"Ben Hur" Too good to be true

Rating: 10/10 (15 January 2006)

This Oscar winning best film of 1959 is outstanding.
It details the beginnings of the Christian religion through the eyes of Judah Ben-Hur, Charlton Heston, and his family.
While the Romans occupied Judea, Heston has built a strong friendship with Roman centurion, Massala, played in a memorable vicious performance by the late Stephen Boyd.
When a loose rock from Ben-Hur's house accidentally falls on a Roman, Massala condemns the family. He had begged Judah to throw his lot in with the Romans. Condemning his friend will throw fear into everyone since if he could do this to his best friend, anything is possible.
While his mother and sister are sent to the dungeons and ultimately develop leprosy, Judah becomes a slave on a ship. Ultimately, saving the Roman head (Jack Hawkins), Judah returns from Rome and seeks revenge on Massala.
The chariot race is the ultimate event. It is staged with an excellence beyond belief. Massala is ultimately killed and Judah will find his mother and sister in the leper colony. Their ultimate cure at the time of the crucifixion of Christ is memorable.
The silent film "Ben-Hur," ended with Ben-Hur's conversion to Christianity from Judaism. Director William Wyler wisely chose not to do this.
The supporting cast members of Haya Harareet and Sam Jaffe are terrific. As the sheik, Hugh Griffith was named best supporting actor. I can't believe this was done. Stephen Boyd should have been nominated here instead and should have been the winner.
Heston deservedly won the best actor award.
A wonderful gripping film.