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    Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ

    Reviewed by
    adamwatchesmovies@

    Didn’t know that 2016’s “Ben-Hur” was a remake? Then here’s something that’ll blow your monkey mind right through the bottom of your skull. The 1959 film with Charlton Heston, the one that won 11 Academy Awards… is a remake of this 1925 silent picture! And what a film this is. If you love the story, but you don’t quite have the 4 hours required to see the legendary “Best Picture” winner, consider this one as a delightful alternative.

    In ancient Judea, the Roman Empire rules the Jewish nation with an iron fist. They pray for a savior to come and it appears that one is on its way when an exceptionally bright star appears over Bethlehem. Years later, Judah Ben-Hur (Ramon Novarro) is a wealthy Jewish Prince who is delighted to welcome home an old friend, a powerful Roman Tribune named Messala (Francis X. Bushman) After an accident leads to Ben-Hur’s arrest, Messala’s bitter, arrogant opinion of Jews has our hero’s entire family jailed and Ben-Hur is sentenced to a lifetime of slavery aboard a Roman war galley. Determined to escape this death sentence, Ben-Hur swears revenge.

    Let’s get the big question out of the way immediately. Is the “original” better than the (first) remake? I’m going to say... no. It’s a close call. As far as silent films go, this is one of the most spectacular I’ve ever seen. It features grandiose sets, touching drama, rousing sea battles, a chariot race that gets your blood pumping, and incredible special effects. This is one of only 2 silent films I’ve seen to feature color. I’m not talking about some tinting either. I’m talking about full Technicolor to accentuate particular scenes. This is a powerful, gripping story filled with a wide range of emotions. It clocks in at 143 minutes but I would’ve welcomed a longer version. The reason I say it’s not as good as the remake is because of the performances. The actors don’t talk, they can only mime between scenes where *Gasp!* you’re asked to read title cards. I like silent films. I think you can do a lot by restraining the amount of dialogue used and focusing exclusively on visuals to tell your story. I’m not sure “Ben-Hur”, with its sweeping emotional complexity benefits from truncated dialogue. This is a magnificent picture, it’s a photo finish between the 1925 and 1959 version.

    There’s a unique quality to films from this era. Yes, the cards are somewhat intrusive, but I think it helps accentuate the age and power of the story. The film is set 2000 or so years ago. For the most part, it’s either tinted or in black-and-white. There is no sound. The text we see on-screen is somewhat archaic, with many “thee” and not a single conjecture to be found. This outdated method of delivery helps immerse you in the story not only because it’s written, but because of the way it’s written. The lack of dialogue also makes for some creative and powerfully emotive moments, particularly towards the end. Let’s not forget that since the film predates computer effects by decades, the stunts you see, they’re real. When you spot chariots racing on-screen, you sense real tension. These actors were actually in that arena, worried that a wrong turn would cause their deaths. It gives you a glimpse of what it must’ve been like at the time, way back in Judea. Isn’t that what movies are all about?

    “Ben-Hur” is an old movie, but it doesn’t feel dated except in the limitations the medium had at the time. The editing is tight, the special effects hold up (save for one dummy towards the end that you can forgive) and the story is timeless. Like any great film, once engaged, you forget that you’re watching a fictional story. The film becomes a time machine that sends you back to this era. I also admire the fact that it’s remarkably well self-contained. Despite the fact that Jesus makes appearances in the film, this is the story of Ben-Hur. We follow a man who abandons comfort and in a way, freedom to live, to dedicate his life to revenge against Messala, but it might as well be the entire Roman Empire. Meanwhile, his people’s savior walks the Earth promoting mercy and love. That’s a powerful contrast. It tells volumes about our hero. You barely see Jesus on-screen, making it a tasteful and respectful interpretation of the religious figure. And if you’re not religious, you don’t have to know the details of the New Testament or interpret it as anything but a fantastical story about a man’s journey through hell and back.

    I would’ve likely never seen the film if it hadn’t been included in the 50th Anniversary Box Set of it’s better-known remake. 1925’s “Ben-Hur” is more than just a bonus feature; it’s a delight. I’m glad I took the time to explore this one. I strongly recommend it for film buffs, who will enjoy comparing it to the remake. If you don’t see as many movies as I do, I say seek it out anyway, it’s something olb, but it'll be new to you, and unlike anything you’ve seen before. (1988 restored version on Blu-ray, September 1, 2016)

    10
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    adamwatchesmovies@  4.9.2016 age: 26-35 2,866 reviews

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