I mostly agree. Only segment of this film that really looks outdated to me was naval battle. I saw silent version of Ben Hur from 1925 and it's naval battle was vastly better. But as for the rest of the film, it holds up phenomenal. Settings look like real places, unlike for example Ten Commandments.
@willardchi2571 I respect your opinion & right to voice it..Although many others (Including myself) Don't agree with it & the movie establishment/industry/critics didn't & still don't agree with that as well.
@@willardchi2571 "The Ten Commandments" is an epic movie. I believe there are a lot of top tier knowledgeable movie industry professionals that hold TTC in very high regard. Martin Scorsese considers TTC as one of his cinema favorites. In 1978 he stated he had watched TTC around 40 - 50 times.
The chariot race was a hugely complex sequence involving editing, camera tricks, stunt doubles, dummies, all toward the goal of creating something that was entertaining and seamless. It's one of the greatest achievements of cinema.
I did a Google and about 100 horses were killed. I thought there would be few but nothing like that. Apparently the second unit director would have a horse shot if it was just limping rather than call a vet. Much different times.
The bounce up and over the rail on the chariot was the result of Charlton Heston's stunt double purposely not wearing the safety strap tying him to the chariot. He said it was uncomfortable and thought it wasn't needed.Only his being dexterous enough to land his feet on the tongue of the chariot and simultaneously leaping out of the way of the chariots and other horses kept him from getting seriously injured. He got a serious tongue lashing from the stunt coordinator though. His name was Joe Canutt and the stunt coordinator was his father, famed stuntman/coordinator Yakima Canutt.
@@ronweber1402 That totally bogus statement is frequently repeated on the internet Over 100 horses were killed in making the 1925 silent version. No horses died in this version.
This exceptional film IS a remake, and the original 1925 film (which technically is a remake of a 1907 film) is also exceptional and stands on its own as well. Granted, most remakes are horrible, but this was the rare case where the 1925 version and the 1959 version are both legendary classics. I love both of them, and while they obviously share the same characters and plots, they are quite different as well. Thank God this great film was remade, now we have two great films of the same story. Most films are taken from novels and even plays, and those stories are remade and performed by countless different people, so don't get too hung up on the marketing aspect of remade films. Besides, we as viewers can choose which sequels or re-makes we want to acknowledge or those we want to ignore. Jaws 4 :The Revenge, possibly the worst film ever made that had a budget and is actually comedic gold and worth watching once in a while it's so bad, does not diminish the original Jaws (a legendary great film) one iota. The absurdity and train wreck of Nick Cage's The Wicker Man cannot diminish the 1973 original classic.
@@shawnmiller4781 He also played the lead in Fall of the Roman Empire (1964), which costarred Sophia Loren. They wanted Charlton Heston, but he turned down the offer, because he didn't want to work with Loren a second time after starring with her in El Cid (1961).
The chariot race in this movie might be the greatest live action sequence in movie history. It is downright spectacular. CGI does not compare to the real thing. I loved your astonished reaction Madison, especially during the chariot scene. This movie would come on once a year usually around Easter. When it came on, it was a family event. Thanks Madison for reacting to this great movie.
Unlike Titanic and Return of the King, Ben-Hur 1959 justifiably won all 11 Oscars in a time when winning an Oscar actually mattered and wasn't an easy feat. What a colossal masterpiece.
The Oscars for "Return Of The King" were an acknowledgement of the entire three film trilogy, and they were very much earned. I agree "Titanic" wasn't the greatest, but the LOTR trilogy was. Still the best films of this century, now along with "Oppenheimer", which is true film craft.
I actually think that as cheesy as TITANIC may be, what really carries this movie is the directorial vision of James Cameron. It is worth noting that 9 of the 11 Oscars TITANIC won were in the technical categories (with only Picture and Director being the main ones it won), and every single technical win was deserved IMO. I personally consider Cameron to be the greatest Best Director Oscar win ever largely due to how he managed to make the movie work through sheer force of will power, and the film itself is really graceful too. Cameron is at least one of the only modern-day filmmakers IMO who is able to translate spectacle onto the big screen effectively.
Madison, I admire your style and your choice of words when watching these great films. You never use profanity or vulgarities. I applaud you for that! 👍
It's easily the greatest movie ever made as far as acting, storyline,sets ,cinematography, music score,costume and many other categories. No other movie comes close.
Saw at the theater and yes when Messala gets run over and is talking to Judah that scene has stuck with me for nearly 60 years! Thanks for another excellent reaction review!
Only two movies made my U.S. Marine father shed a tear to my memory. This one, when Juda sees his mother and sister at the top of the staircase, and Boys Town (1938) when little Pee Wee gets hit by the car. I, on the other hand, wear my heart on my sleeve.
A perfect reaction Madison. The crucifixion still moves me to tears. It is the thinking person's epic film. An intelligent script, modern acting without over-the-top drama, and a magnificent music score by Miklos Rosa. The remake a few years back was not in the same league.
