The Epitome of The Epic

Rating: 10/10 (8 November 2011)

When I saw this film at the age of fifteen it flew over my head. It was just a little to much to take in. When people would ask me about it I would simply tell them it was one of the classics. Now that my mind can digest the majesty of this film I'm here to tell you that it is a tremendous achievement in film regardless of its age. The movie starts out with the accomplished Roman military leader Messallah returning to Judeah to stamp down Roman law upon the land. We find out soon that he lived in Judeah as a child and was friends with one Judah Ben-Hur who is an aristocrat that has great hope and pride in the future of his people. When the two reunite they see the difference in their views and things quickly fall to pieces. Thats all i will give for the plot. It is a complex and lengthy journey that is both thought provoking and magnificent to behold. Keep in mind when you watch the chariot race that all the footage was shot on the set. This was before visual effects could be effectively applied to add to the realism of big action scenes like this. The score is perhaps the best facet of the film still standing as one of the most celebrated scores of all time. In my top five this is at the top of the list. Don't let the length scare you away. Breath it in and you won't be disappointed.