CINEXA

Ben-Hur

Judah Ben-Hur lives as a rich Jewish prince and merchant in Jerusalem at the beginning of the 1st century. Together with the new governor his old friend Messala arrives as commanding officer of the Roman legions. At first they are happy to meet after a long time but their different politic views separate them. During the welcome parade a roof tile falls down from Judah's house and injures the governor. Although Messala knows they are not guilty, he sends Judah to the galleys and throws his mother and sister into prison. But Judah swears to come back and take revenge. Use this page to compare cast context, genre fit (Adventure, Drama), release year 1959, and whether this film matches tonight's mood.

Ben-Hur poster on CINEXA

Story of Ben-Hur

Judah Ben-Hur lives as a rich Jewish prince and merchant in Jerusalem at the beginning of the 1st century. Together with the new governor his old friend Messala arrives as commanding officer of the Roman legions. At first they are happy to meet after a long time but their different politic views separate them. During the welcome parade a roof tile falls down from Judah's house and injures the governor. Although Messala knows they are not guilty, he sends Judah to the galleys and throws his mother and sister into prison. But Judah swears to come back and take revenge.

Use this page to compare cast context, genre fit (Adventure, Drama), release year 1959, and whether this film matches tonight's mood.

Title facts

  • Type Movie
  • Release year 1959
  • Released 18 Nov 1959
  • Runtime 212 minutes
  • Content rating G
  • IMDb rating IMDb 8.1/10 from 269,891 votes
  • Metascore 90/100
  • Genres Adventure, Drama
  • Languages English
  • Countries United States

Cast

Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd

Direction and writing

Directed by: William Wyler

Written by: Lew Wallace, Karl Tunberg, Maxwell Anderson

Awards and recognition

Won 11 Oscars. 29 wins & 13 nominations total

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