One of the Greatest Epics of All Time

Rating: 10/10 (2 April 2010)

Ben-Hur promulgates itself to prominence with stunning visuals and astounding vistas. The entire film exceeds expectations in every aspect possible. Director William Wyler makes an indelible impression as one of the greatest directors of all time. His ability to hold the audience through a runtime of 222 minutes on screen is laudable. He delivers a paradigm for future generations to acquire inspiration from by setting an exemplary display of magnificent film-making techniques and mingling the frames with epic, beautiful Technicolor. Charlton Heston has held few of the most acclaimed and successful films of all time in the history of cinema including The Ten Commandments, The Greatest Show on Earth & Planet of the Apes. Ben-Hur proves to be his most praised performance of all, which also rendered him with the coveted Oscar. But without a doubt, he deserved it. Every actor blends in with his or her role exceptionally. There is not a chance where a replacement could have done better. I have a penchant for great Background Score, and I'm sure everyone does. Miklos Rozsa provides the most poignant score I've ever heard. I cannot presume I have heard a better score than this in my life so far. This earned him an Oscar which was indeed a deserving accolade.
The film is a Rome-Set environment, which makes every frame of every scene look like a million dollars, which, of course, is rendered elegant and opulent with Technicolor. It begins with a Roman tribune, Messala, being sent to subjugate a province of Judaea which once was under the peaceful rule of The House of Hur, inherited by Prince Ben-Hur, before it was invaded by Roman legions. Messala and Ben-Hur, once childhood friends, reunite only to end up in a rift resulting from incomprehension of patriotism and misconception of treason. This leads to animosity as a minor accident impels Messala to take advantage of the situation and condemn the Hur family to confinement and possibly slavery. Ben-Hur is sent to the Galleys to serve. The subplot between him and Jesus begins here when he, deprived of strength and will, is reinvigorated after a heartfelt call to God for help. A brilliant depiction of faith and answer. The story continues in the galleys, where a tremendous battle scene is filmed with warships. The chemistry between Quintus Arrius and Ben-Hur is commendable. His conjecture of Ben-Hur's personality, and his intuit of his younger self in him force him to unchain Ben-Hur at the time of battle, which further leads to his escape. Returning the favor, Ben-Hur saves Quintus from the sea and shows him to glory of victory, which he could have missed if succeeded in incessant endeavors of suicide, which Ben-Hur thwarted. Quintus names him his heir and adopts him as his son. But Ben-Hur's return to his land is inevitable.
He returns to Judaea in search for his mother and sister, which brings him face to face with his enemy, once friend, Messala. But the bitter truth revealed to him by the love of his life leaves him vindictive. And then comes the epic, most marvelous, never before or after seen on screen – THE CHARIOT RACE. The most pungent 9 minutes on screen ensue. This was the highlight of the film, and undoubtedly it was the most flawless, most realistic, most believable and unbelievable race I've ever seen. Following the race is the demise of Messala, and divulgence of Ben-Hur's mother and sister's existence. The valley of lepers is seldom visited, but Ben-Hur is drawn to it because of his love for his family. And then follows the greatest monologue; I'm Thirsty Still. But the enlightening and edifying words of Jesus leaves Esther, Ben-Hur's love, in awe and oblivious of the adverse effects, and without hesitation she decides to save his mother and sister. The fear of leprosy fades from their minds as they both bring the lepers out into the city and to the path where Procession to Calvary is in progress. And so Ben-Hur lifelong burden is relieved when he offers Jesus a drink of water. The conclusion brings hope and faith to all hearts as Ben-Hur's mother and sister are healed by the blood of Christ which flows from his Cross. And finally THE END to a compelling story which will set a higher, inimitable level of film-making in Hollywood.
11 Oscars in total, for the first time, proclaim the grandeur of this Film. Altogether an experience of a lifetime, which cannot be missed. My rating 10/10. If you haven't seen it, I'd say you are missing the greatness Hollywood claims to instill. Recommended to all movie lovers.