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There Are Many Paths To God, My Son

Posted in General Comments, Movie Review, Movies, Reviews, tagged Ben-Hur (1959) — movie review, Best Actor Oscar, Best Cinematography Oscar, Best Director (Wyler), Best Editing Oscar, Best Picture Oscar, Best Score Oscar, Best Supporting Actor Oscar, Charlton Heston, Esther, General Comments, Haya Harareet, Hollywood, Hugh Griffith, Jack Hawkins, Jesus Christ, Judah Ben-Hur, Judea, Messala, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, MGM, Miklós Rózsa, Movie Reviews, Quintus Arrius, Reviews, Roman Tribune, Sam Jaffe, Sheik Ilderim, Simonides, Stephen Boyd, Very Highly Recommended Movie, William Wyler on February 4, 2026| Leave a Comment »

“Ben-Hur” (1959) — movie review
Today’s review is for the historical epic “Ben-Hur” (1959), directed by William Wyler and starring Charlton Heston as Judah Ben-Hur (a Jewish prince whose life is shattered by betrayal and Roman brutality); Stephen Boyd as Messala (Judah’s childhood friend turned Roman tribune whose ambition destroys their bond); Jack Hawkins as Quintus Arrius (the Roman commander who rescues Judah from slavery and later adopts him); Haya Harareet as Esther (Judah’s quiet but steady love interest); Hugh Griffith as Sheik Ilderim (the colorful Arab horse breeder who backs Judah in the chariot race); and Sam Jaffe as Simonides (the loyal steward of the Ben-Hur household). The film also features a number of uncredited performances surrounding the life of Jesus, whose presence shapes Judah’s journey without taking over the narrative.

Background: I first saw “Ben-Hur” as a kid on TV, back when “epic” meant three-plus hours, an intermission, and a cast list longer than some phone books. I’ve seen it three or four times since – mostly to watch the chariot race. LoL. Released in 1959 by MGM, the film was a massive production — shot in 70mm, with thousands of extras, enormous sets, and practical effects that still hold up. It became one of the most honored films in history, winning 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Wyler), Best Actor (Heston), Best Supporting Actor (Griffith), Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Score. For decades it held the record for most Oscars won by a single film. Its historic significance is obvious: it set the standard for the Hollywood biblical epic and remains one of the most influential films ever made.

Plot: Judah Ben-Hur, a wealthy Jewish nobleman in Roman-occupied Judea, reconnects with his childhood friend Messala, now a Roman tribune. Their reunion collapses when Messala demands Judah betray his people; Judah refuses, and Messala retaliates by condemning him to the galleys and imprisoning his mother and sister. Judah survives years as a slave, saves the life of Roman commander Quintus Arrius, and is adopted into his household. Still driven by anger, Judah returns home seeking revenge and discovers his family has suffered even more than he imagined. His path eventually leads to the famous chariot race against Messala and, later, to an encounter with Jesus during the crucifixion — an event that forces Judah to confront the limits of vengeance and the possibility of forgiveness.

So, is this movie any good? How’s the acting? The filming / FX? Any problems? And, did I enjoy the film? Short answers: Yes; strong and committed; spectacular; a few; absolutely.

Any Good? Yes. (Duh – 11 Oscars including Best Picture.) “Ben-Hur” is long, earnest, and built on a scale we rarely see anymore. The story mixes personal drama with historical sweep, and while some of the dialogue feels dated, the emotional through-line — friendship, betrayal, revenge, and redemption — still works. The film earns its reputation as a landmark epic.

Acting: Charlton Heston is… Charlton Heston (mostly stiff / wooden – but he did win the Oscar for Best Actor). Big presence, big gestures, but it fits the role. He sells Judah’s pride, rage, and eventual softening. Stephen Boyd is excellent as Messala — ambitious, cold, and believable as someone who convinces himself he’s the injured party. Jack Hawkins brings gravitas to Quintus Arrius, and Haya Harareet gives Esther warmth without melodrama. Hugh Griffith’s performance as Sheik Ilderim is memorable, though modern viewers may find it broad. Overall, the cast carries the film without slipping into parody, which is no small feat in a biblical epic.

Filming / FX: This is where the movie still shines. The chariot race remains one of the greatest action sequences ever filmed — practical stunts, real horses, real danger. No CGI safety net. The naval battle is also impressive, with large-scale sets and physical effects that feel heavy and dangerous. The cinematography takes full advantage of the 70mm frame, and the production design is meticulous. The score by Miklós Rózsa is sweeping without overwhelming the story. For a 1959 film, the technical achievement is staggering.

Problems: A few. The pacing can drag, especially in the early Roman political scenes. Some performances lean theatrical by modern standards. The subplot involving Judah’s mother and sister is handled with a heavy hand. And the film’s length — over three and a half hours — requires commitment (and a healthy bladder). Still, these issues are part of the genre and era, not fatal flaws.

Did I Enjoy the Film? Yes. Even with its age and length, “Ben-Hur” remains compelling. The chariot race alone is worth the time, but the emotional arc — Judah’s shift from vengeance to something like grace — gives the film staying power. It’s a movie that requires patience but, even then, viewing it still feels like an event.

Final Recommendation: Very Highly Recommended. “Ben-Hur” is a cornerstone of classic Hollywood filmmaking — winner of 11 Oscars, historically significant, and still visually impressive. Rated G (in later re-releases), it’s suitable for most audiences, though younger (and seniors with bladder issues) viewers may struggle with the runtime. Watch it for the chariot race, the craftsmanship, and the reminder that practical filmmaking at scale can still take your breath away.

Final Thought: As many times as I’ve seen this film, I never remember the two main characters (Ben-Hur and Messala) were childhood friends and the breakdown of this friendship is what leads to the life-long defining animosity between them.

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