William Wyler's Biblical epic masterpiece...score: 9 (out of 10)

Rating: Null/10 (16 August 1999)

Winner of 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. "Ben-Hur" is probably one of the most exciting Biblical films in cinema history. Charlton Heston (Best Actor Oscar) delivers a tour de force performance as Judah Ben-Hur, the rebellious Jewish common man at the time of Christ. The story begins when Judah's best friend, the proud Roman Messalah, tries to persuade him to thwart any Jewish uprisings in Judea. When Messalah fears that Judah is a conspirator toward Rome, he forces Judah into slavery and his mother and sister into prison. Thus, Judah begins a long journey to locate his family and restore their dignity. The chariot race scene is impressive, but look closely for Heston's double. Score: 9 (out of 10).