Ben-Hur
Ben-Hur (2016) is an epic historical drama that reinterprets Lew Wallace's renowned 1880 novel, "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ." The film follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince, who endures betrayal and false accusation by his adoptive Roman brother, Messala, leading to his enslavement. The story chronicles Ben-Hur's arduous journey from a galley slave to a formidable chariot racer, as he seeks revenge against Messala, all while encountering Jesus Christ and grappling with themes of vengeance and forgiveness. Set against the backdrop of Roman-occupied Judea, the movie is characterized by its intense action sequences, including a brutal sea battle and the iconic chariot race, which are central to Ben-Hur's narrative arc. It aims to deliver a powerful message of redemption, compassion, and the transformative power of forgiveness over hatred. The film is intended for a mature audience, primarily teenagers and adults, due to its graphic depictions of violence and disturbing imagery. While the movie integrates significant spiritual elements, particularly the presence and teachings of Jesus Christ, some interpretations suggest a focus on moral lessons of forgiveness rather than a comprehensive theological presentation of the Gospel. Parents should be prepared for detailed discussions regarding historical brutality, ethical dilemmas, and differing religious perspectives presented within the film.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe film contains high levels of intense, graphic, and disturbing violence, justifying its PG-13 rating for 'sequences of violence and disturbing images.' This includes large-scale battles, brutal treatment of slaves, and a deadly chariot race with significant casualties.
Galley slaves are chained to their boat, beaten, and suffer crushing, burning, and drowning during a sea battle, with bloody injuries and corpses visible. The chariot race depicts catastrophic crashes, competitors smashed against walls, thrown from vehicles, run over by horses, resulting in deaths and bloody injuries, including one charioteer losing a limb.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe movie contains highly intense and frightening content due to graphic violence, suffering, and perilous situations, which can be disturbing for viewers.
The chariot race scenes are intensely scary, featuring catastrophic crashes, severe injuries, and death for men and horses, creating extreme suspense and distress. A particularly disturbing scene involves a man undergoing surgery with a hot knife, with sizzling sounds and muffled screams during cauterization, and the visual of blood-covered fingers holding a removed body part.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumMild romantic interactions and implied sexual content are present. While not explicit, some scenes suggest intimacy or feature suggestive dialogue/situations.
Married couple Judah and Esther are shown kissing and in bed together (his shoulders are bare). There are implied romantic feelings between Messala and Tirzah, and during a scuffle, Tirzah's dress is torn, exposing part of her back. The selling of sex for money is also implied.
Substance Use
MediumAlcohol consumption is depicted in social settings, with some instances of characters drinking to excess or appearing intoxicated.
Wine is consumed in social settings and during celebrations, with guests at a house party shown drinking, some to excess. It is implied that one character suffers from a hangover, and another party-goer is seen passed out or unconscious after a banquet.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThemes of disrespect towards authority (Roman rule) and rebellion by Jewish Zealots are central to the plot, leading to severe consequences.
The narrative features Jewish rebels, or Zealots, actively defying Roman authority. For instance, a young Zealot named Dismas attempts to assassinate Pontius Pilate, directly leading to the arrest and enslavement of Judah and his family. Judah himself, despite attempting to dissuade Dismas, harbors resentment against the Romans following their tyrannical acts.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumWhile the film prominently features Jesus Christ and themes of forgiveness, some Christian reviews critique its portrayal for omitting references to the resurrection and presenting the Gospel message as primarily a moral lesson rather than one of salvation by faith.
Movieguide notes that the film "lacks any references to Jesus Christ's resurrection and turns the Christian message of salvation by faith in Jesus into a mere moral lesson about forgiveness." Another review highlights that despite Jesus' presence, the movie "doesn't spell out why Jesus is laying down His life," diluting the message of His sacrifice. Furthermore, Judah Ben-Hur expresses doubt, questioning, "If there is a God, why does he not do right by the world?"
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowNo explicit LGBTQ+ characters, themes, or representation were identified across multiple content reviews and specific searches for 'Ben-Hur (2016)'. The narrative focuses on heterosexual relationships and traditional gender roles within the historical context portrayed.
Searches for 'Ben-Hur (2016) lgbtq', 'gay', 'lesbian', 'transgender', 'queer representation', 'LGBTQ characters', and director/screenwriter statements yielded no relevant results indicating LGBTQ+ content. All available parental guidance reviews consistently omit any mention of LGBTQ+ themes.
Profanity
LowThe film contains infrequent and mild profanity, primarily consisting of misuses of terms of deity.
Terms of deity are infrequently used as expletives. Specific examples include 'Hell' uttered once, and the Lord's name taken in vain three times (e.g., 'My G*d' twice, 'Oh My G*d' once).
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThere is no depiction of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, or magic rituals. The film is rooted in historical drama and religious themes without venturing into supernatural occult elements.
Content analyses for 'Ben-Hur (2016)' explicitly state no specific instances or themes of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, or spells. While Roman characters possess small false pagan idols, these are presented within the context of their pagan beliefs and are considered false within the film's narrative.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
14+ with parental guidance, due to frequent and graphic violence, disturbing images, and mature themes of betrayal and suffering.
Additional Notes
The 2016 adaptation of Ben-Hur is significantly shorter than the 1959 classic, which contributes to a brisker pace but may result in less character development and nuanced storytelling. While it incorporates more overt biblical references and shows Jesus' face (unlike the 1959 version), its focus on forgiveness, from a Christian perspective, is sometimes seen as a moral lesson rather than a complete presentation of the Gospel. Parents should be aware of these interpretive differences when discussing the film's spiritual elements with their children.
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