Ben-Hur

This week’s film is a classic epic for the start of the Easter season.

In first-century Jerusalem, wealthy Jewish prince Judah Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston) reunites with childhood friend Messala, now a Roman commander. Their friendship quickly sours when Messala asks Ben-Hur to side with Roman rule, betraying his fellow Jews, and Ben-Hur refuses. Messala later takes revenge by sentencing him to slavery in the galleys while imprisoning his mother and sister.

Fueled by a burning desire for vengeance, Ben-Hur endures years of slavery, but escapes the fate during a naval battle when he saves the life of a Roman commander. Becoming a charioteer, Ben-Hur still can’t forgive the man who ruined his life, and continues to seek revenge, ultimately joining a chariot race to challenge Messala once and for all, leading to one of cinema’s most famous action sequences.

Still, a heart obsessed with victimhood and revenge is not so easily healed. Ben-Hur slowly realizes that perhaps the peace he’s been seeking isn’t found in such revenge, but in the message of forgiveness and mercy being preached by a man whom people are calling the Son of God…

Set against the backdrop of Christ’s life, Ben-Hur explores the timeless themes of vengeance, forgiveness, and redemption, reminding us of the destructive nature of hatred and the transformative power of Christ’s mercy. The film is rated G, though the long runtime may be too slow-paced for very young viewers, and some violence (though tame by today’s standards) may be too intense.

Runtime: 3 hours, 32 minutes
Rated G
USCCB rating: A-I
88% on Rotten Tomatoes
IMDb Parents Guide
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