Ben Hur

Epic is really the best word to describe Ben Hur. The attention to detail and the scale of the project are so impressive they would be worth watching even if they were all the movie had going for it. It's easy to see why the movie won 11 Oscars.

One of the things I enjoyed the most about the story is the changing, growing characters. The first example is Messala. A boyhood friend of Judah Ben Hur, at first we see the obvious affection and shared history of the two. It's not long into their first scene together that we are shown there's been a change in Messala, and he's come back to Jerusalem a man hungry for power and eager to prove his worth to Caesar. I was stunned to see the extent of his ego and corruption when he condemns not only Judah, but his mother and sister as he says, "By condemning without hesitation an old friend, I shall be feared." He goes to his death with the revelation to Judah that his family is alive and they are lepers, and the words, "The game goes on, Judah!" With those words we see that even facing death he is unrepentant and merciless.

Judah's journey is less linear than that of Messala. It's easy to see that he is a kind man in his interactions with Messala, with his overseer Simonides, and his mother and sister. He stands up for his people when he refuses to help Messala betray dissenters, and we are shown his personal integrity. After being condemned, we see strength in his work in the galleys, and compassion in saving the life of Quintas Arrias. We are also shown his dark side in his contempt for Rome, and his hatred and revenge-seeking for Messala. I was waiting anxiously for Judah to overcome the bitterness, and it came at the end.

Judah: I heard Him say, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
Esther: Even then.
Judah: Even then. And I felt His voice take the sword out of my hand.

With those words, Judah is transformed and chooses compassion, forgiveness, and love. The acting of this part by Charlton Heston is excellent.

The chariot scene has to be mentioned, the scale is amazing and almost unbelievable. I have always heard that someone died in the making of the scene, and it's not hard to see why that's a believable rumor. The crowds of real people all dressed and playing their part is a feat I don't think any director would dare attempt today. 

I thought the way Jesus Christ played a part in the movie was an interesting aspect. His face was never shown, his words never heard directly, and yet he was an integral part of the story line. Judah's first interaction with him was when Christ gave him water as he came through Nazareth. This lone act was obviously impactful to Judah, as he talks about it when on the ship "Once before a man helped me, I didn't know why then."  And when he sees Christ in the final scenes, he recognizes him as the man who showed him compassion when at one of his lowest points. I think this is a great choice on the part of the director, William Wyler, as any direct portrayal of Jesus Christ is bound to have many differing opinions and criticisms. By using this tactic, he maintains the important role of Christ in the story without the risk of offending his religious audience.