| Ben Hur | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Bill Kowalchuk |
| Produced by |
Bill Kowalchuk |
| Written by | Abi Estrin |
| Music by |
Keith Heffner |
| Distributed by | Goodtimes Entertainment |
| Release date(s) | February 15, 2003 |
| Running time | 80 minutes |
| Language | English |
Ben Hur is a 2003 animated film based on the novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, by Lew Wallace. It is the fourth film adaptation of the novel.
Charlton Heston's production company, Agamemnon Films (in association with GoodTimes Entertainment), produced this version of the story, this one a made-for-video animated version, with Heston himself giving voice to the title character. Heston had won an Academy Award for playing the same role in the 1959 version. This film would end up being Heston's last.
Despite running only 80 minutes (barely more than a third of the 1959 version's running time), it introduced the story to a whole new generation.
This version of Ben-Hur airs on TBN and Smile of a Child during the holidays.
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The animated version has the same story but has differences in the 1959 film. The story starts when Balthazar, in the desert, waits for the two other wise men for a journey to Bethlehem. The birth of Christ follows proceeding to the story of Ben Hur, which will take place 30 years after.
In contrast to the 1925 and 1959 versions, the face of Jesus is shown and his words are heard this film.
The character of Messala is different from the 1959 film. This time, he, appeared lamed, approached Ben-Hur for forgiveness besides joining Ben-Hur's family and Balthazar to witness the passion of Jesus. Ben-hur gave water to Jesus on the way to Calvary. As Jesus died, Ben-Hur and his family, with Balthazar, Messala, and Esther clasped their hands in prayer. Through the shining light from Heaven, miracle occur when Jesus healed not only Ben-Hur's family from leprosy, but also Messala to walk again. He came near to the cross thanking Jesus for the miracle the latter did.
At the film's end, Mary Magdalene saw Jesus was alive from the tomb and he would ascend into heaven, giving the promise to the apostles to preach the gospel. Ben-Hur, now married with Esther, shared with his children his story and faith in Jesus.
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