Ben Hurr

Acclaimed as several things in its time a cinematic masterpiece, one of the greatest movies in history, and winner of three Golden Globe awards including best picture. I anticipated in viewing this movie mainly because of the hype brought with its film history, but I couldn't help but fall asleep. This so called masterpiece manged to put me into a deep sleep with every attempt, that I spent viewing it.Although, I had no interest in the story, and was solemnly entertained I very much admired the fact that it took place in the time of Christ and is refereed to as The Christ Story.

Scene from the chariot race, shown here is Ben Hurr in his chariot 

The plot has simple elements, nothing is complex about the story. Prince Judah Benn Hurr hears that his lifelong childhood friend, Messala, has been named commander of the Roman Garrison. He was thrilled in hearing this news, but after meeting Messala he realized he had changed. Messala  wanted Hurr to help him force the Jews into to converting to Roman Catholicism.  Hurr of course refused this and because of this refusal he was forced into the galley to become a slave. Judah escaped with pure luck and skill and finds his mother and sister, and plans revenge on his past friend.

Movie cover for Ben Hur

The divine Charlton Heston plays the main character, the heroic Ben Hur. Haya Harareet was a woman that was in a forced marriage to be freed from slavery. Stephen Boyd portrays the evil and conniving Messala.