A Must See for Everyone

Rating: Null/10 (8 September 1999)

This film is an obvious masterpiece, a real golden age cinematic extravaganza. It was the third remake, but of course the best. And it was showered with academy awards back when they actually meant something. Charleton Heston immortalized himself as the finest screen actor of the 20th century here, and this was his greatest role (even though The Greatest Show on Earth, The Ten Commandments, and of course Planet of the Apes are terrific as well).
Stephen Boyd was superb as the friend turned archfoe Messala, and Jack Hawkins was brilliant as Quintus Arrius, Judah's slavemaster turned savior. The drama, action, scenery, cinematography, and characters were truly breathtaking from start to finish, even by today's standards. Of course no expense was spared to deliver realistic looking Roman ocean battle scenes and chariot races, which are the finest points in this finest of films. And the courage and humanity is so marvelously conveyed throughout, from when Judah is saved from collapse in the desert by a water serving Jesus, to his miraculous escape from death aboard a Roman Galley ship.

Obviously I loved this film, but don't take my word for it. See it on network tv or borrow it from your local library. Its probably better to see it on tape because you can take breaks from its 3 1/2 hour length. Not too campy for adults, and not too dramatic for children, its perfect for all ages.