Ben-Hur (1959) Movie Review
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- Опубликовано: 15 сен 2024
- Enjoy the review!
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It's 2021, and Ben-Hur 1959 retains it's title of "greatest film of all time". It's a complete masterpiece.
You read my mind here.
It's still great in 2023!
Ben-Hur is a classic film. One of the best films ever made.
Couldn’t agree more.
This version of Ben Hur is without a doubt the quintessential example of what old Hollywood could do. Fantastic movie with so much going on and sequenced so well that the viewer is well aware of all of it. One of the best ever made. Everyone needs to see this movie if for no other reason than to see how the epic is done right. Great review yet again!
It's so refreshing to hear someone talk about being a Christian openly, especially when talking about what is considered secular entertainment in my opinion. Yes, there are plenty of Christian RUclips channels but most who watch those channels are Christian, they dont have to feel like they are going to receive hate and ridicule from their audience, but you definitely took a risk, one im not sure I'd be able to do myself if I had your platform. I enjoyed your Signs review as well for similar reasons, and I was pleasantly surprised how respectful the comments were, that hasn't been my experience in other videos regarding the discussion of God. Thank you, and have a nice day everyone
I was 9 years old in December of 1959 and my Mother Mary called my 4th grade school teacher and told them that I was sick and would not be coming in. I was not sick but my mother told me to dress up in my Sunday Best suit and hat as we were going on a daytime date together. We rode the public transit bus into downtown Augusta, Maine and my Mother was dressed to the nines and I was so pleased to be her "date". Our first stop was Kressgee's Department Store for some Christmas time window shopping then at Noon we stopped at the very large lunch counter and I was told I could get whatever my heart desired. We both got fried chicken in a basket with French fries and coleslaw and boy was it delicious! To top off the meal we each pulled down a helium-filled balloon, mine was red and mom's was green; inside was a number from one penny to 99 cents and that was our cost of the HOT FUDGE SUNDAE dessert. Wow this beats the hell out of school! But this was all a prelude as we walked down Main Street and into the Colonial Theater to watch a matinee performance of the years' most-acclaimed MOTION PICTURE, aka BEN HUR. As one of 9 children I had never been in a movie 'HOUSE' before so this was a very new experience and I remember that the curtail had to be pulled back even wider than for other ordinary movies as Ben Hur was filmed in wide-screen CINAMASCOPE and of course in DELUXE COLOR. I was transfixed and even though the length was almost 4 hours, it seemed to fly by in 15 minutes. I would become a professional movie critic years later but my ambition was never to be an actor, but that I could one day DIRECT SUCH A MASTERPIECE. I loved my mother so as she was the most beautiful girl in the world and on that day I was her leading man. God I adored my Mother Mary and would do anything for her! How luck was I?
Great story. Thank you for sharing your experience and your memory of the day that you watched the movie in the theater.
What can be said about this incredible classic that you haven't covered here already? The chariot race is beyond words. The movie as a whole is amazing.
Besides the chariot scene, it's the moment when The Savior gives Judah a drink of life giving water, and the reactions by both Judah "and" the Centurion,
which speaks volumes as to the "man's" true identity. If I had to toss away my entire movie/ DVD collection, with the exception of keeping only 10 films,
then 1959's "Ben-Hur" definitely would be one of those ten movies. As far as the latest re-make is concerned, I never had, nor ever will, feel the desire to
waste my time seeing it. There are some "classics" that need not be remade. And '59's "Ben-Hur" is certainly one of them. Your review was both intelligent
& enlightening. And lastly, as a Christian man, I too appreciate the fact that Christ's face was not shown in this film. Now, suddenly, I feel a strong impulse
to pull out this movie and watch yet again. See what you did?🙂 Anyway, keep up the great work, and God Bless.
I understand where you are coming from about the omission of the resurrection, but I think not depicting the resurrection is very similar to not depicting Christ's face on screen, and I am glad there is no attempt at such a scene. It's impossible to do the resurrection of Christ justice on screen because the event is the whole point and center of reality. I remember seeing the resurrection in the Mel Gibson film and this was appearant to me. Movie magic is about illusion and spectacle, and within this, I think the more "grounded" moments of the christ story can be done tastefully (pushing it though) until the resurrection, and then all bets are off in my mind. It's the sort of same wrongness as when the invisible God is depicted as a white-bearded man. There are things that are so sacred that they shouldn't be seen, that what is behind the altar and inside the holy of holies.
Anyway, HUGE, engaging, and in depth review, a great watch.
Iirc as a kid I took it as a symbolical resurrection with Chuck getting a bonus
I too am not sure that was entirely succesful as a piece of story telling or something far more serious but I'm ready to accept. And the book is way too long
I completely agree, i really like the way they shot Jesus in this classic, epic Film. I made him feel somewhat majestic imo, i like how they show a "Shepard with his Flock of sheep" walking by at the very end though. I am not religious but i do like those scenes of Jesus, they shot they perfectly and respectfully imo. I've often wondered why those scenes affect me, especially when early on in the movie the Roman Soldier just stands and looks at Jesus for a moment, he does not attack him.
The powerful music by Miklos Rozsa as the charioteers parade around the track stays with me decades after I first viewed "Ben-Hur." This film is inspirational -- absolutely stellar.
I am enormously grateful for your sensitive and inspiring review, Jerome. My favorite image from the film (oddly) is when the two reuniting friends throw spears at a cross beam over a walkway. This is a "guy thing," and it has stayed with me all my life. A stunt like that works wonders in male relationships. I, too, have long been uncomfortable with any dramatic(facial) portrayals of Christ. Thus, my freedom to enjoy this film. Mom told me Jefferey Hunter insisted on few close-ups when he played "King of Kings", yet Wiki says the producer casted Hunter because of his memorable eyes. Go figure. There was lots of happy talk about "believing" at the end of BH, but no Resurrection was dramatized. We have to fill it in ourselves, I suppose, with the follow-on miracles. Oh yes, until tonight, I though BH was a DeMille job! JW enlightens the masses again! Meanwhile, I'm still binging on Ozu films, thanks to you.
