Ben-Hur (1959)
Ben-Hur (1959)
TOMATOMETER
AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic Consensus: Uneven, but in terms of epic scope and grand spectacle, Ben-Hur still ranks among Hollywood's finest examples of pure entertainment.
Ben-Hur Videos & Photos
Movie Info
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 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 … More
| Rating: | G |
| Genre: | Drama, Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Romance, Classics |
| Directed By: | William Wyler |
| Written By: | Lew Wallace, Karl Tunberg |
| In Theaters: | Nov 18, 1959 Wide |
| On DVD: | Sep 13, 2005 |
| Runtime: |
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as Esther
as Miriam
as Simonedes
as Tirzah
as Balthazar
as Pontius Pilate
as Tiberius
as Flavia
as Sheik Ilderim
as Drusus
as Sextus
as Malluch
as Jesus
as Mary
as Gaspar
as Marcello
as Amrah
as Joseph
as Spintho
as Metellus
as Marius
as Aide to Tiberius
as Melchior
as Quaestor
as Jailer
as Gratus
as Chief of Rowers
as Rower No. 42
as Rower No. 43
as Rower No. 28
as Leper
as Hortator
as Doctor
as Blind Man
as Barca
as Starter at Race
as Centurion
as Officer
as Soldier
as Man in Nazareth
as Villager
as Raimondo
as Cavalry Officer
as Decurian
as Galley Officer
as Galley Officer
as Mario
as Roman at Bath
as Pilate's Servant
as The Corinthian
as The Byzantine
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LoginCritic Reviews for Ben-Hur
All Critics (43) | Top Critics (7) | Fresh (38) | Rotten (5) | DVD (38)
The biggest and the best of Hollywood's super-spectacles.
Entire new frontiers in boredom were opened up by this MGM whopper from 1959.
The movie could be trying to say that for some people religion is an escape from their sexuality, but it seems unlikely.
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.
[VIDEO ESSAY] It's worth sitting through four hours of Charlton Heston's hammy pregnant pauses of strained dialogue and toothy grimaces just to savor the legendary larger-than-life marathon where single rider chariots...
Although it is a spectacle film, the story of how a man takes on the tyranny of the Romans, with all sorts of horrible consequences to himself and his family, is powerful and gripping.
Audience Reviews for Ben-Hur
A sword and sandal epic intended to begger your measly little life...which it almost manages to do, dadgumit! Heston represents Israel groaning under the Roman yoke, needlessly persecuted, until we get to the famous climax: the chariot race. The notoriously long film should've ended there but instead tacks on a snooze-worthy bit about Christian redemption, perhaps as justification for the previous hours of hedonistic excess. Still, old school sumptuous-ness played for the epic factor, missing by only that much.
Super Reviewer
Powerful and masterfully crafted, Ben Hur is a timeless epic that will continue to thrill and move audience members throughout the generations.
Super Reviewer
William Wyler's epic and unforgettable masterpiece. One of the best remakes ever! Touching. Fresh.
Super Reviewer
Ben-Hur Quotes
| Messala: | Look for them in the Valley of the Lepers, if you can recognize them. The race goes on, Judah! |
| Messala: | Look for them in the Valley of the Lepers, if you can recognize them. The race goes on, Judah! |
| Quintus Arrius: | We keep you alive to serve this ship. |
| Quintus Arrius: | What is your name, forty-one? |
| Judah Ben Hur: | Judah Ben Hur. |
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