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Charlton Heston, Stephen Boyd, Jack Hawkins, Haya Harareet, Hugh Griffith ... see more see more... , Sam Jaffe , Martha Scott , Cathy O'Donnell , Finlay Currie , Frank Thring , Terence Longdon , André Morell , Marina Berti , George Relph , Adi Berber , Stella Vitelleschi , José Greci , Laurence Payne , John Horsley , Richard Coleman , Duncan Lamont , Ralph Truman , Richard Hale , David Davies , Dervis Ward , Mino Doro , Robert Brown , Maxwell Shaw , Emilio Carrer , Tutte Lemkow , Howard Lang , John Le Mesurier , Stevenson Lang , Hector Ross , Al Silvani , Enzo Fiermonte , Tiberio Mitri , Pietro Tordi , Jerry Brown , Cliff Lyons , Joe Yrigoyen , Joe Canutt , Ferdinand "Ferdy" Mayne , Michael Dugan , John Glen , Karl Tunberg , Reginald Lal Singh , Raimondo Van Riel , John Zaccaro , Aldo Silvani

Record-breaking winner of 11 Oscars, including Best Picture, Director, Actor, Supporting Actor, and Score, this epic masterpiece stars Charlton Heston ("The Ten Commandments," "Touch of Evil") in the ... read more read more...title role of a rebellious Israelite Jew who takes on the Roman Empire during the time of Christ. Featuring one of the most famous action sequences of all time -- the breathtaking chariot race. Directed by Oscar-winner William Wyler ("Mrs. Miniver," "The Best Years of Our Lives"). Recently selected as one of the top 100 American films of all time by the prestigious American Film Institute.

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81% liked it

98,507 ratings

Critics

89% liked it

35 critics

G, 3 hr. 42 min.

Directed by: William Wyler

Release Date: November 18, 1959

Keywords: epic

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DVD Release Date: September 13, 2005

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Stats: 4,589 reviews

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Charlton Heston in Ben-Hur Hugh Griffith in Ben-Hur Ben-Hur Stephen Boyd in Ben-Hur Charlton Heston, Fraser Heston and Jack Hawkins Ben-Hur Charlton Heston and Haya Harareet Ben-Hur Charlton Heston, Stephen Boyd and William Wyler Hugh Griffith in Ben-Hur Ben-Hur Charles Heston with Oscar for Ben-Hur ben-hur Hugh Griffith & Charlton Heston in Ben-Hur Charlton Heston holding Oscar with Susan Hayward Ramon Novarro
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Flixster Reviews (4,589)

  • TheDudeLebowski65
    November 19, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    William Wyler's Ben-Hur is one of the greatest epics in cinematic history. The film changed the medium forever and is a stunning accomplishment in film. Ben-Hur is a masterful piece of cinema that combines action and drama. The performances delivered by the actors are flawless an... read mored the film is powerful, exciting and of course epic in scope. The film is complimented with flawless acting and a grand musical score that adds so much atmosphere and elevates the tone of the picture. Charlton Heston delivers one of his greatest performances and is also one of the most iconic performances in cinematic history. William Wyler's directing is solid, and he tells an effective story that is slow to unfold, but is necessary. Wyler effectively plots a solid film that steadily builds up to a great climax. The cast here is brilliant. actors Charlton Heston as the title character and Stephen Boyd as Messala, Ben-Hur's friend that betrays him are great in their respective roles. The rest of the cast are great as well. Ben-Hur has some of the most iconic scenes ever put on film. Most notably the chariot race, which is a behemoth of excitement and superbly well staged, and is one of the most iconic scenes in Ben-Hur, not to mention in cinematic history. Ben-Hur is a film that is grand, epic and too big for words. This is an exciting, well acted film. Though Ben-Hur has some religious overtones, it doesn't overdo it, and it manages to be fairly limited in its content. The film is a standout piece of cinema that blends drama and action beautifully and will satisfy people who enjoy grand cinematic epics. Ben-Hur remains the film of which all grand sword and sandal epics are judged upon. With a great cast, a majestic score, stellar action and dramatic sequences, Ben-Hur's place in the cinematic medium is assured. A stunning, beautifully directed film that still has the power to capture your imagination fifty years after its release. This is a TRUE epic of cinema, and a film that shaped the cinematic medium forever.
  • ironclad1609
    November 2, 2011
    ironclad1609
    The word monumental has been invented for this film. Larger than life sets, huge amounts of extras, gigantic matte paintings, a big orchestral score, everything about this film is gargantuan. The birth and death of Christ works as frame for Ben Hur's personal story of betrayal an... read mored revenge. Of course the Christian message may look a bit naive from today's point of view, in the film's logic it makes total sense and even wonders seem entirely plausible. The highlight of the film, the class chariot race, is still one of the most spectacular action sequences because you can see how real it was filmed. An enthralling, atmospheric, impressive tale that deserves its spot in movie history.
  • blacksheepboy
    October 6, 2011
    blacksheepboy
    Even though Charlton Heston is a terrible actor, Ben-Hur will always be remembered as a spectacular epic that boasts an astonishing production design, breathtaking cinematography and exhilarating action scenes. It is only a pity though that the focus of the story is shifted from ... read moreJuda to the Messiah in the last act, turning into a preachy religious movie and losing some of its power in a hallelujah ending.
  • fb701560354
    October 2, 2011
    fb701560354
    Epic in scope, and a spectacle to behold, Ben-Hur is a defining classic of modern cinema with lavish sets and production design. It's uneven, the music (although excellent) was too overpowering, and the acting all the same (except for Hugh Griffith who was by far the best), but ... read moreBen-Hur still manages to thrill, awe, and entertain.
  • DreamExtractor
    April 12, 2011
    DreamExtractor
    All time classic. A true must watch from everyone.
  • ajv2688
    November 19, 2010
    ajv2688
    This is an incredible movie, a remake, I know, and I'd love to see the original, but Heston is really good in this movie, and the story is epic. This movie is a classic, check it out.
  • jonnyjason
    May 15, 2010
    jonnyjason
    'Ben Hur' still proves to be a milestone in filmaking. It is beautifully directed, acted, simply beautiful.