By far, this version is one of my favorite motion pictures of all time. I dug the 1925 version as well. I'm glad you spoke about the other biblical epics of that era. I've written and spoke about the films mentioned in my book and series. Thank you for reviewing this!
I loved the epic 1959 film version more then the 2016 remake that I highly consider "Ben-Hur" is one of my all time favorite Charlton Heston movies along with his other movies I love "Ten Commandments" and the original "Planet Of The Apes".
I’m a Christian too, and I wonder if my not minding the way the movie ended came from my already knowing what comes next. I know you’ve addressed this in your responses to other comments already.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen it, and I’ve only seen it once, but I remember that I was watching it with a non-Christian friend, and now I wonder if I had to explain anything after it was over. I can’t remember. I do remember being extremely impressed with it, enough to buy the original novel to compare, but I have yet to read it.
I don’t usually like epics, because I feel like they tend to be bloated and overlong just to give you more of a sense that it really is an epic you’re watching, but this was an exception. Still need to see *The Ten Commandments,* but from the way you talked about it, I get the impression it would fit more into my typical epic expectations.
Yes, this is a great movie. It has a powerful story, spectacular set pieces, great performances and a superb soundtrack. I have never seen a better depiction of Our Lord Jesus on screen. However, I share your reservations about this movie's finale. It is Christ's resurrection, not just His sacrificial death on the cross that gives us hope of eternal life. Also, the script diverged substantially from the novel. The latter was written as a tale of redemption, not revenge. Well done! An excellent, insightful review. Excelsior Miss Weiselberry!
Thank you for your in depth review of Ben-Hur, it was both interesting and informative. You make a great point that no actor can truly capture Christ. Ben-Hur does an excellent job of being reverent and respectful to the Lord.
I appreciated that your review included your own perspective as a Christian. Your comment that a crucifixion without the resurrection is only half the Gospel was very true. The resurrection is the single most important event in Christianity and is the epicenter of our faith.
Your positive and uplifting reviews of classic movies are very much appreciated. Thank you for all your work!
I grew up on Ben Hur even tho' it came out decades before I was born, and still treasure Mum's souvenir guide of the 1959 movie when it was released in Australia. I've heard (urban legend, perhaps) that the phrase 'Bigger than Ben Hur' was coined in Australia and that Charlton Heston had never heard of it before he visited Oz, but happy to be corrected on the record! The phrase may predate the 1959 movie, but it does fit the movie's epic proportions. 'And I felt him take the sword out of my hand' - what a phrase to live by. What a movie.
Yep I also have the big guide from the less glamorous Isle of Wright where we were on holiday
I was nine or ten
I had to watch this movie twice in order to appreciate it. My first viewing I found it kind if boring, but by the 2nd watch I was more invested. I always loved how Jesus's face is never shown and the score is also lovely. Its definitely a nice watch on a sunday or even for Easter 🥰✝️
Btw the actress who played Ben Hur's mom is also moses biological mom in The Ten Commandments 😁
This a great movie. I loved these epic movies. I agree it does leave that sense of longing to see the Resurrection, but we know what the movie doesn't show. I appreciate your personal and sincere opinion, it's refreshing. You're good people you are.
Found your channel a few days back and been watching many of your reviews. I find both your insight and opinions on these films to be really informative. It is nice to hear someone addressing the cinematic virtues inherent in so many of these awesome classic films.
I’m in my very early forties, and I always find it a great mystery why so few of my friends and family will never watch anything older than themselves. They are missing out on so many great movies.
And while I cannot speak to this film from a religious perspective (I’m an Atheist - hopefully that doesn’t offend you - many apologies if so, I’m also Canadian … so we apologize for everything), I do find it to be an amazing and wondrous film. And one I do watch yearly around Easter (along with the Ten Commandments).
Great acting, cinematography that really is unrivalled, and a score that stays with you for days after. And a story that is both powerful and cathartic, which I think resonates with anyone willing to take the time to view it.
Thanks so much for doing these videos. Your hard work does not go unnoticed and is very much appreciated! All the best!
Thank you, and thanks for sharing your thoughts on this film!
I read the book a few years back. Have to say this is one of the rare occasions where the movie was better.
I'm reading the book now and I feel as if it will never end 😔. I too prefer the movie.
This is my favorite movie of all time! And I've also wondered why this movie isn't shown and the ten commandments is on Easter. I think it should be the other way around. Anyway, thanks for your awesome review!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Easily, one of my top favorite movies can starring one of my top favorite actors, with one of my favourite film scores, and easily one of the very best epic movies ever made, and which is one of the rare few where the remake IS better than the originals. If anyone has not seen this phenomenal masterpiece of a film, it is highly advised.
The 1959 film Ben Hur is a monumental and irreplaceable work even though new variants emerged several decades later
A absolute and genuine Classic of Cinema. This was one my parents' favorite films and I have them to thank for introducing me to this version. I really fell in love with everything about this film and, to this day, still regard as one of my favorites amongst the other classics you mentioned. The acting is superb - Charlton Heston and Stephen Boyd were magnificent and did indeed drive this movie with their broken, bitter (even hateful) relationship.
