Best of the Letter "B:" Ben-Hur (1959)

One of the most celebrated films of all time, Ben-Hur is an epic masterpiece.  Charlton Heston stars as Judah Ben-Hur in this classic tale of friendship, betrayal, and revenge.  Betrayed by a close friend, Judah finds himself no longer rich and privileged in Jerusalem, but condemned and enslaved on a Roman galley.  But this is a hero's journey, so when Judah saves the Roman commander during a battle he gains wealth, status, and everything he needs to pursue his revenge upon his betrayer.

And that's the theme on which things get special.  You see, the subtitle of the film is "A Tale of the Christ."  The movie opens with the nativity, and Judah encounters Jesus on several occasions.  Never once do we see the face of Christ, nor do we hear his voice.  Yet the stamp of Christ is all over the course of Judah's life.  This film is as Christian as they come, and it is also one of the greatest stories written.  Judah is given every reason to hate, reason to strike out in war against his enemies.  Yet the person of Jesus calls to him, and the voice of Jesus instructs him.  There, on the hill of calvary, Judah witnesses the crucifixion and returns to his home a different man.  He speaks to Esther with wonder, telling her how even on the Cross Jesus prayed "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."  And then Judah tells her, "and I felt his voice take the sword out of my hand."

It is in forgiveness that Judah gains true victory over his enemies, and he also learns how God works in both subtle and miraculous ways.  It is a beautiful, wonderful story fully worthy of every accolade that might be given.

When it comes to production values, Ben-Hur still ranks among the top best movies ever made.  Granted, there are a few points where things break down a bit -the rather sad looking naval battle is the low point.  But overall there is no mistaking the grandeur of everything you see.  And in particular, the famed chariot race is still one of the most exciting and spectacularly filmed action sequences of all time.  The stunt work, camera work, and (of course) horsemanship, are all fantastic.

Listen, movies just do not get much bigger or better than this.  Ben-Hur is one for the ages, fully deserving the 11 Oscars it won.  And for the record, the other films that have since won 11 Oscars could not claim to deserve all of them.  Ben-Hur is in a league of its own.

Entertainment: 9/10
Artistic Value: 10/10
Technical Merit: 9.5/10

Overall: 10/10

Runners up for the letter "B:"

• Blade Runner
• Babette's Feast
• Brazil
• Braveheart