All language subtitles for Ben.Hur.2010.WEB-DL.x264-FGT_English

(YELLS)

Ya!

Ya!

Ya!

Messala.
Whoa!

(SCREAMS)

Messala!

Messala.

Messala?

Did I win?

No, but you nearly
killed yourself trying to.
Come on.

Is there any other way
to race?

Tell that to my mother.

One, two, three!

(PANTING)

I should have
a line of slaves
behind me.

And one beside you,
whispering in your ear
that you're a man, not a god.

Is that not the Roman way,
Octavius Messala?

Whoa! Whoa!

What happened
to the other cart?

We went over
some rough ground.

They're not
racing chariots,
you know?

I told him that.

We'll repair it, Mother.
I promise.

Mmm-hmm.

Where have you two
been all day?

Why didn't you
take me with you?

Because you are child
and not proper company
for young men.

Tickle her severely, Messala.

(LAUGHING)

Judah.

A messenger
from the Garrison
delivered this.

It's for Messala.

We always knew
this would come.

But it's been
five years,

more,
since his mother died.

Would you prefer his father
had sent for him immediately?

Tirzah will be
most unhappy.

None of us will
be happy, Judah.

And Simonides
has arrived.

You must change your clothes
before you greet him.

Yes, I forgot
he was coming.

I'm sorry.
I should have been
here to meet him.

Yes.

It's time for you
to take up your
responsibilities,

and for Messala to face his.

Childhood only lasts
so long.

So our childhoods
end on the same day,
his and mine.

And our lives go in
different directions.

Different directions,

but the same journey
to manhood

and all its rewards
and responsibilities.

And I know that you will meet
whatever lies ahead

with a good heart
and a brave spirit,

for you are
your father's son.

Hmm.

And my mother's.

No mother was ever
more blessed in a child.

Go now, Judah,
and tell your friend
playtime's over.

So it would seem.

What's the secret?

You just have to be ready.

Who is it from?

From my illustrious father,
Senator Marcellus Agrippa.

You read it.

It's a private letter,
Messala.

I don't think
you'll be embarrassed
by too many intimacies.

Remember, the secret
is to expect it to fall
every single moment.

"To Octavius Messala.

"You will leave Jerusalem
with the next
military convoy to Caesarea

"where transportation
has been arranged
for your journey to Rome."

Is that all?

He's a man of few words,
Marcellus Agrippa.

I sometimes envy you
having a dead father.

(BELL DINGING)

Judah, how good to see you.

Forgive me
for not being here
to meet you.

It is of no matter.

You are well?

Yes, yes,
thank you.

And you?
Your journey was
not too tiring?

The distance from Antioch
does not grow shorter,

and I do not
grow younger.

Judah, I think
you know

that your father,
of blessed memory,

hoped that one day
we would unite our families

in more than
mercantile matters.

The painter does
my daughter no justice.

Esther is not simply a face,
but a mind and a spirit
of rare quality.

I hope your father's
and my aspirations
will be fulfilled.

Yes, yes.

It has to be your wish also.

And Esther's?

Of course. Of course.

Thank you.

No, no.
It is for you

until you meet in person.

Come with me.

Would if I could.

Where you are going
is the center
of the world, Messala.

Things that would
never be possible here
will come your way.

Will you write to us?

I doubt it.
I am no hand with a pen.

But I'll think of you,
all of you.
And I'll miss you.

And I will come back.

Promise?

You be safe, Octavius Messala.

We will race again.

God willing.

SOLDIER: Forward march!
Left, right. Left, right.
Left, right, left.

Left, right.
Left, right.
Left, right, left.

RUTH: Judah! Judah!

This came for you.

Messala is here.

Open it.

What does it say?

"Judah Ben Hur
is ordered to present himself

"to the Garrison Commander
upon receipt of this notice."

Well, it's to the point.

Probably written
by a scribe.

It certainly wasn't
written by a friend.

Well, you better not
keep the Garrison Commander
waiting.

Halt.

I see you forgot
nothing I taught you.

You know what
the emperor Octavius
said of Rome?

He said, "I found
this city built of bricks,
and I left it made of marble."

That is what I intend
to say of Jerusalem.

That is
a remarkable aspiration
for a garrison commander.

I won't always be
a garrison commander

anymore than
Pontius Pilate will always be
the Governor of Judaea.

We could do
great things here together,
you and I.

Marcellus Agrippa's got
plans for me.

He spent a great deal
of money and influence
advancing my career.

Only shows his
regard for you
as his son.

No.

No, it's his regard
for his own future.

He wants a strong man
on his side,

someone with military renown
to his name.

Yes.
And he's chosen you, Messala.

No, not quite.
I mean, he still hasn't
given me his name.

I am still his
unacknowledged bastard.

Begotten of
a mistress he abandoned
when he found someone younger.

No. My father, the senator,
is a cruel, cunning,
capricious man,

and those are
some of his
better qualities.

He's given me this chance,
which I am determined to take.

The trouble is
it's earned me the enmity
of Pontius Pilate.

So I must tread carefully.

You can be of
help to me, Judah.

Of course,
in whatever way I can.

This festival
of the Passover.

Now should you
know of any elements

that plan to
disrupt Pilate's arrival,

I'd want to know of them.

It would reflect
badly on me,
you understand?

Are you asking me
to become an informer,
Messala?

I'm asking you to
help preserve the order
of a Roman province.

This is my career, Judah.

I can't afford mistakes.
Not now, not at the start.

Pilate, he'd have me removed

or demoted, given a chance.

All I'm asking,
between friends,

is if you know, or hear,
or suspect anything,

just let me know.

Believe me,
it saves much worse

if such things
can be nipped in the bud.

Speaking of
nipping in the bud,

which of these do you prefer?

I give you first choice.

I'm nothing
if not a generous friend.

If you will excuse me.

Shouldn't have thought
you suffer from
the Greek affliction.

Judah, when may I
pay my respects
to your mother?

She's well I hope?

She is.

She's looking forward
to seeing you.

And Tirzah,
she must be married by now
at her ripe age?

No. Tirzah has
set her standards so high

that none of her suitors
can meet them.

So there is hope for me yet.

Come and eat with us.

It's good to
see you, Judah.

We'll do
great things here,
you and I.

A great thing has
already come to pass.

You are here with us again.

Hey! Let's hurry up.
Get a move on.

He's a surly bugger,
that foreman of yours, Judah.

Saves me from
having to be one.

Yes.

Well, that's what
I'll be doing

under the new
Garrison Commander.

What do you mean?

I'm being forced
to step down a rank
for some child.

Well, he must have
the qualifications,

or he wouldn't have
been given the post.

It's not what you know.
It's who you know.

The Governor's
none too pleased.

He wanted to
make me permanent.

Mind you,
I wouldn't trust
Pilate's judgment either.

It's all politics
with these buggers.

That's it then, David.

All done.

You intend to enter
the chariot race, Gaius?

Is there any other
reason to live, Judah?

You'll be safe
laying a talent on me.