Wonderful review Jerome. I do enjoy sitting down and watching this......all 4 hours if possible. 😊
Miss Weiselberry, you've provided a fine review. Thanks. I like your casual and honest approach. It is my desire to see youth today tap into one of Hollywood's grandest productions as well as it being an excelling story of forgiveness, love, revenge and loyalty. One of my hobbies is telling history stories that I have developed, about 25 of them. My favorite is "The Ben-Hur Saga". Please allow me to share a few things about the novel and the 1959 movie. 1-The novel doesn't cover the Resurrection outright. My estimation is that author Gen. Lew Wallace wanted the widest appeal to his future readers, including Jew and Muslim. 2-The novel is the result of a conversation between Lew Wallace, a nominal Christian, and agnostic Robert Ingersoll. Ingersoll ridiculed the Christian faith to Wallace. Wallace was humiliated and began research to learn about the historical Christ. His years-long study made him a true Believer in Christ and His divinity. 3-The novel expresses the parallel growing faith of Judah Ben-Hur and Lew Wallace. Wallace "is" Ben-Hur. The novel becomes the vehicle for Wallace to express his newly found Faith. 4-William Wyler, director of the 1959 movie, grew up in a Jewish family. To be true to his own religion, and true to the novel, and wanting wide audience appeal, it's understandable there would be no Resurrection (though some think it is implied by the healing of the women). However, 5-author Wallace's novel shows his genius regarding the Resurrection. He has his main character, Judah Ben-Hur, while actually witnessing Christ being crucified right in front of him, remember that Jesus had said/taught "I am the Resurrection and the Life". 6-When a friend wrote Wallace a letter asking him for the "diamond [key] sentence" from the novel, Wallace wrote back that it was when Judah recalls Jesus saying "I am the Resurrection and the Life." Moving on, like the movie, the novel is a bit long, but very profound. It's quite ironic that one of the most loved and grandest movies ever made, was born from an agnostic trying to embarrass another man about his so-called Faith. Well, thanks for your time; I hope it helps. I'm grateful you highlighted this spectacular, cinematic event/movie, and expressed your personal Faith as well. -Ken
Thank you so much for providing that additional information. It provides crucial insight into Wallace's and then Wyler's intent.
Wonderful review of a truly magnificent film. They really don't make 'em like this anymore! There's a lot one could say about this titanic epic, but I'll just let it go by saying it is one of my favorite movies and that for my money the amazing chariot race ties with the attack on the Death Star from Star Wars for the title of single most exciting sequence in movie history. Charlton Heston is one of the actors I most admire, and as you so rightly point out his dramatic powers are perhaps at their height in this role. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and insights with us once again. Blessings!
Thank you for the great review and all the personal insights and reactions. When the movie is 4 hours long, it should get double the accolades of any comparable great two hour movie because you have 120 additional minutes to become the bad part of the movie. When you have a movie made this well, it becomes a yardstick from that point forward used to compare all other movies. You have so many potential scenes to demonstrate where Ben-Hur was successful and other movies come up lacking.
Also, you pointed out all of the rich detail which is totally required if you want to impress people with a spectacle. People will enjoy the story with their hearts and minds but the spectacle is enjoyed with the entire sensory machinery of our bodies focused on the totality of the dramatic details pouring into our eyes and pounding the drums in our ears.
I look forward to your reviews and want you to know they are greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
I feel the exact same way with your take on Jesus. The way this movie portrayed him was exactly how it should be done.
My personal favorite of biblical epics. A truly gripping story and awesome spectical with the chariot race. Charlton Heston gives a well deserved Oscar winning performance and scenes with Jesus are quite moving.
As much as i love this movie I have to agree with your observations about the lack of discussion about the Lord's resurrection and the completion of his mission. It was the biggest thing of all time and they missed the chanch of showing it. That was a shame. I certainly respect your very well reasoned lack of desire for not wanting to place the image of an actor's face in place of Jesus's. That said Jeffrey Hunter's portrayal of Jesus in King of Kings, particularly the sermon on the mount motivated me as a young man to pick up the Bible and find what this was all about. So I have a real fondness for that flick. You are wise beyound your years.
What a thorough and spiritual review of the movie! I have still not seen this...only bits and pieces. My dad did watch this on Good Friday but I had already popped my The Ten Commandments DVD. I make it a tradition to watch that on Good Friday and I watch The Greatest Story Ever Told on Easter. Funny I watch it every year and I keep forgetting Claude Rains is in it! I know you are a Claude Rains fan. Charlton Heston is also in that as John the Baptist.
On Saturday, I had watched Planet of the Apes...not an Easter tradition but it was a Heston weekend lol
At first, that surprised me that you stay away from watching Biblical movies but I understand your reason. Good point. Funny enough I never visualize Jesus as any actor from any portrayal I have seen.
I hope you had a wonderful Easter last week. God Bless my friend.🙏
Thank you for that excellent review. I think that Ben-Hur is among a handful of films which can legitimately claim to be arguably the greatest movie of all-time. The musical score is also a strong candidate for greatest movie soundtrack of all-time.
I worked with a Marine Colonel in a war zone, who often said: "You are all condemned men, kept alive to serve the ship: Row well and live.".
You are adorable. Another great review. thanks!
I think, at least, resurrection is implied by Ben-Hur's mother and sister being completely cured. Like you, I have yet to read Lew Wallace's novel. It's been on my reading list for years and I think it would satisfy many questions the movie left to ambiguity. It's one of my all time favorite movies and compels me to weep; which I am not prone to. My favorite line: "We keep you alive to serve this ship." Always love your reviews!
Israeli actress Haya Harareet was absolutely stunningly beautiful in this film.
This is another very impressive review; one of your best. You always set a high standard, not only among reviewers online, but I think better than most film reviews by professional critics in traditional media as far as depth of analysis, insightful interpretation, archeology of the film being reviewed as well as that of cinema in general, and the invaluable extra dimension you add by sharing the meaning of the film within the context of your own experience.
In short, I heartily agree, “Ben-Hur” is a panoramic epic and a powerful personal story, marvelously realized for the big screen; a prime example of what classic Hollywood could do when all the elements required to make a film, large and small, came together to blend into inspired perfection.
Regarding your own personal disappointment about the film’s only vaguely alluding to the Resurrection, I surmise that since William Wyler and several others involved in the film’s making were Jewish, a literal depiction of the Resurrection would have certainly been problematic from their point-of-view. Suggesting that this event so crucial to Christian faith may (or may not) have happened is probably the best you can hope for. Suggestion, after all, can be a very powerful dramatic device, sometimes more so than explicitness. By the way, you’ve probably heard that Wyler is said to have quipped: “It took a Jew to make a great movie about Christ.”
