Ben-Hur is a 1959 American epic film directed by William Wyler and starring Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, and Stephen Boyd. The film is based on the 1880 novel of the same name by Lew Wallace. The movie depicts the life of Judah Ben-Hur, a wealthy Jewish prince living in Jerusalem during Roman occupation. Ben-Hur has a close friendship with the Roman tribune Messala who was his childhood friend.
However, when Messala becomes an officer in the Roman army, he turns on Ben-Hur and accuses him of treason after a failed assassination attempt on the Roman governor. Ben-Hur is sent to the galleys as a slave and endures years of physical and emotional abuse. During his time in captivity, he saves the life of a Roman general, who later adopts him as his son.
Ben-Hur becomes a skilled warrior and charioteer and, after years of searching for a way to take revenge on Messala, challenges him to a chariot race. In the climactic scene of the film, Ben-Hur defeats Messala during the chariot race and spares his life at the end, realizing that his thirst for vengeance has passed. Ben-Hur then reunites with his family and finds redemption and forgiveness through his faith in Christianity.
The movie won 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Charlton Heston's portrayal of Ben-Hur. It remains one of the most significant films in cinematic history.