This film is the definition of the word “epic”: literally thousands of real human extras (no CGI), a truly wide screen, great action, wonderful performances and a surprisingly human story.
I cry a river of tears each time. I've seen this film many times since I was a child raised Baptist 6 decades ago. And though today I am not religious, I am deeply spiritual yet I still deeply appreciate the beauty symbolized by this myth of universal Love & hope. This version of Ben-Hur will always be one of the greatest epics ever made. Glad you enjoyed this masterpiece filled with incredible performances, direction and spectacular cinematography!
The greatest of all movies . Every single department, incredible work, but the score of MIklos Rozsa deserves a special mention. The greatest score of all. Great reaction.
Watching Charlton Heston in "The Ten Commandments" would be perfect for Easter because for many years ABC aired that movie for the holiday. It's full of famous actors from that time and again the sets are epic.
Where Judah is thrown out of the chariot actually happened to the stunt driver and they kept it in the scene. I've read it took months to shoot because the summer in Rome that year was so hot and the horses couldn't stand it for that long. Also a few years later Charleton Heston would play Michelangelo and painting the Sistine Chapel which you see part of the painting at the end.
Stephen Boyd who played Masala also played Livius in "The Fall of the Roman Empire" 1964, the character on which Maximus is based in "Gladiator" which is basically a remake of the 1964 film.
At one point, Chuck Heston confided to the stunt coordinator, Yakima Canutt, that he wasn't fully confident in driving the chariot in the race. Cannutt assured Heston that all he had to do was drive the chariot and he would guarantee he would win the race.
Madison, another epic movie in the same vein as Ben-Hur, that is also entirely appropriate for Easter time, is "The 10 Commandments" from 1956, in which Charlton Heston plays Moses. I believe all of your subscribers would enjoy watching your reaction to this classic movie as well.
My favorite movie from the time I saw it at age 10 in our local theater, and it has never disappointed me ever since. I watch it every Easter, and occasionally in between... it brings me to tears each time, but even more so seeing your reaction, Madison. Thank you so much! Make it a tradition for yourself, too, Okay?
Judah recognizing Jesus as the one who once gave him water and trying to give Jesus water breaks my heart, though I have seen this movie a dozen times. Judah acted out of compassion and was rewarded by having the hatred he carried taken from him and having his mother and sister cured. It's so moving. This is one of my favorite depictions of Jesus, who is really never fully seen or heard, just because the glimpses we get of him are of genuine love for his flock.
I especially love the theology of this movie: that the power of Jesus can be seen in watching how an encounter with God affects people's lives. Even people who do not see Jesus himself can see what his Presence can do.
National Velvet (1944) also has a thrilling horse race. And also has an Oscar winning, best supporting performance form Ann Revere as Elizabeth Taylors wise mother.
What a pleasure to see a believer react to this. No need to post, but the silent/black and white version from the 20's is also an incredible watch. Your comment about "His last miracle... for now... for now" was exceptional!
3 weeks until Good Friday. I saw this movie in 1959, I was 7 years old and it made a great impression on me. I am glad that you saw it and reviewed it.
You know that feeling after GREAT movie and lights come on and you walk out stunned to your car. I think Ben Hur best ever that way. One even may avoid eye contact as emotion so private. I saw at age 6
TofB won two Academy Awards. Best evil grand vizir ever, impossible to beat genie (Hollywood kept giving Rex Ingram exotic roles beause they didn't know what else to do back then with a powerful black actor), uneven but often amazing sfx...a grand film. @@Straun30
The greatest film ever made intertwines seamlessly with the greatest story ever told. The raw power and emotion driving this epic is unmatched. _Ben-Hur_ is the greatest of all the old Hollywood epics.
Madison words can't describe my emotions to watch with you this amazing epic film. And yes, I was the simp to say "Bless you" more than a week after you sneezed.🤧
Thank you for reacting to this movie. It's one of my all-time favorites, and the giving-water callback gives me chills and moves me to tears every time.
Thank you for your heartfelt reaction. I remember the first time I saw this film and its portrayal of Masala’s evil and the ultimate victory of the Gospel. I was in awe as well. Have a wonderful Easter celebration.
I don't know if anyone else has brought this up but the author of Ben hur was Lewis Wallace a civil war General and later governor of New Mexico and was also involved in the Billy the kid saga.
In the chariot race scene, all the drivers were Hollywood stuntmen except for Heston and Boyd. Yakima Canute was doubling for Heston and because he didn't hook himself to a safety ring, he fell over the front of olthe chariot, forcing Heston to climb back over during the closeup.
Yakima Canute was the stunt coordinator but his son, Joe Canute, doubled for Chuck Heston in the famous jump scene. He removed the safety ring against the direction of his father. Of course, it looked so fantastic that it was incorporated into the movie, and as you state they filmed a follow up shot of Heston climbing back in.
Hugh Griffith, the sheikh was a great actor. One of his best roles was in Tom Jones, which won best picture and made Albert Finney a star. Highly highly recommend.