It wouldn't do
for a Jew to wager

against his own team,
now would it?

Suit yourself,

but you'll be
throwing your money away.
(CHUCKLES)

Shalom!

You see?
Didn't even count them.

We've already done that,
haven't we?

Never hurts
to rob those bastards
when you get a chance.

When you have a business
of your own, David,

you'll find out
how well it pays

to cheat your customers.

Romans are not customers.

They're bloody conquerors.

Sometimes I think
you forget that.

You know, I appreciate
your animosity, David.

Your brother
suffered at their hands.

Suffered?
Nailed up on a stick
is how he suffered.

Three days it took.

He killed a Roman soldier,
did he not?

Whose side are you on,
Judah Ben Hur?

It is not a question
of sides.

We are under
Roman occupation.

Now that may be unfortunate,

but it's a fact.

Well, we'll see about that.

You know,
a time is coming when

you'll be asked to say
where you stand.

Are you threatening me?

No.

I'm just
telling you how it is.

You'll see what happens

when the Governor
shows up at Passover.

Don't involve me
in your conspiracies, David.

You know my position.

Pay your taxes
and collaborate.

You know, you have a way
with an argument

that turns into a quarrel.

I wondered
when you'd be back.

You know,
we have Simonides arriving,
bringing you your bride.

That is not funny.

You know there has
been no understanding
between Esther and myself.

That's not what
Simonides thinks.

Anyway, it's about time
you were married.
Give us an heir apparent.

David Ben Levi
was at me again today.

Why don't you
get rid of that man?
He's a zealot.

No, Tirzah,
he's an excellent overseer,

and he knows the business
as well or better than I.

I will not dismiss him
for convictions he holds
as genuinely as I do my own.

Do you never
get tired of being

so reasonable
and even-handed, Judah?

People like David Ben Levi
are dangerous.

They make life impossible
for people like us.

You know,
he as much as told me

there would be
a demonstration against
the Governor at Passover.

Well, then denounce him.

You forget yourself, Sister.

(SIGHS)

We do not denounce
our fellow countrymen.

(GENERAL CHATTER)

MAN: There'll be
soldiers everywhere.

You start something,
and there will be a massacre.

We should take note
of those who welcome him.

Put them on the list.

We must be prepared
to take advantage
of any situation.

All of us should be armed
so we may strike a blow.

(LOUD KNOCKING ON DOOR)

Leave us.

So, you came.

To warn you.

Judah, we are
already warned.

Every day we see our enemy.
We know who they are.

The new Garrison Commander
is determined

that nothing interfere
with the arrival
of Pontius Pilate.

He will be on the alert,
and he will take action,

drastic action,
in the event of
any disturbance.

You think
this is news to us?

I know this
Garrison Commander,

and he will not
risk his reputation
on such an occasion.

You know him?

Octavius Messala
is my friend.

That friend,
you don't want anything
to spoil his big day.

I don't want to see
any more men crucified
or sent to the galleys.

Very well,
you've done your part.
You've warned us.

Now can I have your word
you will not betray us?

Were that in my mind,

it would have been a Roman

who knocked at your door.

He must have changed
to speak in such a way
to you, his best friend.

Of course he has
changed, Tirzah.

He is a man, a soldier.
He has been to war.

But he never forgot us.
That much I know.
And he is glad to be back.

What of his father?
Did he speak of him?

Not with
any great affection,
I'm afraid.

He referred to him always
as Marcellus Agrippa
or the senator.

Poor boy.

And when can we
expect an audience
with the poor boy?

He will dine with us
in a few days.

And I hope you will manage
a more welcoming manner,
Sister.

I have not invited him
under our roof
to have him mocked.

You will see for yourself
how much he has changed

and how much he is
still the same Messala
we knew and loved.

For we did love him,
did we not?

Yes. Yes, we did.

Yes.

And we shall again.

Judah!

Here they are at last.

Greetings and welcome.

Let me present my daughter.

Esther.

Welcome, Esther,
daughter of Simonides.

It is my honor
and my family's.

Welcome.

I saw her face, Judah.

Saw what?

That she
was not disappointed.

I do not like to see
birds kept captive,

but my father says
they are never free
of the chains of the sky.

Indeed.

You need not approve
my father's nonsense, Judah.

Do you really
think these creatures

would not wish to
fly away at this moment

if I opened their cage?

Perhaps.

Although they might
not survive for long.

If I were they,
I should wish to

have the choice.

(SIGHS) How happy I am
to see Jerusalem at last.

To you it is
a familiar sight,
I know.

But I, too, often stand here
and admire this view.

It is the city of our faith,
and while we have it,

we have our center,
our heart.

Forgive me. I have
a tendency to pontificate.

I do not mean to...

No, no, go on.
Please, continue.

Esther, I realize

your father has
certain expectations

as did my father,

and you should know that

I am not opposed
to their wishes.

But you think
we should make our own choice

in a matter so important?

As you say.

Be you betrothed to me
with this, my wealth.

MESSALA: For the
first couple of years
I was in Rome,

I didn't even see
Marcellus Agrippa.

It was all military training.

Poor Messala,
learning how to
be a soldier.

It has its compensations.
The ladies of Rome
are very patriotic.

Did you teach them
to catch the stick?

Your father must be
so proud of you.

No. I wouldn't go
so far as to say that.

He's expectant,
maybe, but...

I'm not ungrateful.

He has given me
so much advice,

advice which has
stood the test of reality.

"He over whom
you have no power
has power over you."

That's his motto.

Power, he says,

is the only currency
worth hoarding.

It never loses its value.

But there are powers
other than those
Marcellus Agrippa speaks of.

Of faith, of family,
of friends, fair dealing.

In Rome,
no such powers prevail.

Even Tiberius,
our emperor,

gave up his beloved wife
and his three children

to make a dynastic marriage
with his brother's widow.

Everyone applauded his wisdom.

I think that not wisdom
but an affront against God.

Whose god? Yours?

Rome and its values
are not for you, Esther,

nor my friend,
your husband-to-be.

But they're for those whose

ambitions remain
unchecked by conscience,

whose loyalty can be purchased
by advancement and coin.

And have you become
such a one, Messala?

I have.

I mean, I think I have.

But such is my fate.

We are all in
the hands of the gods,

are we not?

Such is our belief.

So have you given any thought
to what I said earlier?

Regarding provocations,
disturbances and so forth?

It is as I have told you.

I will have no hand
in any demonstration
against Rome.

I know.

I talk of hearsay, rumor.

Nothing?

Why do you question
your friend's word?

He hasn't
given me his word.

Have you?

Is it so much to ask
assurance of a friend?

Come, you need only
ask Gaius Antonius

to know that
the Hur family have always
cooperated with Rome.

I'm asking Judah.

It does Rome no credit
to impugn a friend
under his own roof

while in receipt
of hospitality.

I impugn no one.
I do as my duty requires.

Is it so much
to ask for Judah's word?

I give you my word.
Thank you.

Shame on you,
Octavius Messala,

to speak so
to those who love you.

