Synopsis: During the time of Christ, a Jewish prince is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend, but he regains his freedom and comes back for revenge.

This animated version tells the same story as the 1959 film, with some differences. The story begins with Balthazar waiting in the desert for the two other wise men for a journey to Bethlehem. The story of Ben-Hur begins 30 years after the birth of Jesus.

Every once in a while I like to go back into the cinematic treasure trove and dig up something that hasn’t been seen in a long time or that some of us have never seen before. And out of all the films I’ve seen, I must admit, I’ve never seen this one.

Narrated by the original Judah Ben Hur, veteran actor Charlton Heston gives a little background on Lew Wallace, who wrote the 1880 novel  Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ.

Unlike the 1925 and 1959 versions, the face of Jesus is shown, and his words are heard in this film.

Anticipating Messala’s return from serving in the Roman army for five years, Prince Judah Ben Hur is elated. They began doing the things they did as childhood friends. The competition was fun until Messala started talking down to Judah’s faith in God. Judah then realizes they can no longer be friends. A falling roof tile during the Roman army’s procession causes this Jewish prince and his entire household unimaginable heartache at the hands of Messala.

Chained to a link of slaves, he encounters Christ. No longer a prince but now a prisoner rowing a Roman warship that is doomed to go down. What will happen to Ben Hur? Where are his mother and sister? Will they ever see each other again? Will Ben Hur avenge this damage to his family? You will have to watch the film to find out.

Ben Hur was released in 2003 and is 1hr 20 min. It is not rated. It can be seen on Amazon Prime with a subscription, Apple TV for $3.99, and on Flex and YouTube for free.

Director: William R. Kowalchuk Jr.
Writers: Abi Estrin Cunningham and Lew Wallace.
Stars: Charlton Heston, Duncan Fraser, and Scott McNeil.

We give Ben Hur

This film shows, through the characters, that obedience, humility, faith, and forgiveness can place us in favorable and sometimes not-so-favorable positions. But when we, as believers, endure those trials trusting God, His plans of redemption through Jesus Christ unfold in ways we never deemed possible. A good film for family night.

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