1959's 'Ben-Hur' Declared Best Film of the 20th Century
'Masterpiece' 1959 epic that won 11 Oscars branded 'best movie of 20th century'

Image: Express
The 1959 film 'Ben-Hur', directed by William Wyler, is hailed as the best movie of the 20th century, winning 11 Academy Awards and achieving high ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Its epic story of Judah Ben-Hur during Roman Judea captivates audiences with themes of drama, betrayal, and redemption.
- 01'Ben-Hur' won a record-breaking 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Charlton Heston.
- 02The film was based on Lew Wallace's 1880 novel and is a remake of the 1925 silent film.
- 03With a budget exceeding $15 million, it was one of the most expensive films of its time.
- 04The production featured over 200 camels, 2,500 horses, and around 10,000 extras, showcasing its grand scale.
- 05The iconic chariot race is considered one of the greatest action scenes in film history.
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The 1959 epic film 'Ben-Hur', directed by William Wyler, is often regarded as the best movie of the 20th century, having won a record 11 Academy Awards. Based on Lew Wallace's 1880 novel, the film tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a wealthy Jewish prince whose life is drastically altered during the Roman occupation of Judea. Praised for its impressive production scale, 'Ben-Hur' featured over 200 camels, 2,500 horses, and around 10,000 extras. It was one of the most expensive films ever made at the time, with a budget exceeding $15 million. The film's famous chariot race remains a highlight, celebrated as one of the greatest action sequences ever filmed. Critics and audiences alike have lauded the film, with many calling it a masterpiece and a defining cinematic work of its era, reflected in its high ratings on Rotten Tomatoes: 88% from critics and 90% from audiences.
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