This movie has it all --Great story line, great acting, great special effects and great message! -If ever there was a movie that deserves a perfect "10" this is it! Charlton Heston plays the roll of a lifetime as Judah Ben-Hur, a persecuted Jewish Aristocrat, condemned to the gallows for a crime for which he was innocent by his childhood Roman friend, Messalah. The intermingling of his life and times with that of Jesus is done in a most interesting fashion and gives a message of hope and faith to those who watch it. The special effects are spectacular considering the time period (1959)in which this movie was made. The chariot race is still thrilling to watch and 1st rate. Some critics downgrade this movie for being too long. I believe that it has to be long due to the lenghth of the story that is told. To shorten it would leave out crucial elements of the story. It is well delivered and the story-line flows well. Charlton Heston will go down as the greatest Biblical actor of all times (he also was great playing Moses in "The 10 Commandments"). The ending to this movie still puts a lump in my throat even though I have watched it many times. If ever a movie deserves a perfect score, this one is it!