I was 9 yrs old when I seen this. Have never forgot some of the scenes, The ship battle and the chariot Race. About two years later it was announced the white and black horse teams were going to be at the Denver CO stock show. We went down and seen them, The chariots were also there. They started off with a chariot race. Both teams were out and they started racing around the arena. They did the scene at the end where the one guy flipped and died. How they did it the one that flipped had a break, when it was stomped, would pull the pen out that was holding the horses. The horses went on and the front of the chariot would hit the ground, causing it to flip. Heston did most the race himself, and was hurt on the jump, were he flew forward out of the chariot. He was out for a couple weeks.
Yup. I was lucky enough to have seen this in the theater. It was amazing then and now, the way that was filmed and edited. It's enjoying watching someone else enjoying the same films I grew up with. She has a great channel.
Another wonderful reaction to a true classic of the cinema. In addition to one of the greatest action sequences ever filmed, you've got a remarkably strong principal and supporting cast, brilliant adaptation and screenplay, state-of-the-art set design for the time, you name it -11 Oscars I believe, a new record at that time. It was a joy to watch you constantly on the edge of your seat. It's such a cracking yarn regardless of one's religious affiliation or lack thereof. First-rate, Madison.
Such a powerful and moving movie and your reaction to it was moving as well. The scene of the crucifixion with the cleansing of the lepers by faith combined with the symbology of the washing away of sin with the storm was so awesome. Makes me want to break into song; there's power in blood! Thank you Madison for reacting to this movie and for being the beautiful person you are. Bless you. ♥
Sensational truly an epic film I saw it when I was a kid and I loved it then and I love it now I'm 63 and I'm saw glad you loved it for your first time I believe it won 11 academy awards
Greatest epic ever and profoundly moving even in a reaction edit. I saw it on a giant drive-in theater screen in 1960, which made the effect of the chariot race awesome beyond words. I think you may be the best reactor, Madison, at connecting with movies on such a deep emotional level. It’s wonderful!
An epic film in every sense of the word. Good you broke it up into two parts given the length of it. And once again, congrats on the 25 K subs. Honored to be one of them.
My sister saw this in 1959. A field trip for her 6th grade class. She told me the story when she got home. It was brought back ten years later in 1969. I finally got to see it. The Michael Todd theatre in Chicago. On the wide screen it was magnificent. The music, color, rich dialog and story. I felt I was on this journey with Judah Ben Hur. Powerful and moving.
Films back in those days inspired, other classics you should react to, Madison: "The Robe", "The Ten Commandments", "Spartacus". I'm sure that you'll truly appreciate them.
All of these would be great. I’d also love to see a reaction to the original Robin Hood as well as Ivanhoe with Elizabeth Taylor (1952). Both have good action sequences. Not as epic as this one but still lots of fun.
It's a great, beautiful story. The mother & sister coming out of the cave isn't light with courage to seek Jesus. Great symbolism. The water exchanges, the water flowing down from the Cross/Calvary the water the 'parched land' below. So beautifully done.
Madison, you may not remember this but you've seen Charlton Heston in Tombstone. He was the old man who took in Doc Holiday when he collapsed as the posse was taking their revenge/comeuppance against the Cowboys 👍👍
Ben Hur : A Tale of the Christ, was written by a Union General and former Territorial Governor of the state I have lived in all my life, New Mexico. it was published in the late 1800's. I'm 65 , this is a must movie
Took 9 months for them to make this movie. Charlton Heston spent a couple of months learning to drive a chariot for realism. An epic film on every level.
this version is so so so much more memorable than the remake.. so glad you are watching this.. love sharing your reaction... they never should have tried doing a remake... it would be like trying to remake Gone with the Wind.. the editing of some of the clips like just the side shot of the cross after the lightening
Thank you for a wonderful reaction Madison. Some movies are epic and powerful. Some movies, like Ben-Hur, are life changing. I will never forget the first time I watched it.
Great reaction, Madison. Your next Bible epic should be "The Ten Commandments." More incredible sets, amazing acting, sweeping score and even some pretty horses.
No, first equaled in 1998 by Titanic, and then equaled again in 2004 by LOTR: The Return of the King. ROTK was the a clean sweep where Ben-Hur and Titanic were nominated for 12 and 14 Oscars respectively. So these 3 movies tie for most wins at 11.
As stated in the other comment, it has been tied twice. Also, let's not forget that unlike "Titanic" and "Return of the King", "Ben-Hur" won an Oscar in the Best Acting category. If you were to score the Oscars weighted by the importance of the award, "Ben-Hur" is still unmatched.
Now that you've done Ben-Hur, Passover is coming, so maybe your could do The Ten Commandments, also starring Charlton Heston as Moses. Lots of other big names and humongous scenes and great acting too. Thank you so much for doing this one. I loved your reactions. Thank you so much, Madison. You do such a good job.