I am not a Christian, nor religious in any way. But I did grow up in a Christian home; a PK, son of an Episcopal minister. My dad loved movies (musicals being his favorite). He introduced me to many of the classics, inspiring my own appreciation of these films, and film in general. While he enjoyed “Ben-Hur” as dazzling entertainment and grand storytelling, he was generally leery of Hollywood’s biblical or overtly religious works, and felt they seldom reflected his understanding of Christianity accurately or thoughtfully. He cited secular films like “The Grapes of Wrath”, “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre”, and “The Hustler” for having themes that examined moral issues he could relate more directly to his faith than most “religious” films.
One movie that drew his particular opprobrium was “The Ten Commandments”. When it came out, he and other “men of the cloth” were invited to a preview screening, no doubt in the hope it would generate support of the film from leaders of the local religious community. When the film concluded and written comments gathered up, he turned in a response excoriating the movie as little more than lurid and exploitative Hollywood melodrama wrapped in biblical garb. A few days later, he received a curt letter from the theater manager, informing him that his was the only negative response, questioning whether my dad was truly a “man of faith”, and seriously doubting his ability to lead others in faith. He ended by stating that my dad had abused the courtesy of his being invited in the first place, and assured my father that he would never be invited to screenings of any future biblical epics. That suited my dad just fine.
Ah, thank you for the kind and thoughtful words! I especially appreciate what you said about sharing personal feelings and experiences. Not everyone believes a review is still valid if it delves into personal anecdotes, so I'm grateful to hear that's something you particularly enjoy. Thanks for sharing the story about your dad too. I think he and I were on the same page regarding Hollywood's attempts to tell biblical stories.
@@Weiselberry You’ve solidly established your critical creds with the consistent caliber of your reviews, so you’re entitled to some personal feelings now and again. I also enjoy hearing you occasionally describe how members of your family react to the films. These are heartwarming asides, especially welcome at a time when stories of human warmth and sharing are a reassuringly lovely--and loving--touch. Especially delightful recently was hearing how your dad accompanied you to the theater to watch “Godzilla vs Kong”, despite it not being exactly his cup-of-tea. What a great dad!
Thanks for another, wonderful insightful review!
Of all the epic films of that era, "Ben Hur" and "Spartacus" are my favorites. Unlike some others, including the great "Lawrence of Arabia" they don't lag in the second part of the film. I always try to watch "Ben Hur" around Easter time. I agree with you that "The Ten Commandmants", while a wonderful film, just doesn't seem to come up to it.
The casting was superb. Heston was at his best. One of my favorites was Jack Hawkins. He was one of the great character actors of that time and did wonders with the relatively small role.
I, too, remember as a child being terribly frightened by the leprosy theme. And you are so right that in underplaying it, a la Val Lewton, they made it all the more horrifying.
I like to think that leaving out the Resurrection did not detract from the overall message, which was still one of hope for the future. In 1959, the nation was predominantly Christian and, on the whole, probably much more religious. Perhaps Judah Ben Hur's 'salvation' could be read as a metaphor for the salvation of the masses?
You're a very fine, fair and thorough reviewer.
Thank you!
The ending is always emotional for me.
I cried (twice) over the scene where Judah touches his mother despite her tearful protests.
Thanks for your review and willingness to speak about your commitment to your faith.
One of the top five films ever made. Just magnificent. Oh FYI very good review.
Awesome review. Bless your soul Jerome.
Yes, that chariot scene, that chariot scene! Even in this day of digital effects, it has not been surpassed. I have it on vhs tape, dvd, blu-ray, and have watched it, studied it at least 40 times, and it still makes me gasp in astonishment every time. I've heard William Wyler didn't even really direct it, that the main stunt people actually handled all the logistics and direction themselves. In any case, it stands on its own as one of the most poetic, thrilling action sequences in ALL of cinema!!! Thanks for the awesome review!
In this day of digital effects it is particularly impressive - good practical effects beat digital effects almost every time.
I believe Yakima Canutt directed the chariot race sequence and it took five months to prepare for and film the ten-minute plus race.
@@lindacorwin9066 Thank you for the info!
I wish they would show movies like this on the big screen again
It always blew my mind that the actor who played Pilate, Frank Thring, played The Collector in “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome”.
Boy, they sure don't make 'em like they used to! Ben 'Huge' Hur along with The Ten Commandments are my personal favourites of this epic period of Hollywood movie making, although I do have a soft spot for the flawed Spartacus.....is it a bona fide Kubrick movie or not? 🤔
Your videos and movie reviews are always so well researched, well informed, insightful and intelligent, so thank you. I feel like my movie journey is enhanced by your analysis and assessment. Cheers Jerome!
I'm currently reading the Lew Wallace novel and it's just incredible the amount of detail he goes into to place the reader in 1st century Judea. I've always loved the 1959 version of Ben Hur, possibly my favorite movie ever. Truly epic in every sense of the word, even the scene where Jesus stands and stops the Roman centurion in his tracks is so memorable. The acting with facial expressions alone on the part of the Roman is incredible. The music....one of the greatest movie scores of all time! The ending...emotional and spiritually uplifting beyond words. Great review!
I saw this movie in school, but only up until the moment we find Judah's family since we ran out of time. I think I may need to finish it now.
As a fellow Christian, your take on the ending makes sense to me. I had a very similar reaction to Godspell, although in that case, I have seen productions that add the resurrection in at the end.
Another great review! Classic classic movie!
Having listened to your excellent review of Ben-Hur, and having enjoyed all of your movie reviews, and your mentioning your being a Christian, may I suggest that you watch the hidden gem of a film, "Strange Cargo," (1940) starring Clark Gable, Joan Crawford (both of whom do some of their best acting here), Peter Lorre and other excellent actors. I am a movie fan and I had never heard of this one. Yet this is such a fantastically well directed, edited, acted and very cinematicaly satisfying. It is a deeply rich spiritual, religious movie with being offensively or patronizingly so. I was deeply touched. And I had to watch it more than once to catch all the substance and meaning in it.
