Ben Hur (1959) - Full Reaction

Great movie. I first saw it during one Christmas break when I was in college. Like Cassie, I knew very little about it. I'd always heard about the chariot race, but was surprised to discover that Jesus made prominent appearances in the movie. I love watching someone discover it for the first time. "Maybe it's a western?"

Stephen Dias

This movie has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid. I remember watching it on TV before the days of hi-def. They used to crop it to fit the old screen size like they did with most movies, which was especially rough on this movie because it was shot in a wider-than-usual aspect ratio. But when the chariot race began and all the teams were processing out onto the track, they would gradually pull back to a letterboxed format like we can watch it today, because it was just impossible to crop the racing scenes. If I remember correctly, it used to air annually, along with another Heston epic, The Ten Commandments. I think Ben-Hur aired at Christmas, and The Ten Commandments at Easter(or rather, Passover).

Patrick Egan

I love this movie. Show this on eastern. React of this movies: King of Kings (1961) and The tren Commandments (1956), The towering Inferno (1974), Twister, The Day after Tomorrow, 2012, Outbreak (1995), Die Hard 2, Air Force one, Dantes Peak, Volcano, Harry Potter Movies 1-7, The sum of all Fears, Jurassic Park 3.

Daniel Fuchs

I didn't mind the new Ben-Hur. It was certainly a different movie though. And I kind of appreciated that it didn't try to directly emulate this classic. But nothing can touch the classic.

Walter King

Ah the age of Hollywood epics. People don't make movies like this anymore. I think Lord of the Rings is as close as we've gotten in (relatively) recent years. This was so much better than the remake from a few years ago. They put all this effort into making it realistic and historically accurate, and yet it felt less authentic somehow.

Texas Anla'Shok

beautifully said!

K Mac

The victory parade that you see when Ben Hur and Quintus Arias are riding through the streets of Rome on their way to speak to the Emperor was known as a "Triumph"...it was a major political coup for whomever was granted one. Quintus Arias is being highly honored in this scene.

Tipper1994

The ships in the naval combat (while Ben Hur is a rower on board the commander's ship) might have been using what was known as "Greek Fire"...it's a chemical concoction that not only burned very quickly, but burned hotter when it came into contact with water...as you can imagine, very useful at sea in combat against wooden ships....

Tipper1994

You were wondering how humans could behave so abominably. It makes one think that the Puritans had a World view that perhaps came close to the truth: Man is at his core depraved, and that depravity keeps us permanently separated and estranged from God.....but then there came A Redeemer...

Tipper1994

From experience, my dad has visited Ghana and Togo many times and leper colonies are stilll there. Even now they are shunned from everyone and everywhere, just like in this film. We try to send them money for food as much as we can, but even then it is difficult to find people willing to take it to them.

Hannah Mather

This was surprisingly glorious to watch alongside you, Cassie.

Cade

I'm struck again by how wonderful and rich the music is. Hungarian composer Miklós Rózsa had developed his trademark "Ancient World" musical style for the 1951 film Quo Vadis, but felt MGM buried that music (which is also wonderful) in the sound mix. Wyler didn't make that mistake!

Henry Fitzgerald

I've never actually watched this. Renting it on prime to watch with you!

Yaisu

Finally!

Snöffe

So, I rewatched Cassie's reaction to Ben Hur again and completely missed the part where she said she just watched "West Side Story" for the first time. Whether it was the 1961 version or 2021, I would have liked to seen her reaction to it. Maybe she can give her movie review.

Mr Jordan

The scene of the slaves in the ship's galley was not cruelty? Making an equivalence between a machine and human beings is odd in this case. I wasn't thinking of Ford vs Ferrari when I watched it. I actually had some issues with the way it sanitized the scene making them much healthier than one would expect. It was framed in the movie as a severe punishment. We've all seen the images of that type of human abuse and they don't look like poster boys for a gym membership. Of course I understand consideration must be considered by the producers for what is tolerable by the public. This was pre-Tarantino.

Grinznmore

The scene where Judah presents the knife to Masala and reveals himself is one of my all time favorite movie moments, just so epic. I think you're a little hard on the Consul during the galley scene. I don't think it's cruelty it's more seeing what his ship is capable of and testing them before battle like putting a car through the paces before a battle, but at the same time it is people and not an engine. So we dont have a lot about Pilate, but there are some traditions that he became a Christian before he died and more solid evidence his wife was one. From tradition, and the Gospels record her pleading for Jesus before His trial. You should watch the Ten Commandments for Easter. A small detail, and for those not a Christian meaningless most likely but the man who helped Jesus carry the cross, his name and his childrens' names are recorded in the Gospel. In fact they are brought up again in the book of Romans. Too many people think of faith as blind, yet if one actually reads scripture there are countless ways where it is just the opposite. The Gospels name the financial backers of Jesus "so and so who was servant to this official." They were people named and known, inviting people to say "don't believe me? go ask them yourselves for their story." Enough of my preaching, sorry. I just want to say that it's great to be able to support Christian content producers such as yourself. You and a few other reactors I support on are patreon, and while it's not a requirement, and I didn't know you or they were when I subscribed it's nice to be able to support other Christians. God bless you and your family!

