Ben Hur (2003 film)

Ben Hur
Ben Hur
	DVD cover
Directed by	William R. Kowalchuk Jr.
Written by	Abi Estrin Cunningham
Based on	Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ; 1880 novel; by Lew Wallace
Produced by	William R. Kowalchuk Jr.; John Stronach
Starring	Charlton Heston
Music by	Keith Heffner; Michael Lloyd
Production; companies	Agamemnon Films; Tundra Productions
Distributed by	Goodtimes Entertainment
Release date	February 15, 2003;
Running time	80 minutes
Countries	United States; Canada
Language	English

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, the prior three of which were the 1907 silent short film, the 1925 silent film, and the Academy Award-winning 1959 film.

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 Jesus.

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

Charlton Heston as Judah Ben-Hur
Scott McNeil as Jesus, Number 59, Art Instructor
Gerard Plunkett as Pontius Pilate, Mystic, Bystander #2
Duncan Fraser as Messala, Melchior, Herod Antipas, Innkeeper, Bystander #1
Tabitha St. Germain as Miriam, Woman, Young Woman, Woman #2
Kathleen Barr as Esther, Female Angel, Mary Magdalene, Woman #1
Willow Johnson as Tirzah, Mary
Long John Baldry^[1] as Balthazer, Roman Captain, Roman Citizen, Leading Soldier, Citizen
French Tickner as Gaspar, Jewish Man, Doctor
Dale Wilson as Sheik Ilderim, Angel Gabriel, Scientist
Mackenzie Gray as Rabbi, Priest, Soldier #1
Richard Newman as Quintus Arrius, Shepherd #1, Merchant
Ian James Corlett as Gesius, Andrew, Another Man
Michael Dobson as Joseph, Soldier #2
Lee Tockar as Judas, Shepherd #2, Guard, Slave
Rob Court as Peter, Man, Leper
Russell Roberts as Roman Merchant, Archery Instructor
William Samples as Roman Soldier

References

^ music, 2005: film, television, radio, theatre, dance (2006). Obituaries in the performing arts. [S.l.]: Mcfarland. p. 17. ISBN 0786424893.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)

External links

[1] usic, 2005: film, television, radio, theatre, dance (2006). Obituaries in the performing arts. [S.l.]: Mcfarland. p. 17. ISBN 0786424893.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)

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