Parents' Guide to

Ben-Hur

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

1959 biblical epic has fierce blood-spilling, cruelty.

Movie PG-13 1959 222 minutes
Ben-Hur Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 4 parent reviews

Miss Debra
Miss Debra Adult
May 16, 2022
age 13+

The Best Movie of All Time

I am a classic movie buff, have a Bachelors in Dramatic Art, and have collected over 1,000 fine movies. By far, of all the movies I have seen, which is easily over 2,000, Ben Hur 1959 with Charlton Heston, is my absolute favorite. It has everything anyone could want, incredible and incomparable live action, beautiful cinematography, heart-thumping romance, family bonds and tears, greed, generosity, heroism, dynamic acting, war, and even Jesus. When compared to other movies, including the Ten Commandments, which is my second favorite movie of all time, Ben Hur still comes out on top, all with no cussing.

This title has:

Educational value
Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
Mark B.
Mark B. Adult
April 21, 2017
age 12+

Timeless production with one of the best ever actors in Charlton Heston and a great story line with a Biblical reference

Stirring timeless masterpiece that illustrates that bad things happen even to the best and most privelaged, and that it isn't the challenging conditions in life that determine your destiny but how you respond to them. Charlton Heston carrys the leading role with quality which makes it one of his best ever movies. Its great how the narrative of Ben Hur's life brings him to cross paths with the Saviour of the world when both are in the deepest depths of lifes struggles. Definately worth watching.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

BEN-HUR, made in 1959, was the third movie to be made from Lew Wallace's successful novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of The Christ. The story takes place in the Holy Land just as a young carpenter from Nazareth is preaching a gospel of peace and mercy. Judah Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston) is Jerusalem's richest and most respected Jewish citizen. He's aware that the legions of Roman soldiers who have entered the city are on their way to conquering the world for Rome's emperor, who wants to be worshipped as a god. Ruling Israel and its citizenry would be a jewel in Rome's predatory crown. Furious that Judah, his childhood best friend, will not aid him in winning the hearts and minds of his Jewish compatriots in the city, Roman tribune Messala (Stephen Boyd) sells Judah into slavery and imprisons his mother and sister. Banished to a galley ship, Judah spends years rowing under the merciless cruelty of Roman taskmasters. It is only because of his bravery in a great sea battle that Judah is set free to return to Jerusalem. There, with the support of an Arab sheik and his long-time Jewish allies, Judah searches for his family and seeks vengeance on his old Roman "friend." After Judah defeats Messala in a chariot race that symbolizes the fight between good and evil, Judah is shocked to discover the awful circumstances of his family's imprisonment. By that time, the carpenter from Nazareth has become a major spiritual force in the lives of Israel's people. Jesus's miracles, crucifixion, and the conversion of the populace to his gentle doctrine of kindness and faith finally offer peace and hope to Judah and those he loves.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4):
Kids say (12):

For families with teens who can appreciate classic filmmaking and who aren't upset by blood-soaked action sequences and tension, this stunning film is highly recommended. Winning 11 Academy Awards (including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor), Ben-Hur was as much a phenomenon as it was a movie. The extraordinary achievement of its action sequences (made without the high-tech special effects so customary years later) was thought to be matched by the film's human drama, its emotional impact, and the luminous performances of the actors, directors, writers, and crew. Does it hold up? At almost four hours in length, it's slow at times; some of the acting feels mannered and stiff; and, with few exceptions, the characters are either very good or very bad -- no nuance here. Still, it packs a punch.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how action movie-making has changed since Ben-Hur was released in 1959. Find out how the filmmakers photographed the chariot race and why it was considered such a major achievement. How might they do it today?

  • From 1927 to 1961, mainstream movies did not show Jesus' face; think about possible reasons for this. How effective was the portrayal of Jesus in this movie, even without audiences seeing his face or hearing his voice? How did the scene in which Jesus gives water to Judah Ben-Hur impact the story?

  • When this movie was released, it was admired for being a "human" story as well as a spectacular action piece. How did the filmmakers accomplish this?

  • How do the characters in Ben-Hur demonstrate compassion and integrity? Why are these important character strengths?

Movie Details

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