Daughter,
Messala is a guest
and our friend.

Apologize to him.
No.

I should apologize.
I spoke out of turn.

Thank you, Judah.

It's of great comfort to me.

To all our futures.

May they be
happy and prosperous,
however brief.

She's got a mind
of her own, Esther.

You should have
a care, Judah.

When she takes the reins,
she'll ride you hard.

And your sister.

You should know
I've contrived

to have Pilate's
procession pass here
in front of the house

so you'll have
the chance to see me
in all my pomp.

I'll be the handsome one
on the white horse.

Forgive me.

You know,
half my performance
is to convince myself.

Messala,
no need of forgiveness.

Go with God and
be yourself tomorrow.

All will be well.

SOLDIER: Forward!

March.
Left, right.
Left, right.

Left. Left. Left.

Have a care, Judah.

He could be
a dangerous enemy.

And a more
dangerous friend.

MESSALA:
At the first sign
of any trouble,

any demonstration
from the crowd,
quell it.

Use the butt end
to begin with,

but if that proves unavailing,

give them the blade.

Is that understood?

SOLDIERS: Yeah!

We should be bringing Pilate
to the Garrison direct.

Keep him on
the main streets.

We'll have clear space
on either side.

The lower city
is too narrow.

You make it seem as if
I were sneaking Pilate
through the back door.

I don't think he'd appreciate
the caution, Gaius.

I think he might find it
an affront to his vanity.

Your job is to protect,
not to flatter.

There speaks a voice
with no concern for politics.

And who thanks
the gods for it.

(CROWD SHOUTS INDISTINCTLY)

MAN 1:
Go home, Romans.

MAN 2:
Keep on riding.

MAN 3:
Go back where
you came from.

WOMAN:
Have respect, Romans.

You have no respect.

A sullen lot,
these Jews.

Better to be obeyed
than beloved, Excellency.

Drop back a length.

MAN: Go home, Romans.

WOMAN:
Have some shame, Romans.

Go on.

There's Pilate at the front,
gleaming like a brass pot.

Messala does look splendid,
I must say.

Look out!

(SCREAMS)

(CROWD CLAMORING)

Do something.

Seize him!

Seize him!

Arrest Judah.

Move!

It was an accident.
A tile fell from...

(GRUNTING)

It was an accident.
Please!
It was an accident!

Judah.

Tirzah.

It was an accident!
Judah!

In broad daylight,
an attack on Rome's emissary.

Tiberius will hear of this

and of your incompetence,

you place-bought fool!

I will have you removed,
you hear?

Sent to the furthest
reaches of the Empire!

(INHALES SHARPLY)

Am I not injured enough?

I could have been killed.

Those responsible
are under arrest,
Excellency.

Crucify them!

The weapon could have
pierced my skull.

Well,
what are you waiting for?

I said crucify them.

Excellency, it is
the feast of the Passover.

I know that!

That's why I am here
to make Rome's presence felt.

Who are these rebels?

One of the foremost
of the Jewish families
in Jerusalem.

Judah Ben Hur and
his mother and sister.

Well, make
an example of them.

Crucify the man
and garrote the women.

Do you hear me?

(SCREAMING)

Thank God. Are my
mother and Tirzah safe?

You have more to concern you
than their welfare.

You attempted to
kill his Excellency,
Pontius Pilate.

Messala, it was an accident.

A tile fell from the roof.

When the governor
of a Roman province
is attacked in the street,

it is not an accident.

It is a rebellion
against Rome.

Have you gone mad?

You gave a signal
for the riot to begin.

You cannot believe that.

My family and I
are your friends.

You and your family
have destroyed me!

Do you understand that?

Messala, I knew nothing.

Liar!

You lied last night.
I saw it in your eyes.

Admit it.

Give me the names
of the other plotters,

the ones you signaled,
you and your family!

Don't threaten my family.

They are even more
blameless than I.

Let me go before
Pilate and explain.

He wants you crucified,

and your mother and sister

to be executed
by strangulation.

No! No!
Hear me, Judah.

You have destroyed
the house of Hur
and me with it.

Messala, listen to me.

No, you listen to me.

Where there is a war,
someone must go to it,

and it will not be me.

Messala! Messala! Messala!

GUARD: These two are
going to get the wire.

(GUARD LAUGHING)

Be assured
my report will make clear
that it was your incompetence

that led to this
insult to the Emperor.

Excellency...

Silence!

I'm dismissing you
as Garrison Commander

and reinstating
Gaius Antonius.

And trust me,
your patron, Senator Agrippa,
will not intervene this time

to keep you in a post
for which you are
manifestly unfit.

Get up!
Up, come on.
I said get up!

All right,
get out of here, you.

Forgive them,
for they know not
what they do.

For they know
not what they do.
Forgive them.

(MOANING)

(SCREAMING)

(SOBBING)

(GROANING)

Simonides!
Simonides! Simonides!

Am I not to be crucified?

No such luck.
Your sentence
has been changed.

You're for the galleys.

A year from now,
you'll be wishing
they'd put you up on a stick.

You are now
under the command
of Quintus Arrius,

commander of
the Southern Fleet

and victor
of the Battle of
the Corinth Straits.

You have been chosen
to carry His Excellency

to receive
reward for his service

from the hand
of the Emperor Tiberius
himself.

You may consider
yourselves honored

and will acquit
your duty accordingly,

or by the gods,
you will answer to me.

Honored, do you hear?

Silence!
Silence at the oars.

Let every man know
that any infraction
will be severely dealt with.

Severely dealt with
just for a change.

Prepare to increase.

And stroke.
And stroke.
And stroke.

Quintus Arrius. (SCOFFS)

He is the one who
cleaned out the pirates,

and honored we are
to be rowing him to Rome.

You feeling honored,
Number 40?

They killed my wife,

and my daughter,
and my son.

They create a wilderness
and call it peace.

Every night I dream,
my friend.

Then I wake up,
but I'm still Number 41.

Do you ever think
maybe it's all a bad dream,

and death is when
you wake from it?

Go to sleep, Antegua.

Dream of killing Romans
and kill one for me,
Number 40.

(CHUCKLES)

(WHIP CRACKING)
(MAN EXCLAIMS)

ARRIUS:
They have two anklets.

Is one not enough?

I switch the rowers
from port to starboard

on a regular basis,
Excellency.

It keeps them
better balanced.

It requires being
able to chain them

to battle stations
whichever side
they are rowing.

And does
the result outweigh the cost
for the extra anklets?

Yes, sir, they are
better oarsmen for it.

Well, commendations,
Hortator.

Thank you, Excellency.

He did not tell you
it was Number 40's idea.

Silence at the oars!

Whose idea was it,
Number 41?

Number 40's.

Is this true, Number 40?

Would Number 41 lie
to Quintus Arrius?

He mentioned it
to me, Excellency.

And you took the advice
of a galley slave?

Congratulations on
having an open mind.

(GRUNTS)

The thing of it is,

I am not afraid of death.