Iconic Director Frank Capra ("It's A Wonderful Life",, Etc.) Also directs this Absolute MUST SEE uplifting Classic,, "Pocketful Of Miracles" (1961) Includes a HUGE cast of acting icons.
look at the foot prints in the sand and just hearing the music for Jesus gives me chills and just the look in his eyes when they are face to face and that line "I felt his voice take the sword out of my hand"
Loved this reaction, Madison. 😊 Thank you for sharing it! And just a reminder, if you haven't seen the 1960 movie Spartacus you should add it to your list. It's another old school epic with a stellar cast. Kirk Douglas, Jean Simmons, Laurence Olivier, Tony Curtis, Peter Ustinov... I think you will enjoy it.
I saw an episode of the Johnny Carson show way back in the day, and Charlton spoke of flying way too high in the chariot race stunt resulting in a couple of broken ribs. Props to all who starred and worked on this epic masterpiece.
The 50s and 60s were quite the time for epic movies. You should try watching "Spartacus" with Kirk Douglass. It also has music by Alex North whom I think you will appreciate.
Reminder that Frank Thring - who plays Pilate is an Aussie actor He was in "El Cid" also wth Heston, and played Herod Antipas in "King of Kings" and again playing Herod in "Salome".
Madison K. Thames ... I've always enjoyed your reactions to the films you've watched on this channel, especially the westerns (got to love John Wayne), but this was far and away my favorite!! This is one of my most cherished movies, and your moving reaction is one of the most beautiful and heartfelt statements of faith I've ever seen!! I have never been happier or prouder to be subscribed to, or a part of something before, outside of being among the family of believers which will see us all eternally united with Him one day, in Glory! God bless you and wishing you a most blessed and a very Happy Easter! He is Risen!
![CAMPปลิ้น | EP.82[2/2] เมาท์มอยกับ 3 สาวเพื่อนซี้ ที่พร้อมขยี้พ่อหมีได้ทุกเมื่อ](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Wwn7WnylNtQ/mqdefault.jpg)
65 years old and there is nothing dated or fake looking about this movie. An amazing achievement in cinema.
True. A masterpiece. Just the chariot race alone.
65 years of age??
You are OLD AS well as ancient!!!❤❤LOL
I AM 65 ALSO
I mostly agree. Only segment of this film that really looks outdated to me was naval battle. I saw silent version of Ben Hur from 1925 and it's naval battle was vastly better. But as for the rest of the film, it holds up phenomenal. Settings look like real places, unlike for example Ten Commandments.
It won 11 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Heston), Best Director, Best Supporting Actor, and many other technical awards. A true classic!
Only equalled by Titanic, but this movie got most for the acting nods.
@@matthewakian2 Equalled in awards, but not quality.
Another MUST SEE Classic movie starring Charlton Heston,, "The Ten Commandments"
(1956) An absolutely INCREDIBLE Cast,, Costumes,, Locations,, Etc.
"The Ten Commandments" is cheesy and doesn't compare to "Ben Hur."
@@willardchi2571In no way is it "cheesy".
@willardchi2571 I respect your opinion & right to voice it..Although many others (Including myself) Don't agree with it & the movie establishment/industry/critics didn't & still don't agree with that as well.
@Akihito007 100% Agreed & Thanks for sharing your veiw on it.
@@willardchi2571 "The Ten Commandments" is an epic movie. I believe there are a lot of top tier knowledgeable movie industry professionals that hold TTC in very high regard.
Martin Scorsese considers TTC as one of his cinema favorites. In 1978 he stated he had watched TTC around 40 - 50 times.
Ben Hur is one of the best movies ever made.
It probably is the best. Maybe the best musical score as well.
The chariot race was a hugely complex sequence involving editing, camera tricks, stunt doubles, dummies, all toward the goal of creating something that was entertaining and seamless. It's one of the greatest achievements of cinema.
I did a Google and about 100 horses were killed. I thought there would be few but nothing like that. Apparently the second unit director would have a horse shot if it was just limping rather than call a vet. Much different times.
The bounce up and over the rail on the chariot was the result of Charlton Heston's stunt double purposely not wearing the safety strap tying him to the chariot. He said it was uncomfortable and thought it wasn't needed.Only his being dexterous enough to land his feet on the tongue of the chariot and simultaneously leaping out of the way of the chariots and other horses kept him from getting seriously injured. He got a serious tongue lashing from the stunt coordinator though. His name was Joe Canutt and the stunt coordinator was his father, famed stuntman/coordinator Yakima Canutt.
Many of the stunts were inspired by the great chase scene in _Stagecoach (1939)_
@@ronweber1402 The 1925 silent version went through about 150.
@@ronweber1402 That totally bogus statement is frequently repeated on the internet Over 100 horses were killed in making the 1925 silent version. No horses died in this version.
Some films are so exceptional that they should never be remade. This is one of them.
This already is a remake.
Yep. Like Point Break and Roadhouse.
Unfortunately it was...and the remake sank without trace..a blasphemy
This exceptional film IS a remake, and the original 1925 film (which technically is a remake of a 1907 film) is also exceptional and stands on its own as well. Granted, most remakes are horrible, but this was the rare case where the 1925 version and the 1959 version are both legendary classics. I love both of them, and while they obviously share the same characters and plots, they are quite different as well. Thank God this great film was remade, now we have two great films of the same story.
