"Ben-Hur" is a historical epic film directed by William Wyler and released in 1959. The film is based on the 1880 novel "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ" by Lew Wallace. "Ben-Hur" is known for its grand scale, impressive production values, and memorable chariot race sequence.
The movie stars Charlton Heston in the title role of Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who falls from his position of privilege and is enslaved by the Romans. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the life of Jesus Christ, and the character of Ben-Hur encounters significant events from the New Testament.
"Ben-Hur" was a major production for its time, featuring a large cast, elaborate sets, and groundbreaking special effects. It won a record 11 Academy Awards, a feat that was not surpassed until "Titanic" in 1998 and "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" in 2004. The Oscars it received include Best Picture, Best Director (William Wyler), and Best Actor (Charlton Heston).
The chariot race sequence, in which Ben-Hur competes against his childhood friend turned rival, Messala (played by Stephen Boyd), is particularly famous and is often cited as one of the most thrilling scenes in cinematic history.
"Ben-Hur" is considered a classic of the sword-and-sandal genre and remains an iconic film in the history of cinema.