Either it will be
better than this,
or it will be nothing,

which will be
better than this.

What are you afraid of?

Nothing.

I am afraid of
going down in the chains.

(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)

On your feet.

We're only just
off the oars.

You're wanted up top.

You're going to
see His Excellency.

You mind your mouth in there.

I don't want
any of your smart opinions
about how to run a galley.

Is that clear?

Come on.

MAN 1:
Pull them out.

MAN 2:
Pull out! Pull it.

MAN 3:
Watch the side.

MAN 4:
Right ship, turn!

Come.

Number 40, Excellency.

Hmm.

I don't suppose you know much
about naval strategy,
do you, Number 40?

Mine is not
the best place to learn.

Then why would you
suggest the hortator

switch the rowers
from side to side?

I believe he
explained the reason.

The rowers would
be better balanced.
Yes, he did.

But why would you care?

Efficiency is better
than its opposite,

even for a galley slave.

Hmm.

How long have you
been at the oars?

Almost three years.

Well, you are certainly
thriving on it.

How long did you get?

There was no limit
put on my sentence.

And what did you do
to deserve that?

I was betrayed by a friend.

Oh, well, that usually carries

a maximum penalty.

Are you going to tell
me now that you
are entirely innocent?

Hmm.

Well, if we lived in Rome
it wouldn't be worth comment,

so commonplace it would be.

That is little consolation

when you have been
wrongfully accused

and convicted
without a hearing,

your family destroyed,
and all on the word of one
who was your friend.

Mmm.

Ah! Well, I'm surprised

that a man with your
education and intelligence
has lasted so long.

This work is for
unthinking brutes.

I've had encouragement
in that direction.

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

Come. Come.

Sir. Three ships sighted.

Just put out
from the headland.

They are pirates for sure.

They have the land breeze,
but they're no match
for our rowers.

We can outrun them.

Outrun?
No, no, no, no.

Outmaneuver,
outthink, outfight,
but not outrun.

In case the news
gets back to Rome,

and it's converted to
running away.

Quintus Arrius
does not run away.

Off you go, Number 40,
and take the grapes.

It will sweeten your stroke.

What is that?

Trumpet calling us
to battle stations.

I was dreaming
I was in a garden
drinking sherbet.

I can taste it.

Battle stations.

Three pirates
came out to greet us.

May they capture us
and kill all the Romans.

May we kill those
they leave behind.

MAN 1: We're going to port.

MAN 2: It's your lucky day,
isn't it, Number 40?

Battle stations!

Battle stations!

Oars out!

And stroke.

And stroke. And stroke.

Port! Hold!

Port, oars in! Hold!

MAN: Coming about.

MAN 1: Secure port.

MAN 2: Hold steady!

Port, withdraw!

And stroke.

And stroke. And stroke.

And stroke.

And stroke.

And stroke. And stroke.

And stroke. And stroke.

Give me speed!

Stroke.
And stroke. And stroke.

MAN 1:
Archers at the ready!

MAN 2: Ready arrows.
MAN 3: Hold formation.

Hold your position.

Starboard in.

Release!

HORTATOR: Oars out!

And stroke.

And stroke. And stroke.

Port, in!

Hold!

How many?

Two more.

Port, withdraw!

And stroke, and stroke.

And stroke.

Ramming speed!

Ramming speed!

And stroke.

And stroke. And stroke.

And stroke.

And stroke. And stroke.

And stroke. And stroke.

(ALL SCREAMING)

Back oars.
Back oars! Back oars!

ANTEGUA:
Judah, unlock the chains!

The chains!

The chains!

Quickly, Judah.

(GRUNTING)

Judah.

(GASPING)

It's no use.

Go, Number 40,
and kill a Roman for me.

Don't let me drown
in these chains.

(EXPLOSIONS IN DISTANCE)

(GRUNTS)

You?

Number 40.

Who else?

Are there other survivors?

There's been no sign.

(GROANS)

This needs to come out.

Not if it's barbed.

Try.

One good pull.

It's an order,
Number 40!

(GRUNTING)

It's very clever.

Detach blade so it
stays in the body.

(LAUGHING)

The Great Quintus Arrius
adrift with a slave
in his hour of triumph.

You are still alive.

You mean I am not dead.

There's a difference.

I know the difference.

Well, the gods
have their own
sense of humor.

I trust you still
believe in your god.

How can I say other
when I am
delivered from my chains?

Not by a god.

Before each battle,

I unchain one rower.

Why?

Call it
a reminder of humility,
an antidote to hubris,

or simply habit.

Why me?

Maybe I like
the way you eat grapes.

What?

What is it?

A sail.

I will not be
taken by pirates.

If this is a pirate ship,
you must not let them take me.

So having saved your life,

I should take it
to save you from the oars.

If this is a Roman ship,

I will not let them
take you back.

You will come to Rome
as my slave.

This is a better
form of servitude.

You have my word
on it, Number 40.

My name is Judah Ben Hur.

You have my word,
Judah Ben Hur.

Hey! Hey! Hey!

Hey!

Their chieftain is
here as you ordered.

MESSALA: His family?

The women killed themselves.

He was only taken alive
with great difficulty.
It cost us three men.

(YELLING)

Will we crucify him, sir?

No. Keep him alive.

I have a better idea.

MARCELLUS:
My son will receive
his reward

at the hands of
Tiberius himself

when he returns to Rome.

Such are his triumphs
against the Thracians.

Well, I am glad that your son
has finally made you proud.

You've waited a long time
for a return
on your investment.

Bastards got on mistresses
need time to prove themselves.

And at least
I will have a son
to carry on my name.

So, Marcellus,
you've seen fit to
bestow it on him.

MARCELLUS:
I need Tiberius' approval.

Well, you know how he likes
a man to die without heirs,

so that all his estates
are subject to his decree.

Well, let's pray
he survives you

to carry on your
illustrious name.

Quite so.

I hope to prevail
on Tiberius

to grant Octavius Messala
the governorship of Judaea.

Replace that
wretch who did so much
to obstruct his advancement.

And Tiberius will
grant this favor?

There are ways to
influence an emperor.

My Thracian will
take his fancy,

and of course,
Athene can be most persuasive.

(BELCHING)

Oh, gods.

I feel the need of
a little intestinal relief.

Excuse me.

(COUGHING)

I can give you something
to dull the pain.

And how do you feel
about being on loan
to our Emperor?

I am a whore.
How should I feel?

(GRUNTING)

So which is your
galley-slave-turned-gladiator?

The blond one.

But he's no gladiator.
He's my body servant.

MARCELLUS: Skilled in arms.

What, does the victor
of the Corinth Straits
fear assassination

that he must go
guarded in the streets?

He's beautiful,
your body servant.

Indeed.

You pick well, Quintus.

We chose each other.

Chose each other,
did we?

Enough! Enough!

You improve day by day.

(GRUNTS)

A fine looking specimen.

What say you match him
against my Thracian
before the Emperor?

There is no
likelihood of that.

