What a spectacle!

Rating: 10/10 (12 April 2009)

Possibly the most sweeping epic ever to hit the screen, the 1959 "Ben-Hur" came by its 11 Oscars and 12 nominations honestly. It's truly a magnificent film, beautifully acted and directed by William Wyler.
While working on the film, Wyler informed Charlton Heston that his performance wasn't good enough. When Heston asked what he could do, Wyler said, "I don't know, but you have to do better." He did. A controversial figure in real life, Heston nonetheless handed in some excellent performances in his reel life. This is his best, and he's matched by Stephen Boyd, an Irish actor who died too young. Other actors in the film include Sam Jaffe, Jack Hawkins, Hugh Griffith, Martha Scott, and Cathy O'Donnell.
I'm not going to re-tell the story, just say that the spectacle of Ben-Hur is overwhelming, particularly the chariot race and the battle at sea. I consider myself a spiritual person, so needless to say, I found the story extremely moving, particularly the last hour.
Exquisitely scored by Miklos Rosza, magnificently photographed and acted, perfectly directed by Wyler, with the chariot sequences directed by Yakima Canutt, and a sweeping story, "Ben-Hur" is not to be missed, especially around Easter, when its story of forgiveness and redemption is a perfect fit for the holiday.