Thank you for uploading this on Lew Wallace's birthday!
Oh wow, I had no idea!
I wish hollywood would make an biological life film about Lew Wallace.
@@TheImaginator972 I think that you mean “biographical film.”
@@TheImaginator972 He's an interesting character. He might have become a major Civil War hero if he hadn't made that embarrassing "wrong turn" at Shiloh.
-Ben-Hur-
My feelings are in line with yours in regards to how the film leaves you, it does feel incomplete without the resurrection but I still really enjoy it, the chariot race especially, I often wondered was the wheel spike from the hot rod race in Grease an international nod, must be, now I'm imagining Heston's Ben-Hur and Boyd's Messala singing grease lightening. Heston and Boyd are such interesting actors with fascinating stories to their careers and lives, Boyd seems to have led a fascinating but short life and Heston being the mainstream Hollywood epic guy who then became mr science fiction, I'm trying to think if there was another major studio star who made it acceptable to appear in the genre at that point, I'm probably missing lots. I also thought DeMille had directed for years, I guess it's an understandable thing to think. ~ Thank you Ms Weiselberry ~
I always enjoyed Ben-Hur. it's been a long time since I've seen it, so I might have to do that soon. I also enjoyed The Robe, the movie as well as the book. The book made me cry buckets at the end. Quo Vadis was good too. I've been told the 2016 film Risen, with Joseph Fiennes and Tom Felton, is pretty good, but I haven't seen it yet. Easter would have been perfect but I had no time. It's told from the viewpoint of a tribune investigating the disappearance of Jesus' body.
I've had Risen on my radar for a couple years. It didn't get much attention when it came out, but I thought it sounded compelling. It definitely would have been a timely film to watch for Easter, but I didn't think of it soon enough.
Risen is awesome. Check it out. Its about the Roman's looking for the body of Christ after the resurrection. I don't think any other film has covered that.
Just discovered your channel. Can I just say its fantastic that you cover really classic movies. Every other reviewer/reactor does the same stuff. Its nice to see someone reviewing the oldies for us oldies. I can name so many movies I would love to see covered. I really did love your review of Ben Hur, but I would disagree with you about the ending. I actually think that ending it at the Crucifixion was really powerful.
Thanks! The old movie reviews are some of my favorite videos to make, so I'm very grateful to hear how much you appreciate them. :) I do agree with you that the film's ending is powerful and emotional as it is; I suspect perhaps my comments didn't sufficiently convey that.
I love this movie; in part because it's my birthday movie of that year, mostly because it's such a great film overall. Stephen Boyd as Masala really showed his acting chops in this; his descent into madness a huge departure from his mostly bland roles both before and after this movie. That Judah still felt the tragedy of his former childhood friend choices; even through his own desire for revenge, it truly sold the story for me, as did his quiet remembrance of that moment when Jesus on the cross removed the sin of hate from his heart.
Judah Ben-Hur: Almost at the moment He died, I heard Him say, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
Esther: Even then.
Judah Ben-Hur: Even then. And I felt His voice take the sword out of my hand. ☮❤
I love this movie, thanks for your work.
Yakima Canute I probably spelled it wrong needs mentioning. He was the stunt coordinator of the chariot race and his son did the stunts
I hope you're back next time, what would RUclips be without you.
Better late than never as they say, but kudos to you for reviewing Ben-Hur (1959) around Easter. Current reactors/reviewers do not go back and watch films made much earlier than the latter 70's (one did review "Lawrence of Arabia" (1962) about a week ago). As a child I remember seeing the large billboard poster on the side of the local theater and the soundtrack LP in stores. I didn't actually see the movie until it's network broadcast premiere in 1971 on CBS (pan and scan format). It is one of many films from the latter 50's, 60's, 70's that was filmed in technically superior widescreen format (70mm film stock) and multiple track stereophonic sound. I'm sure the best way to experience it currently is on Blu-ray or 4K (when it becomes available) on a large flat panel or projector with multiple speakers. For me, some evocative scenes are the main titles, the nativity, the presentation of Christ, the spear contest, the galley scenes, the Sheik and his "children", yes, the burping scene, treatment of lepers, the chariot race (of course), Messala's end, the trial, crucifixion, death of Christ and miracle. I do like the film. You are right in pointing out that while it does present the death of Christ, the burial and resurrection are not. Again, kudos to you for your review and for your telling of the good news.
Thought-provoking review as always, but I think the filmmakers made the right choices when they came to depicting the scenes with Jesus later in the film.
The movie is about Ben-Hur, of course - and the story shows the massive impact his two short interactions with Jesus has on his life and his destiny. With this in mind, keeping Jesus as a "supporting character" works effectively - if the story started focusing on the resurrection then the narrative would be changing horses in mid-stream, resulting in an even longer and more diffuse film. (And the real cinematic climax is the chariot race, anyway).
Discussing Ben-Hur also allows us to touch on Stephen Boyd's career. He's clearly very effective in his cad-like turn as Messala (the film wouldn't be a classic without an effective villain) but Boyd never came close to those heights again - even becoming derided for 1966's cheesy The Oscar (though he was solid in Fantastic Voyage). And tragically, he died so young, at 45, from a heart attack while playing golf.
Finally, there is one other version of Ben-Hur - the SCTV version featuring John Candy in the titular role: ruclips.net/video/7j2X1JC62sE/видео.html (A few chuckles but far from their best parody)
I said in a reply to another comment that it wasn't so much that I wanted to see the resurrection itself depicted. Rather I thought it would be (or should be) mentioned in the final moments. The film begins, not with Judah Ben-Hur, but with Jesus's birth, narrated by one of the three wise men. That set up an expectation for me that the film would conclude with a similar bookend acknowledging the resurrection. The last scene (which comes after Judah's story has ended) shows the three empty crosses on the hill with no closing narration, and both times I watched it, I found myself waiting for something that never came, and that left me dissatisfied. I wish I'd explained this better in the review, as I think it's led to some misunderstanding. Hopefully this makes sense.