I value him too much
to see him butchered
for your amusement.

I'll give you odds.

He's learning well,
and he's learning fast.

Could you have killed him?
Today?

Only about
a half dozen times.

(CHUCKLES)

I am Athene.

Judah.

So you are a Jew,
and I am a Greek.

Both of us conquered peoples
subject to the will
of Rome and Romans.

We should make a common cause
while we have the chance.

If you'll excuse me.

Did you...

The Greek,
did she take you to her bed?

She's not to my taste.

Judah, no...

(CHUCKLES)
Don't make me laugh.
It hurts too much.

(COUGHING)

Go to her.

Are you asking me
to sleep with this woman?

No. I'm ordering you to.

It will not be
such a hardship.

(CHUCKLES)

Why would you wish it?

Because Marcellus Agrippa
wants it.

Marcellus Agrippa?

Hmm.

He uses her for his ends,

few of which are carnal.

She will inquire of
things he wants to know.

Such as, what you are to me,

how long
you think I will last,

and who are my heirs.

Why does he want to
know these things?

Because in Rome,
knowledge is power.

And he over whom
you do not have power
has power over you.

I see you've learned the ways
of the Imperium.

I had a good teacher.

Hmm.

(GRUNTS)

Have your physicians
no remedy for your pain?

No, I have had my fill
with them.

When my time comes,
I will take the pink bath.

The Roman way.

Yes. (COUGHS)

Come, rest now.

All will be well.

(COUGHS)

Judah,
I will have you as my heir

to have at your disposal

my estates, my name.

And to go with them,
Roman citizenship

and a full pardon
for all charges
held against you.

What of your kin?

I have none,
saving you now, Sextus Arrius.

Sextus was my son.

He died many years ago

in a plague with his mother.

You do me honor
to give me his name.

Then all I ask is

you do not disgrace it.

No more than I
would my own father's.

Then we are both
well pleased, my son.

Come.

You know, I cannot rest
until I've had my revenge

upon he who killed
my mother and sister.

Octavius Messala.

MARCELLUS:
Emperor, my sources report
that Pontius Pilate is inept,

incompetent, and corrupt,

and that Judaea,
were it administered properly,

would contribute
five times the sum

you presently receive
from its taxes.

Octavius Messala
would assure these revenues.

Indeed, I will
guarantee them in advance,

such is my confidence
in his abilities.

I was never handsome.

My mother said

I was her least
favorite child.

Do me justice but no favors,
do you understand?

Tell me, Marcellus,
is this not
the same Octavius Messala

who not four years
ago was sent abroad
in disgrace by Pontius Pilate

for conspicuous
neglect of his duties?

A contrivance against him

so that Pilate
could re-install

his own favorite.

Messala knows these Jews.

He's lived amongst them.
He speaks their language,

knows their customs.
He has assured me...

I will consider it.

I could ask no more.

What's this I hear
about some gladiator you own?

Ah!

Yes. My Thracian.

Sent to me by Messala.

Already he has
three kills to his credit.

I shall like to
see him in action.

By your decree, Emperor.

But I am having difficulty
in finding him opponents

or perhaps I
should say victims.

I challenged Quintus Arrius
to put his young protege
up against him,

but he prizes him too much.

I think perhaps there
is more to that matter
than meets the eye.

There usually is.

But I doubt Quintus Arrius
uses bum boys as gladiators.

Well, we must find some way

of having your prodigy
entertain us
at my next gathering.

At the Emperor's command,
it shall be done.

I didn't expect virginity
along with virility.

But I am honored
to receive it.

You must allow me
the privilege of
advancing your education.

And why would you
do that?

I might teach you
to pleasure me
as well as yourself.

And some day you
might have a wife

who would
appreciate such skills.

And it would give you
the time to find out

whatever Marcellus Agrippa
bid you learn.

You may tell me
what you please or not.

But did not Quintus Arrius
bid you do the same?

We will not
quarrel over this.

Marcellus Agrippa.

He has a son.

Octavius Messala.
Do you know him?

A great hero
by all accounts.

No doubt,
I will have the chance
to judge for myself.

I see I have
your attention again.

This time, keep in mind
that it is not a sprint.

Look at this.

I would exchange it all
to be once more
on the battlefield.

Did you not find it so,
Quintus Arrius,

that war is so much
simpler than life?

But one cannot
make war forever.

There comes a time
when you have to
put the sword down.

Especially when
you can't hold it.

(COUGHING)

My dear Quintus,
you look worse than I do.

Shall I send for my physician?

He has not killed me yet.

No, I have made
my own arrangements.

But I thank the Emperor.

Then what can I do?

For me, nothing.

But I would
have your approval
of my intention

to leave all I possess,
including my name,

to someone of whom
I have become fond.

To whom,
indeed, I owe my life,
what is left of it.

This is your galley slave?

Mmm.

The one who
Marcellus speaks of

as your catamite?

He is my companion,
nothing more.

(LAUGHS)
My dear Quintus,

you are at liberty to bequeath
your name, and its fame,

and all you possess
to whom you choose.

Your service to
Rome and its laws

grant you that.

But in Rome,
the supreme law is yours.

So how is it a galley slave
saves the life of an admiral?

By the will
of the gods.

(LAUGHING)

Indeed,

we do amuse ourselves
in the most peculiar fashion
sometimes.

Very well.

If that is what you wish.

But I must meet
this fortunate young fellow.

Bring him to
my next masque.

I am in your debt.

I may require you
to acknowledge that

before you slip anchor.

I wouldn't delay
your request long.

I wouldn't want to
disappoint my Emperor.

(COUGHING)

May I...
You may.

(CONTINUES COUGHING)

(MUSIC PLAYING)

Emperor.

(CLEARS THROAT)

Emperor.

I have the honor
of presenting to you my son,

Sextus Arrius.

Well, let me have
a look at the paragon.

Take off your mask, Sextus.

I hear you are
no mean man at arms.

I am but an apprentice
at the trade, Emperor.

Well,
I hope to have some
evidence of your prowess.

I would have
your new-found heir

display his skills
for us, Quintus Arrius.

In what manner?

Why, by combat.

I hadn't thought
that such a display
would be necessary.

Did I not say that
you were in my debt,

and did you not tell me
I must make haste
to have it repaid?

I am the Emperor's to command.

What of the Thracian
of yours?

At the Emperor's pleasure.

Emperor, this was
not my understanding.

There is no
understanding but mine,
Quintus Arrius!

Replace your mask.

You do not have my permission
to show your face!

Sword against spear,
the best of all the pairings.

Is it to your satisfaction?

If they know
how to use them.

I can assure you
my Thracian does.

And what about your Sextus?

(GUESTS EXCLAIMING)

(GROWLING)

Emperor, Emperor, I beg you.

(GUESTS SCREAMING)

Kill him.

Emperor!

It seems you were right.

The gods amuse themselves
in a peculiar way.

Emperor.
The man was mad.
Emperor?

Hmm.

(COUGHING)

Your god, he sets his hand
against self-slaughter,
does he not?

