It’s been 91 years since the original Ben-Hur, which was such a brutal production that people actually died whilst making it. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology and occupational health and safety regulations the 2016 version is a lot less brutal, but is looking just as epic — although not quite to the level of the 1959 remake (it did win 11 Academy Awards, after all).
Image: Paramount Pictures
Ben-Hur is the epic story of Judah Ben-Hur (Jack Huston), a prince falsely accused of treason by his adopted brother Messala (Toby Kebbell), an officer in the Roman army. Stripped of his title, separated from his family and the woman he loves (Nazanin Boniadi), Judah is forced into slavery.
After years at sea, Judah returns to his homeland to seek revenge, but finds redemption. Morgan Freeman and Rodrigo Santoro also make appearances.
The film is based on Lew Wallace’s novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ — which is well worth a read. I highly recommend watching the original, too — if you haven’t already.
Ben-Hur will be in cinemas August 18, 2016.