Powerful Drama with Excitement and Spectacle!

Rating: 9/10 (22 May 2007)

Judah Ben-Hur as only Charlton Heston could play it. This role was made for him. This film grabs your interest and plays on your heart strings. I always say that good music in a movie can make even a mediocre film good, and the music in this film is inspiring, haunting but at the same time beautiful. The script is dynamic, the acting superb and the gentle love and kindness of Jesus is contrasted nicely with the cold and callous times of Roman domination. The horror of leprosy is startlingly portrayed as the audience is mercilessly dealt a strong dose of Roman cruelty through the machinations of Messala (Stephen Boyd). The battle at sea is mesmerizing and thrilling and the chariot race is heart-stopping action rendering you breathless (especially on a big screen in the theatre). The bond of family is warmly told through a son's love for his sister and mother. The love of loyal friends and romantic love is also beautifully portrayed giving rise to the great musical love theme. Ben-Hur is adopted as the Roman Consul's son (played by Jack Hawkins) after saving his life in a sea battle with Macedonian pirates, giving rise to one of the many great lines in the movie - "In his eagerness to save you, 41, your God has also saved the Roman fleet." The sets are stupendous and the colour cinematography is astounding. They just don't make films like this anymore because they don't know how to and they simply can't afford it. Buy this film to own and learn from this tale. To put your faith in something bigger than yourself is the key to life itself!