Hmm.

It is hard to tell with gods

whether they care
about our ways,

or whether, indeed, they are
anything but our fancies

writ large.

Well, I shall know
soon enough. Or not.

For waiting for me is

maybe a sudden darkness.

(EXHALES)

Do not grieve unduly.

I have had about as much life
as one can live.

You have
a long way to go, my son.

Do not spend it all
in vengeance.

Do not sour it with hatred.

(BREATHING HEAVILY)

Oh!

Maybe there are no gods.

Maybe one lives on
in others.

So when you eat a grape,

you think of me.

(GASPS)

(SOBBING)

Your grief does you credit.

Who would not grieve
such a man
as Quintus Arrius?

There are many dry eyes,
I assure you.

Yes. Well...

Marcellus has other concerns,
does he not?

Has he managed to
placate the Emperor?

We are doing our best.

He's persistent, my master.

We are headed to Jerusalem
to meet his son at the games.

He means to
have him installed there

as his new governor.

My condolences
on your loss.

But you'll soon feel better,
Sextus Arrius,

now that you have
your late father's estates.

Perhaps we will meet again
in more
cheerful circumstances.

At your son's
investiture in Jerusalem?

What would take you
to that godforsaken place?

Jerusalem is not
forsaken by God, Senator.

Oh, you're a Jew.

Well, certainly if you come
for the chariot racing,

you will meet
Octavius Messala.

I will live in hope.

I will miss you, Judah.

Farewell, Quintus Arrius.

I promise you

I will not disgrace
the name you gave me.

But I will have my revenge.

No matter the cost.

JESUS:
...and yet forgive them.
Once? Seven times?

No. Not once.

(PEOPLE EXCLAIM)

Not seven times,

but 70 times seven.

We've heard it said,
"An eye for eye,
a tooth for tooth."

I say to you,
do not fight those
that wish to harm you.

If someone hits
your left cheek,
offer them the right.

If they ask for your tunic,
give them your cloak as well.

Forgive them,
for they know
not what they do.

For they know
not what they do.
Forgive them.

If they say,
"Walk this mile with me,"

walk two miles.

As you've heard it said,

"You should
love your neighbor,
and hate your enemy."

But I say to you,
love your enemies

and bless those who curse you.

Please,
can you help a leper?

(PEOPLE CLAMORING)

SOLDIER: Step back!

(CLAMOR CONTINUES)

You are under arrest!

You are under arrest!

SOLDIER: Stay!

Stay there.

(SCREAMING)

And what brings you
to this armpit of a country?

I've come for the games.

(GRUNTING)

Come. Empty your mind
of what troubles you.

David.

Esther.
Leave me alone.

What's happened to you?

My sentence was
life at the oars!

MARCELLUS: When does
Octavius Messala arrive?

Octavius Messala
will be here?

I told you
your replacement
was on his way.

MARCELLUS:
My son has many
good qualities,

but patience is
not one of them.

Have some care there.

So that is your son?

MARCELLUS:
Yes, of course.
You have not met.

I will meet him tonight.

What was it,
the name of the family
you lived with?

Who cares?

Welcome, Marcellus.

Most especially
Octavius Messala.

What's this game, Judah?

This game is one
that you will lose.

I should have
had him crucified
as Pilate ordered!

What stopped you?

I'll challenge him
to race me in the games.

Judah Ben Hur!

I mean to see
the light go out
in your eyes.

The race can be to the death
as easily as to the line.

These damn games
were not trouble enough.

It will only
rouse the populace,
like this zealot in town.

Wait until after the race
and hand him over.

Forgive him.

I have no forgiveness
in me.

And Judah Ben Hur.

That is a bitter
finish line indeed.

The knot is tied
and cannot be undone
but with a cut.

(SPECTATORS CHEERING)

(YELLING)

Ya! Ya!

BEN HUR: "To Octavius Messala.

"You will leave Jerusalem
with the next
military convoy to Caesarea."

We will race again.

You know,
we have Simonides arriving,
bringing you your bride.

Be you betrothed to me.

Messala is here.

You can be of
help to me, Judah.

Whose side are you on,
Judah Ben Hur?

It is not a question of sides.

We should be bringing Pilate
to the Garrison direct.

Look out!

Seize him!

It was an accident! Judah!

Get up!

Crucify the man and
garrote the women.

No! No!
Hear me, Judah.

You have
destroyed the house of Hur
and me with it.

Messala!

You are now under the command
of Quintus Arrius.

Silence!

How long have you
been at the oars?

Almost three years.
I was betrayed by a friend.

That usually
carries a maximum penalty.

Three ships sighted.
Pirates for sure.

Battle stations!

Back oars! Back oars!

If this is a Roman ship,
I will not let
them take you back.

But I must meet this
fortunate young fellow.

Emperor. I have the honor
of presenting to you
my son, Sextus Arrius.

Marcellus Agrippa.
He has a son.

Octavius Messala.
Do you know him?

Farewell, Quintus Arrius.
I will not disgrace
the name you gave me.

But I will have my revenge.
No matter the cost.

...and yet forgive them.
Once? Seven times?

No. Not once.

Not seven times,

but 70 times seven.

We've heard it said,
"An eye for eye,
a tooth for tooth."

I say to you,
do not fight those
that wish to harm you.

If someone hits
your left cheek,
offer them the right.

If they ask for your tunic,
give them your cloak as well.

Forgive them,
for they know
not what they do.

For they know
not what they do.
Forgive them.

If they say,
"Walk this mile with me..."

...walk two miles.
As you've heard it said,

"You should love
your neighbor,
and hate your enemy."

But I say to you,
love your enemies

and bless those who curse you.

Please, can you help a leper?

(PEOPLE CLAMORING)

(SCREAMING)

MAN: This way.

I heard you've
only just returned.
Where were you?

Went outside the city
to hear the Nazarene.

"Blessed are the weak.
The poor shall
inherit the Earth."

"Blessed are
the pure in heart,
for they shall see God."

I think that is wisdom.

"The pure in heart."
And who are they?

You'll not find many
in 100, is all I know.

Then you must try harder.

Is that what I must do
to win you, Esther?
Try harder?

No. You must
let me decide, David.

I would make
the right decision,

for once made,
it cannot be undone.

I heard of your
father's death.

It was that of a true Roman
and an example to us all.

You must be proud of him.

He has my
undying respect.

(CHUCKLES)

And what brings you
to this armpit of a country?

I've come for the games.

Games. (LAUGHS)

There are games of a sort.
Nothing like Rome.

A chariot race
with teams from all around.
Arabs, Syrians, Nubians.

This Garrison puts up a team
which always wins,
if you call that sport.

It's enough to bring
Senator Marcellus Agrippa
from Rome.

And little these Jews
will thank him.

A fractious
bunch of malcontents.

There's one such
abroad just now,
wandering the hills.

They spring up like weeds,
and like weeds,
we must cut them down.

Ha!

There was another set-to
at the Joppa Gate.

