100. Ben-Hur (1959)

Running Time: 212 Minutes
Director: William Wyler
Date Watched: 07/24/2010 Medium: DVD

Summary (from Amazon.com): "After his boyhood friend Messala's fanatic loyalty to Rome makes him a powerful enemy, Judah Ben-Hur is found guilty of an attempted murder he did not commit. His family is banished and he is enslaved on a warship. Through his ferocity in a raging sea battle, he is able to escape and become a horse trainer. To exact his revenge, Ben-Hur decides to compete against Messala in the Roman chariot races. They race, locked in a battle to the death. Barely surviving, Ben-Hur forsakes the sword for Christ and finally finds redemption."

Molly: (3.5 out of 5 stars): "I very much enjoyed this movie, though at times the acting was a bit overdone and it felt laborious in parts. The storyline was very interesting, and I found the overtly Christian themes refreshing (though I doubt such a movie would even be considered for production today). The costumes and scenery were detailed and well done, and I found myself appreciating all the work that went into this movie. If this is #100, I'm definitely looking forward to what is upcoming. Nick made me sit through the 7 minute overture and intermission music, though, which was really annoying (I'm not taking off points from the movie for that, just points off for Nick)."

Nick (3.5 out of 5 stars): "Impressive production considering its age. The story was slow moving at times but still engaging enough that it kept my attention for the full 3 1/2 hours. The sets were huge and full of detail. The chariot race was as entertaining and well orchestrated as any stunts performed in modern day movies. Given its place in the history of the cinema, I am glad I saw it but I don't know that I will ever watch it again."

Random Movie Facts (from IMDb.com):

• The chariot race required 15,000 extras, on a set constructed on 18 acres of backlot at Cinecitta Studios outside Rome... The race took five weeks to film.
• It was the first of only three films to win 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It also has the highest percentage of winning Academy Awards. In 1959 and 1960 there were only 12 categories. 11 of 12 = 91 and 2/3%, 91.667%.