First, the Recap:
When it’s family, betrayal is hard to forgive–or forget. Wealthy prince Judah Ben-Hur (Jack Huston) has grown up with his adoptive brother Messala Severus (Toby Kebbell) in a prosperous and carefree childhood. Even as adults, they still manage to get into trouble together, their bond never ceasing to ease any pains. But when Messala begins to feel neglected, his eyes turn to join the Romans in their conquests and empire building. One poisonous accusation then changes the course of Ben-Hur’s life, and sends him on a road to revenge against Messala. Along the way, however, he also gains guidance from both the Messiah, Jesus(Rodrigo Santoro), and an aging charioteer named Ilderim (Morgan Freeman), both whom show Ben-Hur a higher path to justice and redemption.
Worth Seeing: YES
Director Timur Bekmambetov of “Wanted” and “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” fame, takes on this beloved classic and, honestly, absolutely captures the essence, nuances, and embedded faith-based themes of the 1959 effort, only changing the fate of one major character, which doesn’t negatively impact the narrative at all, but actually gives it a serious pathos-laden punch. Huston and Kebbell burn bright, with solid support from Santoro, Freeman, and several others, and the visuals are epic and lush as well. The film isn’t faring well at the box office, and that’s a shame, as a powerful story with positive messages deserves time in the sun. In a time of so much turmoil and darker days in the world, something good should be embraced.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