    The music: Every few minutes the music that one the big oscar shone through. It helped to tell the story, and it alone was its own art.
    95/100

    The acting: It was n... read moreot something spectacular, but considering the time it was made, it was beautiful. The characters gave us a feeling of actually being there.
    90/100

    The directing: The directing was practically flawless. It was filled with wonderful macabre touches, and I felt William Wyer's had outdone himself.
    96/100

    Story/ Plot: The plot is so extremely intricate, that even if you don't like it, you can't help but admire it. It has polished details that you could tell took time to form.
    85/100

    Art Direction: The layouts and backdrops of every scene were spectacles to behold. They nailed the touches to create the feel of actually being in Rome and Jerusalem.
    85/100

    My favorite parts: Although it can be a bit tiring at times and you'll sometimes feel bored, it is worth it when in some scenes you feel the suspense, drama, and tension you feel between the characters.
    85/100

    Overall: Overall, Ben- Hur is an amazing epic that will be remembered as one of the greatest movies of all times. It is beautifully done, perfectly suspenseful, and entertainment at it's best.
    90.7/100
  • TomBowler
    December 31, 2009
    TomBowler
    An amazing journey. Full review later
  • FilmFanatik
    December 26, 2009
    FilmFanatik
    Marvellously epic. I was worried that the 4 hour timespan would prove boring. Alas, that is not the case. Never once was I bored. :)
  • FireStormStudios
    May 30, 2009
    FireStormStudios
    To sum this film up in one word, it would be "Epic". I was blown away with how good this film was shot, as well as how it was written. The original story is ingenious and puts a different perspective on the bible, which very few if any have had the courage to do. This movie ta... read morekes that story and builds a great film out of it. I did not know that this was the 3rd rendition of the Ben-Hur story, but I would now love to take a look at the others.

    Watching this is a sobering reminder of what Christ did for us and how he can, and does use anyone for his purpose, regardless of how useful they might feel they are. We are an integral part of his plan for our lives, weather we want to believe it or not. Everyone should see this film.

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Critic Reviews

August 22, 2008
TIME Magazine

The biggest and the best of Hollywood's super-spectacles. Full Review

Dave Kehr
December 13, 2006
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

Entire new frontiers in boredom were opened up by this MGM whopper from 1959. Full Review

Bosley Crowther
May 20, 2003
Bosley Crowther, New York Times

Mr. Wyler and his money-free producers have smartly and effectively laid stress on the powerful and meaningful personal conflicts that are strong in this old heroic tale. Full Review

Ronald Holloway
February 13, 2001
Ronald Holloway, Variety

A majestic achievement, representing a superb blending of the motion picture arts by master craftsmen. Full Review

R. L. Shaffer
January 29, 2012
R. L. Shaffer, IGN DVD

A masterpiece of epic filmmaking, a profound religious experience and one of the greatest films ever made. Full Review

Phil Hall
November 18, 2011
Phil Hall, Film Snobbery

There is no reason to feel guilty about not loving this mammoth epic. Full Review

Dennis Schwartz
March 2, 2008
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Mostly tedious Sunday school tale. Full Review

Daniel Etherington
February 20, 2008
Daniel Etherington, Film4

It's very much of its time, overblown and overlong -- but Ben-Hur is rightfully lodged at the forefront of Hollywood history. Full Review

Wesley Lovell
November 15, 2006
Wesley Lovell, Oscar Guy

The kind of sweeping pseudo-biblical epic that Hollywood was famous for. If not for Heston's weak performance and Boyd's ludicrous one, the film might have been better. Full Review

Emanuel Levy
July 16, 2006
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

In the lead, Heston is stiff, and the writing is uneven, but overall, it's a rousing epic done on a massive scale with hundreds of sets and extras, and a priceless race scene. Full Review

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Facts

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    • Judah Ben Hur: And I felt his voice take the sword out of my hand.
    • Messala: This is the day Judah. It's between us now.
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Ben-Hur Trivia

  • What Movie was the first to receive 11 Acedemy Awards?  Answer »
  • There was on flaw in the movie Lord of the rings when Bilbo Baggins leaves with the Elves .. The flaw can be found by looking closely at Bilbo before he boards the boat to leave. This flaw is simmilar to the one in Ben-Hur in the chariot race segment.   Answer »
  • Three films have won 11 Oscars each: Ben-Hur, Titanic, and Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Which of these three won every Oscar it was nominated for?  Answer »
  • Titanic and Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King are tied with which other movie for winning the most Oscars (11)?  Answer »
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