"Ramming Speed!"
Great review of this masterpiece of a film.
Civil War General Lew Wallace wrote Ben Hur based on his own journey to Christ. He was disillusioned by the war because he felt betrayed by friends who fought for the Confederacy. One of my ancestors fought under Wallace.
After the war, he set out to write a book “proving” that Christianity was false, but his study led him to accept Christ and took the sword from his hand. Then he decided to write about Christ, but felt that the best way to tell the story anew was through the experience of a man coming to Christ. His semi-autobiographical novel was an instant bestseller (one of the first in publishing history), and it was soon adapted for the stage. Wallace had one requirement: never show the face of Christ, but focus on His effect on others. Thus, this same approach in the movie simply honors Wallace’s request.
I am also a Christian (a retired attorney enrolled in Divinity School).
Hi Girl! I just stumbled through this video of yours as I was looking for reviews on the chariot race.
You see, I'm from Costa Rica. Ben Hur is shown in national television here every year on Easter since I've got memory. Of course, this isn't a movie for kids; and especially if, as a kid, you see it every year it grows old too fast. However, it's been like two decades since I last saw it, so I did that yesterday... and bloody hell is it gorgeous!!! The acting is impeccable, the music is of the like that isn't done any more, the story is engaging, if a tad slow. But goodness me, the sets, the scenes, the costumes!!! And as you pointed out, one piece I missed: the colors.
The attention to detail. The doors at Judah's house have the Star of David engraved behind the doorknobs. When the Consul and Judah are rescued, the raft floats away in the water. When the guards are going into the dungeon they first soak the torches in oil and then light them, before heading down. Damn! The Sheik's tent decoration is breathtaking. The way kids run in front of the roman parade. The way so much information is conveyed by the actor's body language.
Then, as a good American from the Latin side of the continent, I'm Catholic. And I agree with you about the resurrection. Sort of. It's important to our faith and would have been a good addition to the movie, but the leper act already drags quite long and as much as my religious self would've liked to see it shown, as a viewer I feel the closure was far too long.
As for the Chariot race, please do go and read a bit about it. I did so today and it payed off. The size of the set, the time and resources it took to build. The training of the horses and stuntmen. The sheer quantity of extras. Then you see those horses running at full speed, head to head, and you realize no horses had done that in around some 1900 years... And these absolute maniacs managed to get it done!!! It's a true portrait of a long gone past. And it would be impossible to shoot a scene like that today. In some ways, CGI has made movies quite a bit duller.
Anyway, Ben Hur is true art. There's no going around it.
Cheers and thanks for your review!
As a small constructive criticism (which I'll hide here as a reply to my own comment), I feel your sound could be a bit better. Maybe moving the mic closer? Maybe a better mic? Cheers again!
I enjoyed this review. I haven't seen the movie beyond a few clips here and there, and the chariot race. But I appreciated this overview. It was clear that you had strong feelings about this movie, and we got some insight into why. As someone who has recently committed to reading through the Bible for the first time in my life, I'm finding myself drawn to these old biblical movies (also for the first time in my life) both from an intellectual curiosity point of view as well as a cinema point of view. And I never thought about the issue of associating a certain actor with a character or personage from the Bible like you mentioned, but now that I think of it...it certainly could happen because it's happened when I read novels after seeing the movie versions.
I might actually see this. Not only because I enjoy putting myself mentally into different times and places (which I'm attempting to do as I read the Bible now) but also because quite simply we are never going to see movies like this again. They're too big, they took too much to make, and the cultural landscape has changed so much that a biblical epic is no longer a big ticket attraction like it was 60-70 years ago. I doubt even the upcoming Cleopatra movie with Gal Gadot is going to be anywhere close production wise to the original.
Watching this would probably take me two or three different sittings myself, but I'll certainly give it a try. Thanks again. :)
It's a wonderful movie that illustrates the love of God and our human condition. I highly recommend watching it in it's entirety, of course with bathroom breaks, snack gathering... etc.
I understand that Lew Wallace asked that the face of Jesus not be shown in dramatizations of Ben Hur. You are right on the resurrection. A great movie, though, and very touching.
This, Mutiny On The Bounty and Gone With The Wind, longest movies I ever watched, but definitely worth it.
If you watched Ben Hur from 1959 you would probably notice the MGM Logo in this film, director William Wyler said that Leo the Lion roaring would ruin the opening nativity scene so he used a logo where Leo is frozen.
I actually prefer the 1925 version, but I wonder how much I can be relied upon on this one given that if there's a silent version of something I'm ultimately bound to prefer that.
A very good review. I really enjoyed your view of portraying Christ on film. I think it does allow us to see His impact on others without hearing His voice or seeing His face. As for the resurrection, I do think that tends to get sidelined a lot, but in the 50's it was probably just assumed. I always just assumed it by the view of the empty cross at the end, but that's just me.
In Cambodia I have seen, sat by and touched leprosy sufferers. Details vary but (for want nowadays of 25 cents worth of medicine) the illness and isolation are grim indeed.😢
Hi Jerome, I have been a fan of this move since childhood and in the UK it was always shown at Christmas or Easter. It probably is Heston's crowning work as an actor (though the entire cast operate at a similar level) and I agree that for many William Wyler is strangely under the radar as a top flight director. I especially love Miklos Rozsa's sumptuous music (the 3rd time he had scored a biblical epic) which is majestic, suitably epic and yet so subtle and dignified. On not showing the Resurrection and aftermath I think that was a wise decision. After all, that is a whole story in itself and would take away from the main thrust of the story, which was the entwined destinies of Messala and Judah Ben Hur and the redemption of Judah's wavering and sorely tested faith. Anyway, the miracle of Christ's resurrection and his ascension into glory are referenced within the miraculous healing from leprosy of Judah's sister and mother in the finale of the film. As always your review and considered appreciation of all aspects of the film are a pleasure to listen to and aways food for thought. Thanks for the lavish meal - epic, you could say!
