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08/22/08
Ben-Hur (1959)
91 %
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted: 33
Fresh: 30
Rotten:3
Average Rating: 7.8/10
Consensus: Uneven, but in terms of epic scope and grand spectacle, Ben-Hur still ranks among Hollywood's finest examples of pure entertainment.
Theatrical Release: Dec 10, 1959 Wide
Synopsis: Anno Domini: the seventh year of Augustus Caesar's reign. In the Roman province of Judea, Jews return to the city of their birth for the census. A bright star in the night over Bethlehem marks the birth of Jesus Christ. Years later, Roman... [More]
Starring: Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd, Haya Harareet
Director: William Wyler
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Reviews for Ben-Hur
Top Critic
It's very much of its time, overblown and overlong -- but Ben-Hur is rightfully lodged at the forefront of Hollywood history.
02/20/08
Entire new frontiers in boredom were opened up by this MGM whopper from 1959.
12/13/06
Top Critic The kind of sweeping pseudo-biblical epic that Hollywood was famous for. If not for Heston's weak performance and Boyd's ludicrous one, the film might have been better.
11/15/06
In the lead, Heston is stiff, and the writing is uneven, but overall, it's rousing epic done on a massive scale with hundreds of sets and extras a priceless race scene.
07/16/06
The film moves with an assurance and majesty hardly seen in modern movies.
07/02/06
The movie could be trying to say that for some people religion is an escape from their sexuality, but it seems unlikely.
01/26/06
Top Critic
The grandest of Hollywood's classic biblical epics… doesn't transcend its genre, with its spectacle and melodrama, but it does these things about as well as possible.
04/23/04
Top Critic Mr. Wyler and his money-free producers have smartly and effectively laid stress on the powerful and meaningful personal conflicts that are strong in this old heroic tale.
05/20/03
Top Critic
One of the most exciting action epics ever made, blustery "Ben-Hur" is filled with over-the-top performances, but memorable scenes.
12/13/02
Latest News for Ben-Hur
April 07, 2008:
Charlton Heston's Most Memorable Performances
With his classically chiseled looks and basso profundo speaking voice, Charlton Heston was an icon of old-school Hollywood. In remembrance of Heston, Rotten Tomatoes has... More...
April 07, 2008:
Charlton Heston: 1924-2008
Charlton Heston has passed away at the age of 84. More...
June 22, 2007:
AFI Announces Top 100 Movies of All Time ... Again
Ten years ago the AFI gave us a list of the Top 100 American Films Ever Made -- and when that was done they churned out 15 other lists every few years. And then last night they... More...
November 30, 2006:
Critical Consensus: "Nativity" Is Too Safe; "Turistas" Not Worth Trip
This week at the movies, we've got a new take on the first Noel ("The Nativity Story," starring Keisha Castle-Hughes), endangered Americans in Brazil... More...
Related Forums for Ben-Hur
best film EVER!!!1
by: spaceman167 1/8
by: spaceman167 1/8
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