Ben-Hur
Academy Award × 11·AFI #100·National Film Registry
Rent/Purchase
In ancient Judea, a Jewish aristocrat opposing Roman occupation of his homeland reunites with his childhood friend, now a Roman commander — setting in motion a saga of betrayal, adventure, tragedy, revenge, and faith.
What critics thought
Greeted with near-universal acclaim on release, Ben-Hur was celebrated above all for its chariot race, which critics across the board treated as a landmark of cinematic action. Where reviewers diverged was on Charlton Heston — some found him physically commanding, others felt he never quite reached the emotional depth the role demanded — and on the film's sheer length, with several critics arguing that Wyler hammers home his points long after they've landed, particularly in the galley and leper sequences.
“There has seldom been anything in movies to compare with this picture's chariot race. It is a stunning complex of mighty setting, thrilling action by horses and men, panoramic observation and overwhelming use of dramatic sound.”
Bosley Crowther·The New York Times
“a majestic achievement, representing a superb blending of the motion picture arts by master craftsmen”
Ronald Holloway·Variety
“speaks English as if he'd learned it from records”
John McCarten·The New Yorker
“I have never seen anything of its sort to touch it for excitement.”
Dilys Powell·London Sunday Times
Genres
Adventure, Drama
Cast & Crew
DirectorWilliam Wyler
StarringCharlton Heston, Stephen Boyd, Hugh Griffith, Jack Hawkins, Haya Harareet
ComposerMiklós Rózsa
Ben-Hur
Academy Award × 11·AFI #100·National Film Registry
In ancient Judea, a Jewish aristocrat opposing Roman occupation of his homeland reunites with his childhood friend, now a Roman commander — setting in motion a saga of betrayal, adventure, tragedy, revenge, and faith.
What critics thought
Greeted with near-universal acclaim on release, Ben-Hur was celebrated above all for its chariot race, which critics across the board treated as a landmark of cinematic action. Where reviewers diverged was on Charlton Heston — some found him physically commanding, others felt he never quite reached the emotional depth the role demanded — and on the film's sheer length, with several critics arguing that Wyler hammers home his points long after they've landed, particularly in the galley and leper sequences.
“There has seldom been anything in movies to compare with this picture's chariot race. It is a stunning complex of mighty setting, thrilling action by horses and men, panoramic observation and overwhelming use of dramatic sound.”
Bosley Crowther·The New York Times
“a majestic achievement, representing a superb blending of the motion picture arts by master craftsmen”
Ronald Holloway·Variety
“speaks English as if he'd learned it from records”
John McCarten·The New Yorker
“I have never seen anything of its sort to touch it for excitement.”
Dilys Powell·London Sunday Times
Genres
Adventure, Drama
Cast & Crew
DirectorWilliam Wyler
StarringCharlton Heston, Stephen Boyd, Hugh Griffith, Jack Hawkins, Haya Harareet
ComposerMiklós Rózsa
Rent/Purchase