Beefy-2

In my opinion, this version of Ben-Hur and The Big Parade are the two best films to come from the silent era. After over two decades of cinema, all the aspects of film making came together in the mid 1920s before Hollywood had to start all over again with talking pictures. Despite the passing of three-quarters of a century, the movie stands up remarkably well. Quite technologically advanced for its day, Ben-Hur boasts several colored sequences as well as a terrific sea battle and chariot race.

I have not read the book by Wallace but I am familiar with it enough to know that this movie is more faithful to the book than the 1959 remake. I liked the way the 1959 version pulled the story together to make it a better movie plot, but this version isn't far behind. It has suspense, romance and adventure!

Definitely worth many viewings!

Although this isn't one of Hitchcock's best films, it is still great and has many great elements. It drags a little during the first half but as Bergman hopelessly falls for criminal Peck, the story gains momentum.

The plot relies on the audience suspending its disbelief significantly. Most of the unraveling of the movie's mystery is due to Freudian analysis. Although very intriguing, it is not very plausible that John Ballantine (Gregory Peck) would remember an entire dream which could then be so intricately explained... almost flawlessly by psychoanalyst Bergman. Still, the story is captivating and the dialogue is well written.

The score, by Hungarian composer Miklos Rozsa is definitely one of the best of the 40's and was obviously an influence for Bernard Hermann's scores.

The acting is superb by all, especially by character actor Leo G. Caroll and the gorgeous Ingrid Bergman. It's not surprising that Hitch decided to use her again as the trashy alcoholic in "Notorious" the next year.

And of course, there are the Hitchcock touches... the use of color for a few frames, the kissing/door-opening sequence (you'll understand when you watch it), etc.

Overall, a very good film. *** 1/2 out of ****

I saw this movie for the first time a year and a half ago. I liked it, but I didn't remember how much until it was on TV today. Everything comes together so well at the end, and on repeated viewing, there is a whole new level to it.

Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are both exceptional in their roles. Robbins plays Andy Dufresne, a convicted murderer who goes to Shawshank Prison where he is befriended by Red (Morgan Freeman), who has already served 20 years there. Despite the hardships of prison, Andy refuses to lose hope, and he tries to inspire Red to feel as he does.

I can't think of one scene that was wasted. Everything helped build to the movie's conclusion. Every character was important, as was every line of dialogue.

I actually cried at the end. This movie really makes you think and touches your heart. Next to Pulp Fiction, the best movie of the 90's.