Andrew Hansen

Lawrence of Arabia is definitely a must. I was fortunate a few years ago in that a local theater had a limited showing of Lawrence following the 4k restoration. Lawrence of Arabia on the big screen was truly mind-blowing!

Christian Yoder

I concur with Grapes of Wrath and Ten Commandments

Doug R

you should try a classic movie per month , Gone with the wind , Best years of our lives , Grapes of Wrath , the ten Commandments

Mike Lipke

wilma was his sister

Mike Lipke

Must you be so rude and nasty? Bigot.

Catherine LW

The first time I watched this movie and it was all because of Cassie Ben-Hur. Hail Cassie!!

Doug R

Agree with 2nd Opinion. ❤ The Best Years Of Our Lives. One of my all time favs...✌🏻

Doubting Thomas

Also wanted to point out that lepers were shunned and put in colonies outside of cities and towns for fear of contamination. They used to make them wear a bell so you could hear the ringing beforehand and get away from them. Hence, the term “treated like a leper” to describe being ostracized by society.

Catherine LW

The chariot race really is an epic achievement for its day, or any other. No computers, no green screen, no models. All just masterful direction, skilled coordination and gutsy stuntmen. Still, after having watched it again, the most impressive bit may have been keeping Chuck Heston's toupee on through the whole thing.

VivendoBem

From the CDC website: [Hansen’s disease (also known as leprosy) is an infection caused by slow-growing bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. It can affect the nerves, skin, eyes, and lining of the nose (nasal mucosa). With early diagnosis and treatment, the disease can be cured. People with Hansen’s disease can continue to work and lead an active life during and after treatment. Leprosy was once feared as a highly contagious and devastating disease, but now we know it doesn’t spread easily and treatment is very effective. However, if left untreated, the nerve damage can result in crippling of hands and feet, paralysis, and blindness.] At the time of the story, Leprosy was not curable, a progressive, degenerative disease. Because the nerve endings lose sensitivity,... people would hurt themselves, and lose extremities, get gangrene, and when it affected the mind, would cause eventual insanity and death. Because people feared catching it,... those with leprosy were shunned. It tends to be found more in tropical climes, and still exists although rare. Another great reaction Cassie,... I forgot how long the movie was and hadn't seen it in years, it was good to see it again.

ENC SW DV Rush

And George Lucas has definitely confirmed that the pod race in Episode 1 is influenced by the Ben-Hur chariot race.

Alex Villarreal

Just starting the reaction Cassie. Been a minute since I have seen this. But you do seem to enjoy these epic films, so I would echo some other commenters who mentioned the films of David Lean. Personally I would suggest you watch them in release order so you can see the evolution of Alec Guinness as a thespian. The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Doctor Zhivago (1965). You should watch all of David Leans films, but those three historical epics are in a class of their own.

JediLounger

Wyler was also one of the MANY second-unit directors on the chariot race in the 1925 version.

Matt Blanchette

would just like to say i very much enjoyed watching this with you. I saw this only once while in college, and it hasnt lost much of its impact. It felt like we had a shared experience together

Sahitya

The director William Wyler served in WW2 as a documentary filmmaker. He flew on B-17 bombers that flew over Europe and even lost his hearing in one ear during his service. He could have stayed at home, and was not present at the Oscar ceremony when he won his first of four career Oscars for the movie Mrs. Miniver. The war cause was important to him because he was a Jewish immigrant who came to the U.S. and became a successful filmmaker who wanted to help his country. He tried to get as many of his relatives and friends out of Europe, but unfortunately, the Nazis killed many of them. There's a great Netflix documentary "Five Came Back" that covers his story and four other filmmakers who served in WW2 (including Frank Capra, who made It's a Wonderful Life). Wyler came back from the war and made a movie called Best Years of Our Lives about WW2 veterans coming home that swept the Oscars. Wyler was reluctant to take on an epic like Ben-Hur late in his career, but eventually found elements in the story that he could relate to. He was aware of the similarities of the Romans as portrayed in this story to the Third Reich. And he wanted to be sure Ben-Hur was portrayed as a protagonist proud of his Jewish heritage. This movie became the record holder for most Oscar wins until Titanic and Return of the King (all three of these movies have won 11 Oscars).

