Ben-Hur - Surprisingly still excellent entertainment 40 years later

[Raphph]

I have just reviewed Ben-Hur for DVD Times (Check out the link in my sig) and expected the film to be long, dull and dated. It certainly is long, but I was surprised to find it extremely enjoyable.

Anyone agree/disagree?

[TimK]

Have to agree with you 100%. It's one of those rare films I'll quite happily sit through time & time again without getting even slightly bored.

[urruri]

I agree this is still on of the great epics.

[MartinC]

interesting view to have when reviewing something fresh...
why did you expect it to be dull & dated?

its a historical film set in Roman times (0 BC?) so it wont really "date" as such...

and it has stood the test of time... I dont think people will be saying Gladiator is a great film in 40 years time..., Ben Hur maybe...

and what with the blatant plagarism of the race sequence of SW - the Phantom Menace, it surely proves the film must've had something going for it.

[Raphph]

When I said dated I meant in terms of the film looking distinctly of nineteen fifties and losing much of its charm.

With regards to the Phatom Menace, check out my review and you'll find I'm in agreement.