May Challenge: Ben-Hur

Ben-Hur (William Wyler, 1959)

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Rating: Q=5, P=3 / Thanks But No Thanks

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=1

 

Honor, Loyalty, Roman Empire, Christ, Morality

 

This is a true epic of... epic proportions. So many grand meanings, dramatic scenes, intense dialogues, and conflict. Some parts of the film feel long, other parts are gripping. I especially enjoy the conversations between Judah and Messala. This relationship is the anchor of the story--the good, bad, and turmoil in all of us. Ben-Hur is richly colored and looks and feels very much a part of the 1950s. The acting, while occassionally forced, is mostly good and somehow fits the period portrayed and the timeless story. I will not watch the chariot race sequence again... true agony, but for some reason I could not turn my eyes from the screen.

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May Challenge - 8 Classic Films I Still Haven't Seen

As you all know, I'm a huge fan of lists and film challenges. Several years ago, AFI came up with a list of 100 Years, 100 Movies. I, naturally, made it a goal to see them all eventually. I'm still working on the list and decided to designate May as my month for some classic film watching. Here's what I'm planning...though I have seen parts of most of these, never the entire film. Once I see it, as usual, I will post my impressions!

Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)


The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)


The African Queen (1951)


An American in Paris (1951)


Shane (1953)


The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)


The Defiant Ones (1958)


Ben-Hur (1959)