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Poster for Ben-Hur

Ben-Hur

The entertainment experience of a lifetime!

1959 · 3h 32m · G Adventure, Drama, History
Directed by William Wyler

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Overview

In 26 AD, Judah Ben-Hur, a Jew in ancient Judea, opposes the occupying Roman empire. Falsely accused by a Roman childhood friend-turned-overlord of trying to kill the Roman governor, he is put into slavery and his mother and sister are taken away as prisoners.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
87%
Tomatometer
Rotten

Entire new frontiers in boredom were opened up by this MGM whopper from 1959.

Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Rotten

The movie could be trying to say that for some people religion is an escape from their sexuality, but it seems unlikely.

Scott Meek, Time Out
Fresh

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.

Bosley Crowther, New York Times
Fresh

If we later came to realize that movies could be a whole lot better than Ben-Hur, that still doesn't detract from the enjoyment the film still provides.

Peter Rainer, Los Angeles Times
Fresh

A majestic achievement, representing a superb blending of the motion picture arts by master craftsmen.

Ronald Holloway, Variety

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