Freeman shines, but the shadow of 1959 looms too large to ignore.
Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for this 2016 remake of Ben-Hur skews negative to mixed, with most reviewers agreeing that the film fails to justify its existence alongside the celebrated 1959 version. Morgan Freeman's performance and the technical spectacle — particularly the chariot sequence — drew the most consistent praise, while the film's rushed ending and shallow emotional impact were frequently noted as shortcomings. Several critics found it a passable watch for audiences unfamiliar with the original, but those with knowledge of the earlier classic were largely left disappointed. A handful of reviewers dismissed it outright as an unnecessary and inferior retread.
4 not-rated reviews aren't plotted
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 15 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Top critic
Film review ·
While Bekmambetov couldn't be faulted for trying to keep a distance from the 1959 version — and who wouldn't, given its monstrous 11 Oscars — where Ben-Hur ultimately fails is in how far it seeks to travel. Its ending even further dilutes whatever little impact its sympathetic viewing of Biblical characters may have generated, showing it up for half-hearted at best.
Top critic
Film review ·
There is one fundamental problem with a 2016 reboot of Ben Hur – that absolutely no one needed it.
Film review ·
Beltrami's music enhances the viewing experience and, overall, as mentioned earlier, this is a well-made epic that gives you the essence of the subject, but is definitely not comparable to the earlier classic.
Film review ·
On the whole BEN-HUR that is set around the last days of Christ does have a lot of references to the Christian faith that could leave the audience who are uninformed about the faith, a bit lost. However, BEN-HUR despite its lengthy run time does make for a decent watch.
Film review ·
The comparisons to the 1959 film of the same name are inevitable. And because they belong to different eras, play out differently. The good news, that despite it not being superior to the 1959 film, it's well worth your time and stands on its own, despite its... shorter running time.
Film review ·
Morgan Freeman's character - a shrewd but honest merchant who cannot resist a good bet - is sagely wise enough, and he carries it off with effortless ease. All in all, justice has been done to this tale of epic scale.
Film review ·
Judah Ben-Hur is a classic tale that will live on for centuries, a story that is not quite the tragedy that it could have been.
Film review ·
There's really nothing new in it other than what modern technology can bring. The story's eventual outcome – a lesson in repentance, is lost in the visual bombast designed in overkill.
Film review ·
The 1959 Ben-Hur was a landmark in Hollywood. It was a film that set a precedent for mythological and historical sagas. The new film is like a cheap Chinese clone. Its slick to look at, but once you experience it first hand; you realize it is in essence a cheap knock-off.
Film review ·
For people who haven't watched any of the previous adaptations, this might prove to be a better pick than Bollywood period dramas like 'Mohenjo Daro' but for those who have, it'll just be disappointing.
Film review ·
Ben-Hur is exactly what it says on the tin: A remake of a remake, that is also a prime example of Hollywood whitewashing and another addition in the growing list of religious-themed films. Oh, and they put Morgan Freeman in a Bob Marley wig.
Film review ·
This movie is garbage. Do yourself a favour and just go watch the original.
Film review ·
Watch it for the gripping narrative and some brilliant acting by the two leads – Huston and Kebbell. To its core, this is a movie about love, family, struggle, and revenge, which will keep you engaged for the entire length of the movie. Ben-Hur surely qualifies as an entertaining weekend pick.
Film review ·
This Ben-Hur isn't a total washout, but it doesn't hit that much-needed high note that could distinguish it from its far superior predecessor.
Film review ·
Bemkambetov's Ben-Hur is an adequate spectacle for viewers unaware of the existence of Wyler's version, and the director's impersonal approach to the charged material works fine until the moment of Ben-Hur's encounter with Jesus Christ. The hurried ending seems tacked on to the real climax in the dust-laden arena, where men and horses shed blood for their beliefs.
Credits
Jack HustonJudah Ben-Hur
Toby KebbellMessala
Rodrigo SantoroJésus Christ
Morgan FreemanIlderim
Ayelet ZurerNaomi
Pilou AsbækPontius Pilate
Moisés AriasGestasEnglish films like Ben-Hur
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