A Colossal Monument

Rating: 9/10 (24 October 2001)

Ben Hur has entered into the mythology of film-making. More than forty years on it still remains a magnificent achievement, overshadowing all other epics to date. Without the technology of today, without all those special effects cooked up on computers, William Wyler's great classic is unstoppable. Barely 16 when I first saw it, and just turning fifty when I last saw it: my reaction has not changed one little bit. It goes on being captivating, astounding, brilliant story-telling, fabulously filmed, artistically directed and acted, an enthralling colossal monument.
And as for the famous chariot race there is nothing new I can add. Even today it is probably the most brilliant piece of filming ever carried out anywhere. It just does not last long enough! It still today ties my heart up in a tight fist and I stop breathing. Nothing is comparable.
I have never given a ten out of ten to any film, but surely this is one that gets very very near. Oh, by the way - the book is pretty good, too.