Ben Hur (2003 film)

Ben Hur is a 2003 American-Canadian animated drama film based on the 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, by Lew Wallace. It is the fourth film adaptation of the novel.

Ben Hur
DVD cover
Directed byWilliam R. Kowalchuk Jr.
Produced byWilliam R. Kowalchuk Jr.
John Stronach
Written byAbi Estrin Cunningham
Based onBen-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
by Lew Wallace
StarringCharlton Heston
Music byKeith Heffner
Michael Lloyd
Production
company
Agamemnon Films
Tundra Productions
Distributed byGoodtimes Entertainment
Release date
  • February 15, 2003 (2003-02-15)
Running time
80 minutes
CountryUnited States
Canada
LanguageEnglish

Charlton Heston's production company, Agamemnon Films (in association with GoodTimes Entertainment), produced this direct-to-video animated version of the story, with Heston himself reprising his role as the title character. It would prove to be his final film role before his death in 2008.

Synopsis

The animated version tells the same story as the 1959 film, with some differences. The story begins with Balthazar waiting in the desert for the two other wise men for a journey to Bethlehem. The story of Ben-Hur begins 30 years after the birth of Christ.

In contrast to the 1925 and 1959 versions, the face of Jesus is shown and his words are heard in this film.

The character of Messala is different from the 1959 film. Appearing lame, he approaches Ben-Hur for forgiveness, and joins Ben-Hur's family and Balthazar to witness the passion of Jesus. Ben-Hur gives water to Jesus on the way to Calvary. As Jesus dies, Ben-Hur and his family, with Balthazar, Messala, and Esther, clasp their hands in prayer. Miracles occur when Jesus heals Ben-Hur's family of leprosy, and enables Messala to walk again. He comes near the cross thanking Jesus for the miracle.

At the film's end, Mary Magdalene sees Jesus emerge from the tomb and he ascends into heaven, giving the promise to the apostles to preach the gospel. Ben-Hur, now married to Esther, shares with his children his story and faith in Jesus.

Voice cast

References
  1. music, 2005: film, television, radio, theatre, dance (2006). Obituaries in the performing arts. [S.l.]: Mcfarland. p. 17. ISBN 0786424893.
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