Most films are taken from novels and even plays, and those stories are remade and performed by countless different people, so don't get too hung up on the marketing aspect of remade films. Besides, we as viewers can choose which sequels or re-makes we want to acknowledge or those we want to ignore. Jaws 4 :The Revenge, possibly the worst film ever made that had a budget and is actually comedic gold and worth watching once in a while it's so bad, does not diminish the original Jaws (a legendary great film) one iota. The absurdity and train wreck of Nick Cage's The Wicker Man cannot diminish the 1973 original classic.
Agree. Agree. Agree!
"Ben-Hur", very worthy of all 11 Academy Awards it won.
Ben-Hur was nominated for 12 Academy Awards and won an unprecedented 11.
Held the record for several decades. It is still unsurpassed but by now has two equals in Titanic and Return of the King.
Stephen Boyd played Masala. Sadly, he died far too young in 1977 from a heart attack, just one month from his 46th birthday.
One of three films I know him from the others being “Fantastic Voyage” and “The Man who Never Was”
@@shawnmiller4781 He also played the lead in Fall of the Roman Empire (1964), which costarred Sophia Loren. They wanted Charlton Heston, but he turned down the offer, because he didn't want to work with Loren a second time after starring with her in El Cid (1961).
Very talented actor.
@@aaaht3810 It's a real shame that Boyd was not nominated for an acting award for his portrayal of Messala. He MADE the role a realty, to be sure.
When you have horses at full gallop, you don't need music. It's a perfect symphony.
The chariot race in this movie might be the greatest live action sequence in movie history. It is downright spectacular. CGI does not compare to the real thing. I loved your astonished reaction Madison, especially during the chariot scene. This movie would come on once a year usually around Easter. When it came on, it was a family event. Thanks Madison for reacting to this great movie.
Unlike Titanic and Return of the King, Ben-Hur 1959 justifiably won all 11 Oscars in a time when winning an Oscar actually mattered and wasn't an easy feat.
What a colossal masterpiece.
The Oscars for "Return Of The King" were an acknowledgement of the entire three film trilogy, and they were very much earned. I agree "Titanic" wasn't the greatest, but the LOTR trilogy was. Still the best films of this century, now along with "Oppenheimer", which is true film craft.
I actually think that as cheesy as TITANIC may be, what really carries this movie is the directorial vision of James Cameron. It is worth noting that 9 of the 11 Oscars TITANIC won were in the technical categories (with only Picture and Director being the main ones it won), and every single technical win was deserved IMO. I personally consider Cameron to be the greatest Best Director Oscar win ever largely due to how he managed to make the movie work through sheer force of will power, and the film itself is really graceful too. Cameron is at least one of the only modern-day filmmakers IMO who is able to translate spectacle onto the big screen effectively.
My fav movie all time.
Seen it probably 50 times.
I still cry.
Every time.
I cry, as well.
Same
Madison, I admire your style and your choice of words when watching these great films.
You never use profanity or vulgarities. I applaud you for that! 👍
Wish she'd wipe the grease off her face, it's bad look.
@@ckobo84….You’re an idiot.
It’s a real relief!
It's easily the greatest movie ever made as far as acting, storyline,sets ,cinematography, music score,costume and many other categories. No other movie comes close.
Martha Scott played the Mother in both Ben Hur and the Ten Commandments. In real life she was only about 11 years older than Charlton Heston.
I sure hope you watch The Ten Commandments soon
There's probably no better action sequence then the chariot race in any movie back then or now. No computers, just pure real action! Amazing.
Saw at the theater and yes when Messala gets run over and is talking to Judah that scene has stuck with me for nearly 60 years! Thanks for another excellent reaction review!
Always makes me tear up. Beautiful film ❤️🔥🙏🙏✝️
Only two movies made my U.S. Marine father shed a tear to my memory.
This one, when Juda sees his mother and sister at the top of the staircase, and Boys Town (1938) when little Pee Wee gets hit by the car.
I, on the other hand, wear my heart on my sleeve.
A perfect reaction Madison. The crucifixion still moves me to tears. It is the thinking person's epic film. An intelligent script, modern acting without over-the-top drama, and a magnificent music score by Miklos Rosa. The remake a few years back was not in the same league.
This film is the definition of the word “epic”: literally thousands of real human extras (no CGI), a truly wide screen, great action, wonderful performances and a surprisingly human story.
"How is Juda, is he alright?" makes me bowl out uncontrollably every time. The love of a mother for her son even in the most dire of circumstances.
It's very satisfying to revisit a movie like this through someone else's eyes. I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much.
I cry a river of tears each time. I've seen this film many times since I was a child raised Baptist 6 decades ago. And though today I am not religious, I am deeply spiritual yet I still deeply appreciate the beauty symbolized by this myth of universal Love & hope. This version of Ben-Hur will always be one of the greatest epics ever made. Glad you enjoyed this masterpiece filled with incredible performances, direction and spectacular cinematography!
Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments are an Easter tradition every year.