Very good review! Thanks.
Ben Hur is such a epic film, how they even actually built a whole real Arena and shot the horse/cart race for REAL and that crash, damn! That was REAL! My favorite scene in the whole film is toward the start, when the Roman Soldier is whipping Judah Ben-Hur and then this figure a mysterious man who is meant to be "Jesus of Nazareth", comes and gives Ben Hur some water. And Ben Hur is over-joyed cause he knows exactly who the man is.
I especially love the way that scene is shot cause as far as i can remember you never see Jesus's face, and i especially like the part where the Roman just looks at Jesus with almost awe, but also like wariness and caution. He doesn't hit Jesus. I always find that scene amazing tbh and i'm not even religious.
I had this film on DvD and ironically i borrowed it to a old friend from school who became a born-again Christian. He had never seen this film and never even heard of it until i mentioned it and borrowed it him, and never got it back lol.
Just caught this on TCM for the first time a few days ago. Really loved the portrayal of Jesus Christ but do have a problem with the ending as well.
I am a Muslim..I love the movie..I saw it in 1962 when I was just 6 years old. I have watched it umpteen time. I still love it..It still moves me..As Muslim I have Islams portrayal of Jesus ( Peace Be Upon Him). What interpretation/belief others have about Him does not cast any shadow upon this 'Roohullah' as he is refered to in the Quran, which directly and literally translates to Spirit of Allah/God/ Jehova..Do we dislike Jews? Certainly not..Do we detest the Zionist of Israel..we certainly do..But that political..
I read the book a few years ago and my favorite part was the mystical meeting of the magi at the beginning,then it slipped into melodrama..too much attention to the dark vamp daughter of one of the wise men..made me wonder if Lew Wallace was planning to turn this into a campy 1880s stage play..Christ as a mysterious stranger that keeps turning up in the life of an unbeliever ,is an irresistible concept..I wonder did you ever see Strange Cargo ?..not great ..but a great idea.
I watched this for the first time this year and really loved it
The Resurrection is shown at the end of the film with the shot of a shepherd leading a flock of sheep
Although I love epics and love Ben-Hur, I prefer the sensibilities of Spartacus. Charlton Heston's epic may be more spectacular, but Stanley Kubrick's film and its quest for freedom speaks to me in ways Ben-Hur does not.. I have no problem with a person's spiritual beliefs..Whatever gets you through the night, as John Lennon said. My problem with Ben-Hur is the Tale of the Christ part. So many epics from that era (50s and 60s) were soaked with Christianity, and after a while I began to get annoyed with it being so prominent. We are not all Christians. That being said, everything you say about Ben-Hur and its structure is right on the money. Great performances throughout, and yes, Stephen Boyd was fabulous. His death scene is as good as it gets.I think he deserved an Oscar more than Heston. I also really like Haya Harareet's performance. She had a short career, and it seemed an odd casting choice, but she is superb as Esther, and being from Israel, she gives the film a sense of authenticity that Heston and Boyd lack. The build up to the chariot race and the race itself has never been topped. How great that director Wyler let the race play without music. Still, Miklos Rozsa's marvelous score is what turned on to film music. I hope you review more epics, and I would like to hear your take on El Cid, which I think has Heston's finest performance. I hope I haven't upset you with my views on Christianity, you have a right to your beliefs, but I think to include the resurrection in this film would have felt forced. In any case, it's suggested by the resurrection of Judah's mother and sister, and Judah's reunion with them at the end is the most heartfelt moment in the film.Thanks for another in depth review. I especially enjoy the ones on films I love like Ben-Hur.
I was surprised to learn that Stephen Boyd wasn't even nominated for an Academy Award, yet in my opinion he gave the standout performance in the film (in addition to having to wear irritating brown contacts through the whole thing). He did win a Golden Globe, though, which isn't anything to sneeze at. Interesting: I know next to nothing about El Cid and wasn't aware there was yet another epic Heston starred in. I'll have to add it to my watchlist per your recommendation. Nope, I'm not upset or offended! You're free to have your own opinion, and when I made the video I knew full well not everyone would agree with my take for one reason or another. I almost didn't go ahead with it because of that, but it seems people for the most part just appreciate that I covered the film, even if they don't share my mixed feelings about its conclusion. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the movie!
RE: lack of a Resurrection in the film - In order to retain the climactic healing of the women, it would have happened post-REZ rather than during the crucifixion. A little re-write could have easily accomplished that, I think. I don't know what other experience would have impacted Judah Ben Hur more than the healing of his loved ones.
It's an understatement to call this a great or classic film, and the chariot scene of course is one of the most electrifying sequences in film history without doubt - especially when viewed within the context of the rest of the film. I've often felt that, to some viewers, this sequence overshadows the rest of the film, which is kind of a shame because the film is awesome in it's entirety. I agree with you that not showing the face of Christ was a successful device, definitely adding a sense of reverence and awe. By the way, I consider this one of your great reviews ever - you fearlessly tackled such a well known classic, epic film and did a splendid job! .
Why, thank you!!
One of those classics I haven't seen. I've never been drawn to historical epics so that's probably why I guess. Enjoyed hearing your review nevertheless. Thanks as always.
there is no satisfying way to depict the Resurrection, I think. But, The Chosen is an interesting way to portray all the Biblical characters including Jesus (though I appreciate what you said about not wanting to equate any actor with Jesus). I recommend the Chosen.
I really enjoy vthe swords and sandals era of Hollywood. I really liked the drummer in the Galley.
