Ben-Hur (1959 film)

Ben-Hur is a 1959 film directed by William Wyler and is, today, the best-known version of the film based on the 1880 book by Lew Wallace, '.

Plot

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 brick falls down from Judah's house and barely misses the governor. Although Messala knows that 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.

Related Topics:
Jewish - Jerusalem - Messala - Roman

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As a galley slave, the ship to which Judah has been consigned is attacked by enemies and is sunk, but Judah manages to save the life of the commander, who adopts Judah as his son. Thus given his freedom, and having learned Roman ways (including becoming an expert charioteer), he eventually returns to Judea. There he borrows horses from the Arab sheik Ilderin and defeats Messala in a chariot race before the governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate. Messala, who attempts to cheat his way to victory, is mortally wounded in the race, but tells Judah where he can find his mother and sister: in the valley of the lepers.

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Jesus appears in the film several times, including once when He gave water to Judah as he and other galley slaves were marched across the desert. Judah attempts to return the favor during Jesus's march to Calvary. Judah witnesses the crucifixion. Judah's mother and sister are healed by a miracle... as is Judah's heart and soul. He tells his family that as he heard Jesus talk of forgiveness while on the cross, "I felt His voice take the sword out of my hand."

Related Topics:
Jesus - Calvary

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