The jews have always been a favorite topic to talk about, joke about, and kill in the case of some monsters.
Benhur, The uncrowned prince of Judea, bears a long time friendship with Messala, the ambitious Roman Tribune, who comes to replace the governor, who returns to his boyhood home. He meets Benhur who says ’’ I drank a toast , when I heard youve become a tribune’’. While exchanging some pleasant memories, they part ways on grounds of their new found passion of their cause. BEnhur fighting against the Romans and Tribune, keen on crushing the Jewish resistance.
Benhur and his family were arrested, over an accident, but was set up to make it look like a deliberate attempt to assassinate the governor. His mother and sister were locked up in dungeons while he was condemned to be a galley slave, a punishment worse than death. The only rule would be ’’Row and you shall Live’’. Benhur swore an oath of revenge ’’May God grant me vengeance. I pray that you live till I return.’’. ’’Return’’ says Messala, mocks him.
On the way to the galley , all the condemned men were to be taken on foot, They stop for water, but the soldiers made sure Benhur didnt get any. Just when he thought he was to die, Jesus of Nazareth steps up boldly, and give him water. The look of gratitude given with a smile and tears, Benhur is taken away.
Back at the galley , serving four years , not knowing the welfare of his family, Judah survives and rows , strong and fortified. He picks up a soft corner with a Roman Consul of the battleships. who observes ’’You have the spirit to fight back but the good sense to control it. Your eyes are full of hate, Forty-One. That’s good. Hate keeps a man alive. It gives him strength.’’
During a battle, Benhur rescues the Consul who is about to kill himself, thinking that the battle was lost. the consul takes benhur to his home ’’ in place of his lost son’’. Benhur drove the Consul’s chariots to victory , while the consul has made necessary arrangements to adopt him.
Benhur goes back to his hometown . Does he find his family , get even with Messala. Watch and find out. This Epic was the first to get 11 Oscars.
The performance of Charlton Heston was splendid. Though it was reported that several Roman guards were seen with wrist watches, The dramatization and the story line was far too good beyond words can explain. The Chariot Race between Benhur and Messala, The crucification of Christ are the best scenes I’ve vouch for till date.
Blind vengeance can only make you bitter. When Jesus was being crucified, Judea see him and realised that He was the Man who saved him by giving him water whilst being taken as a slave. When he inquired the reason for being punished , He was told that The man did nothing. That got him into thinking on his own life by looking back. Here is someone who is being taken to death , though being innocent, while himself , was nursing his desire on getting even with Messala, and some day with the Romans.