Ben Hur,an image of the Christ?

Rating: Null/10 (30 March 2003)

During this expansive (in time and space) story,in view of the title aka "A tale of he Christ"one might ask oneself whether Judah Ben Hur's is a token of Christ's life on earth. Thus: he rejects the benefits offered by Messala for compliance with Rome; a type of the Last Temptation on the Mount:"all this will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me". He endures humiliation,flogging and other punishments unjustly. He acts as an human savior in rescuing other galley slaves as well as a harsh overseer. He is given drink by the Christ while on a killing trek from prison to the galleys. At risk to himself he pursues and embraces his long lost(during his 3 years as a galley slave)family now wracked with leprosy resulting from incarceration. Twice again he refuses acknowledgement of Rome to his stepfather and to Pontius Pilate. There is a contest with Messala, who realistically represents Satan,and overcomes him,witnesses the Via Dolorosa and the Crucifixion,the following storm and earthquake,when his two sisters are miraculously healed.
In this film we see Imperial Rome as civilized barbarians in all its brutal splendor.The background for the chariot race are quite out of place for Jerusalem,as is much of the scenery,where with the crowd and Pilate it would be appropriate for the Circus Maximus in Rome.
All the same this is without doubt an extremely thought-provoking and inspiring film,and it deserved all the honors and Oscars bestowed upon it.