Thanks for reviewing. It is a great film. Not showing a closeup of Christ's face was a good move. The film assumes the audience has a knowledge of the Bible. The writers might have considered a resurrection reference unnecessary. I also enjoyed watching the silent film version. Interesting trivia: At the time in Hollywood the good guys had blue eyes and the bad guys had brown eyes. Since Stephen Boyd (Messala) had blue eyes he wore brown contact lenses.
Came out the year I was born but have not seen it yet. Cleopatra I did see and it was amazing.
Apparently, Lew Wallace was not a particularly religious man (he was a lawyer, politician, diplomat and a Citizen-Soldier who rose to high rank in the US Civil War) and was trying to start a side-line as a writer of fiction and political biographies. He decided the early years of Christianity would make for a successful historical novel. He also felt that depicting. Jesus of Nazareth as a character could be seen as offensive.
Hence, the life and public ministry of Jesus intersects with his fictional protagonist at various points, but Jesus is not depicted as a character except when He gives Judah water.
In the novel, Judah and his family and many of their friends and retainers eventually become members of the Jewish Christain community. during the reign of Nero Ahenobarbus.
Based on his writing the novel, Wallace became more of a conventionally religious man.
This is not a "religious" movie, otherwise, it would have been a 100-hour movie. I am a Christian, and Judah makes it evident, that his story ends at the death of Jesus, as he repeats what Jesus says, almost to the end, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do." Judah did not return home 3 days later. Judah returns home, on the same day that Jesus has died on.
Excellent review, for the most part. The movie has stood the test of time, as an Epic Film.
Classic review of an epic film! 🙆♀️
i am literally and eternally the first commenter of this video
You have to bear in mind, Jerome, that at the time the film was made the majority of film-goers were fully conversant with the biblical aspect of the tale. In other words, given that the major percentage of the current audiences were Christian in their upbringing, they would have been already thoroughly familiar with the ultimate resurrection finale written in the Gospels. (You can take my word for that because I lived through the period of the late fifties and was fully aware of the way things were) It would have therefore been assumed at the time of developing the script that it could NOT be included without devoting a lot of necessarily detailed extra screen time to this part of it. In an artistic sense this would not have gelled with the essential plot line that had so far been established. After all, audiences had already witnessed a spectacular finale in the form of a 'healing miracle' for the big climax of the film...so the point had been made without having to underline it all.
I saw this film only once (and not in one sitting, I must say) and I didn't enjoyed it, not being a fan of biblical epics. But your review makes me think perhaps I should give it another try. Also, when I decided to watch this version I wanted to compare it with the 1925 version but I was exausted by the end of it and I never got to the earlier version. That means I have a lot of homework to do 😅
awesome review. appreciate your Christian witness
"Mildly spoilerish". LOL, Charlton Heston once famously said, "Ben Hur is a horse race movie and everybody knows who wins, before the race". BTW, besides movie adaptations, there were also stage productions of Ben Hur, horses and all.
Great movie, I liked the way you talked about Jesus and how it wouldn't be good for him to be seen as some actors face, you spoked with a lot of respect for your faith, not many people have that nowdays, I'm also a Christian and since I was raised Catholic, I'm not Catholic anymore but I was raised Catholic, I have not too much problem with representation, but you spoke with a lot of respect and this was great. Also, I kind of associated Jesus with an actor, when I saw The Dark Knight Rises, in a scene when Christian Bale is arrested in that pit prison, his beard grows a little and I thought "this guy looks like Jesus", I know it may not be a correct thing but I thought that and then years later I found out he actually played Jesus in a movie, I haven't watched this movie, but the thing is that another guy thought the same as me, that he looks like Jesus or at least like the presentations of Jesus we have available.
There's not too much to day about the movie other than what you already said, but even though it did not show the resurrection I think it treats Jesus with respect, it shows his miracles that in the end Ben Hur's mother and sister are cured, what would be disrespectful would be to treat him like he was an ordinary man, it would be something like completely securalizing Jesus, if the book from which the film was adapted showed the resurrection cut it was a mistake, but I don't think not showing it was very disrespectful because, first of all, we all know he resurrected, mostly people who live in Christian countries know, and second because they have already shown that Christ was no ordinary man.
I watched this movie on BluRay, but I like the colors in the screenshots you presented in this video, they are mora saturated than in the BluRay and I liked that, I mean, the image on BluRay is great, it has very great definition and the colors still look pretty good, but I liked the colors in the screenshots a little bit more, even though it cleary came from a source with less resolution than the BluRay, probably a quality equal to DVD.
Also, I like the way that old movies portray stuff such as violence, today's movies do one of two things, they omit violence and they are kind of unrealistic or they show violence in a exagerated way, such as the Saw movies or stuff like that, the way that old movies show violence is that they hide not from the public violence nor exagerate, they just portray things as they are, for example, in Ben Hur we see how being a slave sucks and stuff like that, when the men are trying to escape from the sinking ship, we see their skin bleeding after they tried to force the chains, the scene Messala is crushed by the horses is really brutal but not exagerated, and it's for me a very satisfactory moment of the movie too, but anyway, today's movies are the way they are probably due to changes in culture and it kind of affected the rating system, when Ben Hur was made there was no rating system, but when it was re-released it was rated G, no films today with that amount of violence would be rated G, today only Disney animations are rated G.
Also, some time before watching Ben-Hur I watched a movie called The Fall of the Roman Empure and in that film Stephen Boyd was a good guy and the villain was a roman emperor, Comodus played by Christopher Plummer that was just a jerk like Messala, and it was kind of funny to see him playing a guy very similar to the bad guy of the other movie.
William Wyler actually was Jewish, maybe that’s why he didn’t show the resurrection.
Also, The Ten Commandments is shown on Easter because it is a Passover film and Easter usually coincides with Passover.
Another very insightful review!
One thing that has always bugged me about the chariot race is how could the actual chariots get close to one another? The teams of horses would collide with each other, well before the chariots could get close to each other.
Oh, an upload on 11 april, my birthday and for one of my favorite old movies.