Alex Villarreal

Thank you for this great reaction to a powerful story .

Joe Aschenbrener

Great reaction, Cassie, you ran the gamut of emotions in this epic. I especially enjoyed your post movie review - the redemption arc, finding reconciliation, forgiveness and peace. I think you’d find David Lean’s “Lawrence of Arabia” a spectacular epic, after your comments on the great sets in this film. “… Arabia” was filmed on location and it was breathtaking. I do think some of the acting was cringy, like Esther, but overall it’s still a good movie worth watching. It has soul.

Catherine LW

Hi Cassie, I’ve heard about this movie for years, but never saw it until tonight. I only knew that it is considered a classic movie, Charlton Heston is in the movie and I had seen about a minute of the chariot race, but had no idea why he was racing or if he won. I’m similar to you in that older movies never interested me, but like you, I’m learning that I was wrong. This movie was so amazing! WOW!! And I’m glad I watched with you. I think my favorite part of watching with you was when you snapped your fingers and said “So take that chicken messala” That made me laugh and I was right there with you snapping since I didn’t know that was gonna happen. Thank you Cassie! I’ve seen most of the movies on your channel and love watching with you, but there are some that I haven’t seen and I’m taking your lead and watching movies with you that I never planned to see and I’ve really enjoyed them. Until next time 🍿

Tara

"The Sign of the Cross" might be an interesting one.

Matt Blanchette

"Demetrius and the Gladiators", why not?

Matt Blanchette

I actually wonder what Cassie would think of the '25 version. But maybe it's not the best first silent film for one to see. It does move at a quicker pace than the '59 version, though. (And Ramon Novarro is drop-dead HANDSOME.)

Matt Blanchette

Wonderful reaction! It was my parent's favorite movie. I like to think it was the 'Lord Of The Rings" of their time. The epic feel, the larger-than-life characters you really got to know and care about, the spectacular action sequences and special effects (for that time) and the complex, deeply moving story grounded in big moral themes. Movies like these don't come around very often, but when they do, it's a not to miss event.

Mr Jordan

It's the '25 version that horses died on. Specifically, the big pile-up at the end of the race, which the charioteers were promised a bonus to do. :-/ So, not the '59 version.

Matt Blanchette

Interesting point.

Grinznmore

This is one of my fav films and it was made even better by the 'Chicken Masala' comment. Lol

mattosh79

Cassie, the ignorant comments about horses being killed is not true, nor was anyone killed during the filming and there was no person hanging from a tree in the Wizard of Oz. The rumor that one viewer gets high on weed before each movie.....well the verdict is still out. https://www.moviefone.com/2016/08/18/ben-hur-charlton-heston-facts/

Grinznmore

But Brian, you know what they say? Some things in life are bad They can really make you mad Other things just make you swear and curse When you're chewing on life's gristle Don't grumble, give a whistle And this'll help things turn out for the best And...

Louis Ferdinand Celine

To quote Marc Cohn in ‘Walking In Memphis’ - And they asked me if I would do a little number And I sang with all my might She said, "Tell me are you a Christian child?" And I said, "Ma'am, I am tonight”… for 4 hours I believed, thanks Cassie! 🌟

Doubting Thomas

Cassie really needs to see Life of Brian as a follow-up. It would be a good palate cleanser after this bombastic nonsense.

Carol_White

I’m soooo excited for dances with wolves. I think I might actually be more excited for Carly this time!!

Steven Ashford

Also, Dr. Zhivago.

Mingo Wayama

Cassie you’ve probably heard the song “Thief”by Third Day. Written from the perspective of one of the men crucified next to him. Check it out if you haven’t heard it!!

Steven Ashford

Cassie? How about that rando pellow case pick? Epic, huh?

Jon Johns

Yeah, I grew up watching this on a tiny TV, first in black & white, then on a slightly bigger color TV, but it was pan & scan, and just, you know, low quality. Seeing it now, it's just epic in every sense of the word. Pacing is a real issue for me, though. And well, like they say in another of my favorite films, "Too many notes."

Jon Johns

Thank you so much Cassie for reacting to this Epic Movie. I agree with you. One of my favorite parts about this movie is the portrayal of Christ. He wasn't at the center but his presence was always known. The juxtaposition of Joshua's life to Christ's life was so well done. At every point in which their paths crossed each had the opportunity to serve the other whether it be physically or spiritually, whether it be Joshua himself or Joshua's family. I also love that we never hear Christ's voice or see his face. I think it shows his power and reverence just by depicting his mere presence. Every time we hear about what he has said or what he has done in the film it is through the witness of another person. This shows us how Jesus works through us today. We may not ever audibly hear his voice nevertheless we are still called to share his message and be his witnesses by sharing his words and our redemption through him by sharing his love, forgiveness and grace to everyone we encounter.