I wonder why Ten Commandments is an Easter movie? It has got nothing to do with Jesus (PBUH). Probably to please the ziopig lobby in US.
The greatest of all movies . Every single department, incredible work, but the score of MIklos Rozsa deserves a special mention. The greatest score of all. Great reaction.
Great reaction to my favorite movie. As you know by now, Ben Hur won 11 Oscars.
1 of the greatest movies ever made❤
See kids, that's what was done before CGI and it looked amazing. People actually built a Circus Maximus. Real people, real chariots, real horses.
Watching Charlton Heston in "The Ten Commandments" would be perfect for Easter because for many years ABC aired that movie for the holiday. It's full of famous actors from that time and again the sets are epic.
Where Judah is thrown out of the chariot actually happened to the stunt driver and they kept it in the scene. I've read it took months to shoot because the summer in Rome that year was so hot and the horses couldn't stand it for that long. Also a few years later Charleton Heston would play Michelangelo and painting the Sistine Chapel which you see part of the painting at the end.
I understand the stunt double broke his arm and a few ribs in that scene.
Honey you and this movie made an old man cry but I'm not mad. I've always loved this. Written by a civil war general.
Stephen Boyd who played Masala also played Livius in "The Fall of the Roman Empire" 1964, the character on which Maximus is based in "Gladiator" which is basically a remake of the 1964 film.
At one point, Chuck Heston confided to the stunt coordinator, Yakima Canutt, that he wasn't fully confident in driving the chariot in the race. Cannutt assured Heston that all he had to do was drive the chariot and he would guarantee he would win the race.
Madison, another epic movie in the same vein as Ben-Hur, that is also entirely appropriate for Easter time, is "The 10 Commandments" from 1956, in which Charlton Heston plays Moses. I believe all of your subscribers would enjoy watching your reaction to this classic movie as well.
Absolutely wonderful.. No matter how many times I watch this it always makes my eyes damp.
My favorite movie from the time I saw it at age 10 in our local theater, and it has never disappointed me ever since. I watch it every Easter, and occasionally in between... it brings me to tears each time, but even more so seeing your reaction, Madison. Thank you so much! Make it a tradition for yourself, too, Okay?
Judah recognizing Jesus as the one who once gave him water and trying to give Jesus water breaks my heart, though I have seen this movie a dozen times. Judah acted out of compassion and was rewarded by having the hatred he carried taken from him and having his mother and sister cured. It's so moving. This is one of my favorite depictions of Jesus, who is really never fully seen or heard, just because the glimpses we get of him are of genuine love for his flock.
I especially love the theology of this movie: that the power of Jesus can be seen in watching how an encounter with God affects people's lives. Even people who do not see Jesus himself can see what his Presence can do.
National Velvet (1944) also has a thrilling horse race. And also has an Oscar winning, best supporting performance form Ann Revere as Elizabeth Taylors wise mother.
I love that film and have a copy. Also international VELVET done in 1977 is a quite fitting sequel.
What a pleasure to see a believer react to this. No need to post, but the silent/black and white version from the 20's is also an incredible watch. Your comment about "His last miracle... for now... for now" was exceptional!
3 weeks until Good Friday. I saw this movie in 1959, I was 7 years old and it made a great impression on me. I am glad that you saw it and reviewed it.
Over 200 camels and 2,500 horses were used in the shooting of the film, with some 10,000 extras and those are physical sets.
Miriam: "They have gone, you can go back."
Judah: "Go back.....to WHAT?"
You know that feeling after GREAT movie and lights come on and you walk out stunned to your car. I think Ben Hur best ever that way. One even may avoid eye contact as emotion so private. I saw at age 6
The chariot race was filmed without CGI, it’s all authentic, and it took 8 weeks to film. I really enjoy your channel🤗
This is the greatest live action sequence ever shot.
The music during the Ride of the Chaioteers entrance music is outstanding!
Miklós Rózsa. Hungarian -American composer.
Its a magnificent soundtrack.
He did many. My favorite is for "The Thief of Bagdad" (1940)@@Straun30
@@alanfoster6589 I was shocked the first time I watched Thief of Baghdad, it was basically Disneys Aladin almost stroke by stroke
TofB won two Academy Awards. Best evil grand vizir ever, impossible to beat genie (Hollywood kept giving Rex Ingram exotic roles beause they didn't know what else to do back then with a powerful black actor), uneven but often amazing sfx...a grand film.
@@Straun30
Ben Hur has been my #1 favorite movie for 50 years. Thank you for bringing your heartfelt review to TH-cam!
When you sneezed, I said, "Bless you."😀
Same here 😂
Heston in El Cid was good, too, although nothing tops Ben Hur.
El Cid would be a great one to watch
Ben-Hur my favorite movie! Loved your reaction. The acting, the staging, a true epic! Thank you again!
The greatest film ever made intertwines seamlessly with the greatest story ever told. The raw power and emotion driving this epic is unmatched. _Ben-Hur_ is the greatest of all the old Hollywood epics.
