Watch Ben-Hur
- PG-13
- 2016
- 2 hr 24 min
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5.7 (47,409)
Ben-Hur is a 2016 historical drama film directed by Timur Bekmambetov and written by Keith Clarke and John Ridley. The film is a remake of the classic 1959 film of the same name, which starred Charlton Heston in the title role. This new adaptation stars Jack Huston as Judah Ben-Hur, a prince in Jerusalem who is betrayed by his adopted brother, Messala (Toby Kebbell), and sent into slavery. The film also features Rodrigo Santoro as Jesus Christ.
The story begins with Judah and Messala growing up together in Jerusalem, with Messala being adopted into Judah's family. As they grow older, they become estranged and eventually enemies, with Messala seeking to stamp out opposition to the Roman Empire while Judah is focused on protecting his people and his family. When a Roman official is nearly killed in an attack, Messala accuses Judah of being responsible and has him and his family arrested. Judah is sent into slavery while his mother and sister are imprisoned.
Judah is eventually rescued by a wealthy African named Ilderim (Morgan Freeman), who pits him against other charioteers in races. Judah becomes an accomplished charioteer and uses his newfound skills to seek revenge against Messala in a climactic chariot race.
Throughout the film, Judah is also introduced to the teachings of Jesus Christ, who preaches love and forgiveness even in the face of immense cruelty and suffering. This message ultimately influences Judah's decision to seek redemption rather than revenge.
The film also features impressive visuals, particularly during the chariot race scene. The camera work is fast-paced and immersive, putting the viewer right in the midst of the action. The film's score, by Marco Beltrami, is also noteworthy, adding tension and drama to the already intense story.
Overall, Ben-Hur is a well-made and engaging retelling of a classic story. While it may not surpass the 1959 version in terms of impact, it is still a worthwhile film that showcases the talents of its cast and crew.
In summary, Ben-Hur is a remake of the iconic 1959 film and stars Jack Huston, Toby Kebbell, and Rodrigo Santoro. The film follows the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a prince in Jerusalem who is betrayed by his adopted brother and sent into slavery. He eventually seeks revenge against his brother in a climactic chariot race but is ultimately influenced by the teachings of Jesus Christ to seek redemption rather than vengeance. With impressive visuals and a standout performance from Huston, this film is a worthwhile retelling of a timeless story.
Ben-Hur is a 2016 action movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 24 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7 and a MetaScore of 38.