1959 - Ben-Hur: "In His eagerness to save you, your God has also saved an entire Roman fleet"

1959 Best Picture Winner

Premiered November 18, 1959

Budget $15.9 Million

Gross $70 Million

Callie and Joel came away with different opinions of this movie. You will get Joel's thoughts since I am writing this blog. I loved the film for many different reasons: the message, the story and what the movie did for the art of film. First, the message: The message of the film is that there is a redeemer who desires a relationship with you and is reaching out to you. All you have to do is accept what he is offering and He will save you. The story: Creative, inspirational, moving and interesting are some of the words that came to my mind while watching it. Finally the movie advanced the industry by using wide shots of big sets, employing lots of extras for several scenes and by using the best stunts we have seen so far. This is the best movie we have seen so far on our journey of Best Picture winners.

Joel

Favorite: The chariot race scene is the single best scene we have experienced so far (surpassing the courtroom scene in the Life of Emile Zola).

Least Favorite: At almost 4 hours in length, it does drag at times. 

Callie
Favorite: It was cool to see the Roman culture during that time.
Least Favorite: I felt that it was overdone at times and tended to be a little cheesy.