Great classic movie. They don't make them like this any more. Thanks for reacting to it.
Madison words can't describe my emotions to watch with you this amazing epic film. And yes, I was the simp to say "Bless you" more than a week after you sneezed.🤧
This movie is a miracle itself.
Thank you for reacting to this movie. It's one of my all-time favorites, and the giving-water callback gives me chills and moves me to tears every time.
Thank you for your heartfelt reaction. I remember the first time I saw this film and its portrayal of Masala’s evil and the ultimate victory of the Gospel. I was in awe as well. Have a wonderful Easter celebration.
I don't know if anyone else has brought this up but the author of Ben hur was Lewis Wallace a civil war General and later governor of New Mexico and was also involved in the Billy the kid saga.
In the chariot race scene, all the drivers were Hollywood stuntmen except for Heston and Boyd. Yakima Canute was doubling for Heston and because he didn't hook himself to a safety ring, he fell over the front of olthe chariot, forcing Heston to climb back over during the closeup.
Yakima Canute was the stunt coordinator but his son, Joe Canute, doubled for Chuck Heston in the famous jump scene. He removed the safety ring against the direction of his father. Of course, it looked so fantastic that it was incorporated into the movie, and as you state they filmed a follow up shot of Heston climbing back in.
Hugh Griffith, the sheikh was a great actor. One of his best roles was in Tom Jones, which won best picture and made Albert Finney a star. Highly highly recommend.
I was 9 yrs old when I seen this. Have never forgot some of the scenes, The ship battle and the chariot Race. About two years later it was announced the white and black horse teams were going to be at the Denver CO stock show. We went down and seen them, The chariots were also there. They started off with a chariot race. Both teams were out and they started racing around the arena. They did the scene at the end where the one guy flipped and died. How they did it the one that flipped had a break, when it was stomped, would pull the pen out that was holding the horses. The horses went on and the front of the chariot would hit the ground, causing it to flip. Heston did most the race himself, and was hurt on the jump, were he flew forward out of the chariot. He was out for a couple weeks.
My face hurts from smiling at you watching the chariot race. More awesome than I could have hoped for!
Yup. I was lucky enough to have seen this in the theater. It was amazing then and now, the way that was filmed and edited. It's enjoying watching someone else enjoying the same films I grew up with. She has a great channel.
Another wonderful reaction to a true classic of the cinema. In addition to one of the greatest action sequences ever filmed, you've got a remarkably strong principal and supporting cast, brilliant adaptation and screenplay, state-of-the-art set design for the time, you name it -11 Oscars I believe, a new record at that time. It was a joy to watch you constantly on the edge of your seat. It's such a cracking yarn regardless of one's religious affiliation or lack thereof. First-rate, Madison.
Such a powerful and moving movie and your reaction to it was moving as well. The scene of the crucifixion with the cleansing of the lepers by faith combined with the symbology of the washing away of sin with the storm was so awesome. Makes me want to break into song; there's power in blood! Thank you Madison for reacting to this movie and for being the beautiful person you are. Bless you. ♥
Sensational truly an epic film I saw it when I was a kid and I loved it then and I love it now I'm 63 and I'm saw glad you loved it for your first time I believe it won 11 academy awards
Greatest epic ever and profoundly moving even in a reaction edit. I saw it on a giant drive-in theater screen in 1960, which made the effect of the chariot race awesome beyond words. I think you may be the best reactor, Madison, at connecting with movies on such a deep emotional level. It’s wonderful!
An epic film in every sense of the word. Good you broke it up into two parts given the length of it. And once again, congrats on the 25 K subs. Honored to be one of them.
Truly an iconic movie to be sure!
Best film on the subject, always emotional no matter how many time one watches. Another best soundtrack.
Ben Hur. A marvellous movie. Actors and acting was beyond words including the scenes . really fantastic and realistic. Dbn South Africa
My sister saw this in 1959. A field trip for her 6th grade class. She told me the story when she got home. It was brought back ten years later in 1969. I finally got to see it. The Michael Todd theatre in Chicago. On the wide screen it was magnificent. The music, color, rich dialog and story. I felt I was on this journey with Judah Ben Hur. Powerful and moving.
Films back in those days inspired, other classics you should react to, Madison:
"The Robe",
"The Ten Commandments",
"Spartacus".
I'm sure that you'll truly appreciate them.
Hear hear! Yes, this is a good list. I would probably add Quo Vadis
Spatracus is the most Intelligent Epic of the lot!
@@Straun30 Another good choice.
@@jamesalexander5623 I think it is too.
All of these would be great. I’d also love to see a reaction to the original Robin Hood as well as Ivanhoe with Elizabeth Taylor (1952). Both have good action sequences. Not as epic as this one but still lots of fun.
It's a great, beautiful story.
The mother & sister coming out of the cave isn't light with courage to seek Jesus. Great symbolism. The water exchanges, the water flowing down from the Cross/Calvary the water the 'parched land' below. So beautifully done.
