" The Race Continues Judah ! "

Rating: 8/10 (31 October 2006)

"Ben Hur" is one of the classic epic spectaculars so common back in the 50's and early 60's and ranks among the best along with "Quo Vadis", "The Ten Commandments", "Spartacus", "El Cid" and some other. But which one is "the" best? They're all very good films so number 1 will depend on each one's personal preference; perhaps "Spartacus" is the top one for me, but a different choice couldn't be questioned.
No doubt William Wyler was a very competent director and he succeeds in delivering a most enjoying, interesting, touching and powerful picture that deals with love, friendship, loyalty, treason, revenge and religious faith.
Perhaps the most remembered moment of film is the impressive chariot's race in a time where computers were not around and stunts risked their physical integrity to make things believable for us. Great music too that goes along with the sense of greatness the picture transmits. In my opinion the last part when Judah searches for his mother and sister is perhaps a bit slow, but it doesn't hurt the film.
Charlton Heston renders an intense performance as Judah Ben Hur with outstanding moments in the role around which the whole film is built. Jack Hawkins shows the necessary dignity as Quintus Arrius the Roman consul that adopts Heston and gives him his name and status. Hugh Griffith won a most deserved Oscar as Arab sheik Ilderim the man who convinces Judah to face Messala in the race ("... there's no law in the arena"). Stehphen Boyd renders what is perhaps his best performance ever as Messala the childhood friend of Judah that becomes his sworn enemy just for ambition and fights him fiercely (his final sequence after the race is outstanding if not brilliant). The accurate supporting cast includes Martha Scott and Cathy O'Donnell (as Heston's mother and sister), Sam Jaffe (good old Gunga Din), Finlay Currie and Australian actor Frank Thring a regular villain in costume epics back then ("The Vikings", "El Cid", "King of Kings") here in a more sympathetic role as Poncious Pilate.
An excellent piece of cinema or even more considering it was made more than 45 years ago. Once again: they don't make films like this one anymore.