Soldiers everywhere.

I mean, it's Passover.
They should know by now

the Romans are on
the lookout for trouble.

Just telling Esther
about the fighting.

And you were not
tempted to join in?

DAVID: And where would
you and your daughter be

if I was to join in
and get myself arrested?

We're indebted
for your consideration.

Oh, you're indebted
for more than that.

Who else do you know
would have the pair of you
under his roof

after you lived
with the lepers?

We were purified
in accordance with the law.

And who paid for that?
SIMONIDES:
And what did you pay with?

If not the proceeds
of the business
Judah and I once owned.

Judah Ben Hur
had you crucified
in his place.

You do not know that.

I know what I saw!

And I know I
gave you both a home,

so let's have no more
of your sarcasm

and your complaints.

You would be
best to take heed.

I will not wait
forever on you, Esther.

Daughter of Simonides.

I'm sorry.

When I'm in pain,
I speak without thought.

There's no need
to apologize, Father.

You are welcome,
but where will you stay?

The Senator's
retinue will arrive soon,
and I must accommodate them.

Well, I saw a house
across the way

closed by
order of the governor

for some considerable time
by the looks of it.

I know the place.
It was a scene
of an attack on me

when I first arrived
four years ago.

I had
the perpetrators executed

and the house left empty
as a warning.

Well, then it has
served its purpose.

You've not been
attacked since.

When I make an example,
I make an example.

Hmm.

Perhaps you might
sell the house to me.

Well,
it seemed a pleasing prospect
beneath the neglect and decay.

(LAUGHS) You want to buy
a house here in Jerusalem?

Oh! No doubt I will
sell it at a profit later.

But you have no objection
to benefiting from my whim
in the meantime, do you?

I suppose not.

Well, then,
we shall consider it
a mutual understanding.

Shall we say 50 talents?

All right.

So, Governor, tell me,

how much longer do you think
you'll be required
to serve in this...

What did you call it?
"Armpit of a country"?

Are you covetous
of my position?

Because if you are,

I could put in a good word
for you with the Emperor.

(LAUGHS)

(LAUGHING)

ESTHER:
How is your pain?

It hurts only when I laugh.

(CHUCKLES)

It's been a long time
since that last happened.

We're alive,
and we are together.

Yes.

Father, David is insistent
I give him an answer.

Even if it be no?

It cannot be no.

As I know
he will turn us out.

We will survive.

Back with the lepers,
begging at the caves?

But you do not
love this man.

David knows that.

I have no interest
in what David knows.

It is you, Esther.

Could you bear to marry
such a man as that?

And he has prospered.

Forgotten his
hatred of the Romans,

the hatred he used to
vent on Judah.

On those who tried
to live in good terms
with their conquerors.

Giving up his hatred
is not to be
held against him.

He gave up nothing.
He just saw
where his profit lay.

David Ben Levi
has hatred enough
in his heart.

Then maybe I can erase that

by being a wife to him.

Do not overestimate
the power of love, Daughter.

It does not work miracles.

(GENERAL CHATTER)

Saw all the work going on.
Thought I'd introduce myself.

David Ben Levi.

I have a business.
We do many things.
Tiles, for one.

You need
quite a few up there
by the look of it.

Yes, I believe
you were here
when one fell

some four years ago.

Judah. Judah Ben Hur.

Sextus Arrius now.

Sextus Arrius?

I have a Roman name
for when it serves.

But I am who I ever was.
Judah, son of Jacob,
of the house of Hur.

What if you're discovered?

I'm in no danger
of discovery.

I am a Roman citizen now
with all the benefits
of that state.

Then it is true.

They said you were taken away,
protected by that
friend of yours, Messala,

you and your
mother and sister.

I have not seen them
since that day.

You remember
that day, David?

Of course.
I was there.

I know.

I saw you when you
stabbed a soldier.

In self-defense.

In the back.

An incident which
turned into a riot,

for which my family
was blamed.

I did not give your name
when I was taken,

or else you would have
joined Simonides

on the cross.

So you knew
of that, then?

I saw him as I was

being led away in chains.

His daughter, Esther.

What happened to her?

Do you know?

No.

And now it is rumored
I'm to release
all common prisoners.

In truth,
I should be locking more up.

But the Senator
must have his visit marked

by a gesture of magnanimity.

Do you know him?
Senator Marcellus Agrippa?

Indeed.
He's never forgiven me

for having exposed
his bastard son

as an incompetent
and sent off
to learn his trade.

But enough of that.
How is your house
coming along?

Oh.

It'll be ready to welcome
the Senator and his son.

And yourself, Governor,
when the time comes.

So who will compete
in this great race, then?

Anyone who can
fasten four horses to a cart,

and don't imagine there'll be
any shortage of them.

All manner of rabble
will mount up

for the chance to
embarrass or injure Rome.

Ye gods and fishes,
how I hate this Passover.

(INHALES SHARPLY)

(EXHALES)

So what's your answer?
Hmm?

I'm not a man
you may play with
in this way.

I'm not a woman
you may threaten.

You've given my father and me
a roof over our heads.

For that,
you have my gratitude.

But gratitude is
not love, David.

And I do not love you
as a wife should.

But I love you.

I love you enough
for both of us,

and love will come.

And if it does not?

If you had my child,

your heart would warm
to the father.

I know it.

You'd come to be
all a wife should.

You're not a woman
that does things by halves.

Take one step.
The other will follow.

Very well, then.

I will marry you.

PILATE: I hope you will find
your quarters comfortable.

I do not use this place much.
I'm usually on
the coast at Caesarea.

They will suffice.

I am here only
to oversee the games
in the Emperor's name.

He's adamant
that by such displays,
Rome will be loved.

I think he'll
find himself mistaken
in the case of these Jews.

You can explain that to him
when you are recalled to Rome.

I've yet to see
the Emperor's orders

under his seal.

You will have them.
Never fear.

They're on their way,
carried by your replacement.

Sextus! Sextus Arrius!

I saw you arrive.
And what
a splendid sight it was.

And you are
the most agreeable prospect

I have seen
since we left Rome.

So you were not in jest
about coming to this place.

Sextus Arrius has
bought a house here.

He seems to find Jerusalem
far more congenial than I do.

I suggested he might
consider relieving me.

I did not know
you had political
ambitions, Sextus.

Whose magnificent horses
are these matched blacks?

MARCELLUS:
They're my gift
to the Emperor.

After they have
triumphed at the games,

they will go to him
for his stables.

When does
Octavius Messala arrive?

Octavius Messala
will be here?

I told you
your replacement
was on his way.

Ah!

Let's hope his entrance
is better than his last.

If you will excuse me,
there is much I
must attend to.

What a popinjay.

(SCOFFS)

I marvel that
he has lasted
as long as he has.

So you've bought
a house here?

I should have thought
that your estates in Umbria
surpassed by far

anything that you might
find in this land.

I once lived here
a long time ago.

As did your son
if I'm not mistaken.

Until I brought him
to Rome.

And his life
truly began.

