, Frank Thring, Terence Longdon, George Relph.
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