MOVIE · 1959

Ben-Hur

ActionAdventureDrama212 min

In ancient Judea, Charlton Heston is Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman in Jerusalem whose opposition to Roman rule turns personal when his boyhood friend returns as an occupying commander. Stephen Boyd's Messala chooses Rome over loyalty, and a false accusation sends Judah from privilege to chains, galleys, and a long struggle to find his family again. The story moves through political unrest, brutal spectacle, and the famous chariot race, with Haya Harareet's Esther tied to the life Judah left behind. Running alongside the feud is the growing presence of Christ, as revenge and faith begin to pull the story in different directions.