The story of Ben-Hur is a timeless one. It is a story about love, betrayal and ultimately forgiveness. It's no surprise then that the Lew Wallace novel that originated this story has been adapted to the big screen so many times. Most famously, the 1959 classic adaptation starred Charlton Heston in the lead role and went on to win 11 Academy Awards. The newest remake — which arrives in theaters Friday — attempts to introduce a new generation to the classic tale.
Written by Keith R. Clarke and Oscar winner John Ridley, the new version starts at one of the story’s most memorable sequences: the chariot race. The two leading contenders are Judah Ben-Hur (Jack Huston) and Messala Severus (Toby Kebbell), one-time brothers who have been torn apart by jealousy and hatred....