Watch Ben-Hur

Ben-Hur is an epic silent film from 1925 directed by Fred Niblo and produced by MGM. The movie is based on the 1880 novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace. The film stars Ramon Novarro, Francis X. Bushman, and May McAvoy. The story is set in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus Christ. It follows the life of Judah Ben-Hur (played by Novarro), a wealthy prince who is betrayed by his childhood friend, Messala (played by Bushman), and falsely accused of attempting to assassinate a Roman governor. Ben-Hur is sent to a slave galley while his mother and sister are imprisoned. While on the slave ship, he saves the life of a Roman commander, who rewards him with his freedom.

Ben-Hur returns to Jerusalem and learns that his mother and sister are still alive but lepers. He then meets and falls in love with Esther (played by McAvoy), a beautiful Jew who has also been betrayed by Messala. Ben-Hur eventually confronts Messala in a chariot race, both seeking to prove their status as the best charioteer in Rome. The chariot race is a spectacular scene, with dozens of horses and chariots racing around an oval track.

As the story progresses, we see Ben-Hur become a follower of Jesus Christ, and the movie culminates in the crucifixion scene, where Ben-Hur is healed by Jesus' blood after being injured while trying to save him from the wrath of the Roman guards.

The film Ben-Hur is regarded as one of the greatest epics of the silent era. Its budget was one of the largest ever for a silent film, and the attention to detail in the sets, costumes, and props is evident from beginning to end. In addition to the chariot race, the film also features a sea battle with ships ramming into each other, gladiator fights, and other grand spectacles.

One of the reasons why the movie remains a classic is because of the lead actors' outstanding performances. Ramon Novarro has a charismatic presence as the honorable Ben-Hur, and Francis X. Bushman is both hateable and fascinating as the cold-hearted Messala. May McAvoy is delightful as Esther, a strong and determined heroine who helps Ben-Hur find his way to redemption.

The film's themes of betrayal, sacrifice, and redemption are timeless, and the backdrop of the Roman Empire and the life of Jesus Christ adds mood and gravitas to the story. Ben-Hur is an excellent example of how silent films were able to convey powerful emotions and tell a story with minimal dialogue.

Overall, Ben-Hur is an epic of biblical proportions that continues to captivate audiences today. Its stunning visuals, compelling performances, and unforgettable story make it a must-see for film enthusiasts and fans of historical epics alike.

Ben-Hur is a 1927 adventure movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 23 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.