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Ben-Hur | Year: 1959 Classification: Themenwelten - Preis-Hits unter 10 EUR - Action, Thriller & Horror Directed: - William Wyler - Andrew Marton Actors/Actresses: - Charlton Heston - Jack Hawkins - Stephen Boyd William Wyler is a true genius. I don't really like long movie, especially those that are 3 hours long -- with the exception of "Titanic," "Gone With the Wind," "Braveheart," and "Dances With Wolves." Though I cannot stand to look or watch Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Costner, Mel Gibson, and Charlton Heston act (which they CAN'T, by the way!) their respective films are wonderful to LOOK at -- that's all. But "Ben-Hur" has a unique look to it; made in 1959 and with a budget of only $15 million, William Wyler managed to make a film that was moving and inspiring -- it definitely inspired me in many ways with my acting, directing and writing. Though Heston plays his character, Judah Ben-Hur, very wooden-like, the film stays afloat with vibrant performances by Stephen Boyd as Messala, the Roman Tribune; Hugh Griffith as Sheik Ilderim; and Haya Harareet as Esther, Judah's love interest (though Wyler regretted putting her in the film). In the end, if you can get past the film's epic length (211 minutes or 3 hours and 31 minutes), "Ben-Hur" is definitely a milestone in filmmaking. Go see it, if you can sit that long! Where Have All The Epic Films Gone ? 1959: Ben-Hur swept the Oscars with 11 Academy Awards. It brought audiences into the evolving Roman Empire in the time of Jesus. The film was based on the book. It was a blockbuster then and is still impressive to see on DVD to this day. Charleton Heston was the definition of manhood in his day, and his film roles were always larger-than-life. He played Moses in The Ten Commandments only a couple of years earlier. In this epic drama, Charleton Heston portrays Judah Ben-Hur with convincing prowess. Judah Ben-Hur is a slave in a galley ship. After a sinking, he saves a Roman lord and is granted property and status. Due to certain differences, Ben Hur and his former friend, Messala, break their ties and become rivals for power. Ben Hur and Messala's relationship is integral to the story and is performed very believably rather than cliche friends-turned-enemies deal. Ben Hur's mother and sister fall victim to lepresy. As such, they must live in caves as outcasts. Eventually, Ben Hur's rivalry with Messala is tested on the chariot races. This scene is the most famous in cinema, some would claim. It is impressive, with masses gathered around a circular arena and with bombastic music in the background. Later, Ben Hur finds himself in Israel, in Jerusalem, when Jesus is being crucified. Through miracles, Ben Hur's mother and sister are cured of their lepresy. Ben Hur repents of his former ways and becomes a better person. This film has all the makings of an epic film. They don't do films like these anymore. Spectacular, dramatic, large crowds and a panorama of lush cinematography. On DVD, the experience is incredible. Really The End of an Era One of the last great grand sweeping epics. Truly a cast of thousands. I've never been a big Heston fan but you got give the man his due. He was born to play these larger than life characters. The chariot race is really all its cracked up to be. One of the greatest cinematic moments ever. The chariot race in the silent version is even better, if you can believe that. Just amazing. Buy Ben Hur at Amazon.com Buy posters at Allposters.com Jamster - the latest ringtones for your phone!  Search with Walhello on the Internet on Ben Hur Search with the Priority Search Engine on Ben Hur This page in other languages: Suomeksi | Nederlands | Deutsch
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