CallMeWheels

About the Overture. It is a relic from the time of live theater, when they used to play a sample of the music before the show. In the old movie theaters, people went out to the lobby during the shorts or cartoons before a movie, and the overture let them know the movie is about to start. It is a sample of the films soundtrack, and meant to put you in the mood, so to speak, before the movie starts. I've sat in the theater before Gone With the Wind many times, another 3 and a half hour movie and listened to the overture. And lots of old classic musicals had overtures, like Oklahoma.

MikeLL

Ok. The Ten Commandments, The Robe, Spartacus....the lids off Cassie. On the other hand you might need washed off with The Police Squad or something along those lines.

softshoes

I read that the only casualty was a camera that got hit by one of the horses in the chariot race.

Catherine LW

Ive been so excited to watch this with you and it did not disappoint. Im so glad that you enjoyed it and connected with it as a Christian as I am. Also I ADORE that they werent afraid to make this 4 hour epic production, it really makes every moment more meaningful and feel so real. Thanks for sharing! Also if you havent seen it, I think you and Carly would super enjoy the experience that is the 2002 Count of Monte Cristo

Hannah Mather

What's that I smell? It's heaping piles of warm cheese.

Carol_White

I absolutely LOVED watching Cassie watch this film! I knew it would affect her deeply. I just watched this over Christmas but had to watch it again with Cassie. "I don't think this is a western.." LOL! The line that Judah says about not being able to draw breath without being in her arms gets me every time too. And who looks better in skimpy filthy rags than Charlton Heston? He was quite a looker back then. A few trivia facts (I am a trivia nut). The film won 11 academy awards including best picture, best actor, director, supporting actor, cinematography, and set design. It held the title for the most Oscars until Titanic in 1997 and then LOTR: The Return of the King in 2003, both also with 11. No horses were killed in the 1959 Ben Hur and no one was killed. The stuntman doubling for Heston that did the jump over the fallen chariot got a cut that required stitches, that is all. And Stephen Boyd wore brown contacts over his blue eyes. That was so Heston's eyes would stand out more when they were filming together.

Kat Farlowe

Martha Scott played the mother of Charlton Heston's character in both Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments. Both great films, I prefer Ben-Hur, but both are great.

MikeLL

Thank you so much Cassie for your heartfelt reaction to this epic. I'm very glad that you appreciated the story and the spectacle. This is a movie for deep reflection, and I was right there and I could see that you "got " it. I've seen this movie in the cinema in the late '60's as a child, and I can't remember what my reaction was, I probably just loved the chariot race. But I grew to deeply appreciate this movie even though I have never been as spiritual in my life as I need to be, this movie has always connected with me as an adult. And I saw it in the cinema just about 2 1/2 years ago and as you can see the restoration of this film is fantastic and I couldn't believe how good it looked. It never looked this good on TV even 10 or 15 years ago. This is a movie that I have watched all my life and it was a privilege to have you share it with me again. Thank you, I am so grateful and I thank the day I joined your channel Every once in a while you hit one out of the park, and today was one of those days.

MikeLL

Fun fact:. in the novel, Judah Ben Hur is the one who spiked his chariot axle, with the intent of taking down Mesalla.

Mingo Wayama

You should watch Quo Vadis one of these days. Peter Ustinov is great as Nero.

Hiraoka Toru

Ben Hur was a massive production back in its time. That explains the awesome sets. I would also recommend The Ten Commandments and Planet of the Apes if you liked Charlton Heston. His wikipedia page is quite informative: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlton_Heston I first saw the aforementioned films when I was 10-12 and these had a pretty big impact on me.

Janne

"Take that! Chicken Marsalla. Could I adore you even more?

softshoes

Wet sponge is a nice one.

nick bell

james flack

Thank you so much for doing this one. There is something so vast about this movie. It feels like Braveheart before Braveheart w the way it has it’s huge feeling and great acting. Heston was amazing in this film. Thanks again.

GamerGal8684

Hey Cassie There’s a version on of dances with wolves on Amazon prime for free 182 minute version that might help you with your decision

Steven Ashford

My bad. Only 100 were killed during the making of this version. No big deal.

Stephen Aech

Keep a spray bottle of cold water when you watch dances with wolves with Carly. You might have to spray her every now and then when she starts talking about his voice.!! You’ll understand what mean if you haven’t seen yet.

Steven Ashford

That was the 1925 version where the horses were killed, not this version.

Beau Mont

what? NOOOOOO!!!!

Cassie

The 150 horses killed making this movie makes it hard for me to watch.

Stephen Aech