Madison, you may not remember this but you've seen Charlton Heston in Tombstone. He was the old man who took in Doc Holiday when he collapsed as the posse was taking their revenge/comeuppance against the Cowboys 👍👍
I think that was his last cinematic foray before he passed. Unless you count Bowling for Columbine (which I don't).
It’s a travesty that Stephen Boyd (Messela)spell? Was not nominated for an Oscar.
Ben Hur : A Tale of the Christ, was written by a Union General and former Territorial Governor of the state I have lived in all my life, New Mexico. it was published in the late 1800's. I'm 65 , this is a must movie
I saw this great movie when it came out when I was 12. Still holds up
Took 9 months for them to make this movie. Charlton Heston spent a couple of months learning to drive a chariot for realism. An epic film on every level.
this version is so so so much more memorable than the remake.. so glad you are watching this.. love sharing your reaction... they never should have tried doing a remake... it would be like trying to remake Gone with the Wind.. the editing of some of the clips like just the side shot of the cross after the lightening
Thank you for a wonderful reaction Madison. Some movies are epic and powerful. Some movies, like Ben-Hur, are life changing. I will never forget the first time I watched it.
Great reaction, Madison. Your next Bible epic should be "The Ten Commandments." More incredible sets, amazing acting, sweeping score and even some pretty horses.
This movie held the record for most academy awards won for decades. It was finally broken in 2004 by Return of the King.
No, first equaled in 1998 by Titanic, and then equaled again in 2004 by LOTR: The Return of the King. ROTK was the a clean sweep where Ben-Hur and Titanic were nominated for 12 and 14 Oscars respectively. So these 3 movies tie for most wins at 11.
As stated in the other comment, it has been tied twice. Also, let's not forget that unlike "Titanic" and "Return of the King", "Ben-Hur" won an Oscar in the Best Acting category. If you were to score the Oscars weighted by the importance of the award, "Ben-Hur" is still unmatched.
That is correct and besides, 11 oscars out of 12 wins over 11 out of 14.
Thank you for reacting to this movie! I haven’t seen it since I was very young, but remembered a lot of it. Excellent movie!
I forget you are a horsewoman. I'm glad you weren't imagining what those spikes would do to the poor horses legs.
This is greatest movie ever made
This movie changed my life FOREVER
Now that you've done Ben-Hur, Passover is coming, so maybe your could do The Ten Commandments, also starring Charlton Heston as Moses. Lots of other big names and humongous scenes and great acting too. Thank you so much for doing this one. I loved your reactions. Thank you so much, Madison. You do such a good job.
Iconic Director Frank Capra ("It's A Wonderful Life",, Etc.) Also directs this Absolute MUST SEE uplifting Classic,, "Pocketful Of Miracles"
(1961) Includes a HUGE cast of acting icons.
Agreed. Pocket Full of Miracles is a great one.
@DinoNardelli 100% Agreed & Anyone that I have ever suggested the movie to,, Loved it.
Great! Was looking forward to this.
Barabbas (1961) is my favorite Easter week/ Easter movie.
Mine as well. I feel most men can relate to this interpretation of Barabbas....... 💯
Indeed. Has the best non-special, special effect ever....
look at the foot prints in the sand and just hearing the music for Jesus gives me chills and just the look in his eyes when they are face to face and that line "I felt his voice take the sword out of my hand"
Heston broke his arm during the filing of the race. By the way, he is also great in The Ten Commandments.
Loved this reaction, Madison. 😊 Thank you for sharing it! And just a reminder, if you haven't seen the 1960 movie Spartacus you should add it to your list. It's another old school epic with a stellar cast. Kirk Douglas, Jean Simmons, Laurence Olivier, Tony Curtis, Peter Ustinov... I think you will enjoy it.
This is one of the all-time greatest movies along with Heston's movie " The Ten Commandments ".
For real the stuntman actually died filming the chariot race when his chariot broke and he was run over.
I saw an episode of the Johnny Carson show way back in the day, and Charlton spoke of flying way too high in the chariot race stunt resulting in a couple of broken ribs.
Props to all who starred and worked on this epic masterpiece.
Interesting. 👍 I did not know of this.
The 50s and 60s were quite the time for epic movies. You should try watching "Spartacus" with Kirk Douglass. It also has music by Alex North whom I think you will appreciate.
OMG YES PLEASE SPARTACUS
Reminder that Frank Thring - who plays Pilate is an Aussie actor
He was in "El Cid" also wth Heston, and played Herod Antipas in "King of Kings" and again playing Herod in "Salome".
Madison K. Thames ...
I've always enjoyed your reactions to the films you've watched on this channel, especially the westerns (got to love John Wayne), but this was far and away my favorite!! This is one of my most cherished movies, and your moving reaction is one of the most beautiful and heartfelt statements of faith I've ever seen!! I have never been happier or prouder to be subscribed to, or a part of something before, outside of being among the family of believers which will see us all eternally united with Him one day, in Glory! God bless you and wishing you a most blessed and a very Happy Easter! He is Risen!
awesome reaction Madison ,this is the true Ben Hur old school powerful storytelling 😁