It'll be interesting
for him to return,

I imagine,
to the scene of
former triumphs.

When can we visit you
in your new house?

I plan a banquet
to celebrate you all
being here

as soon
as Messala arrives.

Well, I will leave you
to recover from your journey.

What is that man
doing here?

I do not trust him.
Upstart.

Perhaps you should
let me ask him.

Or are you saving me
for your son?

Very well.
A slice from a cut loaf
is never missed.

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

Tell your master
Sextus Arrius is here.

And to what do I
owe this honor?

You spoke of
repairs to my house.

And you're offering
the work?

Or you would prefer
I went elsewhere?

I can't supply
your needs.
I'm sorry.

You were at the house
only days ago, soliciting.

Or did you lose
interest in profit

when you discovered
I was not a Roman?

I said
I can't help you.

David! David!

That woman!
Stop her!

Stay there!

Esther,
thank God you're alive.

I asked David
if he knew where you were,
and he told me he didn't.

That will be all.
Thanks, sir.

Why did you run?

Do not touch me.

If you must
detain me,
have them do it.

Esther, wait.
What's the matter?
What's happened to you?

Esther!

Leave me alone.
Leave me alone!

Why did you spit on me?
What have I done
that you spit on me?

Why would I not
spit on someone

who bargained
my father's life for his own?

I had nothing to do
with your father's death!

Then how is it
that you are a Roman,
and he is a cripple?

Simonides is not dead?

No thanks to you.

He was crucified
on the eve of the Sabbath,

and they
took him down at sunset
before he died.

Or am I to be grateful
that you Romans
allow us these privileges?

I saw him as I was
being taken to the galley
in chains.

My sentence was
life at the oars!

You seem to have
rowed your way to freedom.

You once professed to know
what was in men's souls
by looking into their eyes.

Look into mine.

I had no part in it.

If you don't believe that,

then you can believe
what you will.

(SCREAMING)

He denied his part
in your crucifixion,
of course.

Said he had
nothing to do with it.

And you did not
believe him?

He is a Roman, father.

Soldiers obey him.
Even looks different.

He is not
the Judah Ben Hur I knew.

And to whom
you are betrothed.

All that is in the past.

But he is here, now.

How is it that someone
sentenced to
the galleys for life

is now wealthy enough
to buy back his old home?

Unless, of course,
he was protected
by his friend, Messala.

Did you look
into his eyes,
daughter?

Yes.

And?

Could not see
out of my own.

(SIGHS)

I must speak with him.

Do you think
he will confess to you
what he denied to me?

Perhaps my eyes will
see clearer than yours.

(KNOCKING ON DOOR)

DAVID: Esther, it's me.

What do you want?

I want to see Esther!
Open the door.

This is not the time.

I say open the door,
you will open it.

This is my house!
You and she live here
at my sufferance!

What do you want?

To see you.
That you were safe.

I am safe.
What else?

Do I still have your word?

(GENERAL CHATTER)

You give short measure

now that the business
is yours, David Ben Levi.

I've had no complaints
from those I deal with.

The Romans?

Those whom you swore
to resist and drive out?

Have a care, Sextus Arrius,
that I do not reveal you
for what you are.

And what am I?

An imposter, a traitor,
one who bartered
another's life for his own.

(GRUNTING)

Will we go to Pontius Pilate,

and you can
tell him your lies,

and I will tell him mine,

and we will see
who is believed?

This man
once worked for me.

I and my family were ruined
by his actions against Rome.

He is a liar,
and a coward,
and a hypocrite.

And he still
stabs from behind.

It is one thing,
a man's heart
not being in it,

but when his body
is equally absent...

What ails my beloved?

Do whores have beloveds?

The whore's heart longs
for un-bought kisses.

Marcellus is curious
as to why you are here.

And he sent you
to find out?

This is so you know
I am not trying to poison you.

Yes, he sent me to find out,
but you have told me nothing.

You have poisoned
at his command?

I have indisposed a few
in my time,

but I save the best
for myself.

For when I have had enough
of this monstrous world.

But your secret is
safe with me, Judah,

if you were to
share it with me.

Come to where
there are no lies,

no secrets, no words.

Empty your mind of
what troubles you,

of why you are here
and what you must do.

SIMONIDES: We are here to
see Judah Ben Hur.

Stay here.

It's my pleasure.

Simonides.

Simonides.

Judah,
God's blessing on you.

Simonides,
you must believe me.

I believe you.

Daughter, come.

Look in his eyes.

Look and see.

The curfew will begin shortly.
I will find you an escort.

I have permission
to stay out all night.

It is better
that you return.

You have found
a replacement?

I saw the girl and
how you were with her.

She and her father were once
friends of my family.

I thought
they were members of it

from the warmth
of your greeting.

But perhaps
she was something more.

I met Esther once
before in my life,

and she was
but a child.

Well, she's a child
no longer.

I wish you joy of her.

You and I are more alike
than you suppose.

We make our way
in this world by our wits.

You should trust me,

Sextus Arrius
or Judah Ben Hur.

Whoever you are.

SOLDIER:
Left, right, left, right...

MESSALA:
The decree recalling Pilate
is in that scroll.

Do not present it
until these games

and the Passover
have concluded.

Let that be
Pilate's last duty.

The other is
the edict authorizing

the release of prisoners
for the festival.

He can have that now.

How was the Emperor
when you left him?

He's grown over-reliant
on his commander
of the Praetorian Guard.

Sejanus,
he's a dangerous man.

He needs to be the gate
through which all must enter.

It's no bad thing that
the Emperor grows used to
such a gatekeeper.

Then he will not
notice it so much

when one is
replaced by another.

And how long will that be?
I don't mean to
spend my whole life here.

Did you not live here
when you were younger?

Exactly,
so I know whereof I speak.

MARCELLUS:
We must have patience.

It would be as well
if you applied yourself here.

It would help your reputation
should some
outbreak need putting down

to show Rome
she has a man of action.

I'm sure an outbreak
can be both raised up and
put down with great ease.

There was talk of
some King of the Jews
proclaiming himself

as we came in
from the coast.

I had forgotten
what a barbarous people
they are.

Ah! Gaius Antonius.

This is Octavius Messala,
come from Rome
with the Emperor's orders.

Messala and I
are acquainted.

Still here, Gaius?
Yes.

I congratulate you
on your successes
in foreign lands.

That's an order
from the Emperor

requiring the release
of all prisoners
for the festival.

The locals will not
thank us for dumping

murderers and the diseased
into their midst.

Pilate will not
be pleased.

MARCELLUS:
Pilate will not have
much longer

to be pleased or displeased.

Octavius Messala
will replace him
when the festival is over.

So you managed it.

I did not give
much for your chances
after the last time.

You know that was
no fault of mine.

You were Garrison Commander
as I recall.

Do not make an enemy of me
before it is necessary, Gaius.

Let there be no
talk of enemies.

Gaius Antonius
will be our champion
in the chariot race.

He will ride
the Emperor's four to victory,
and we will all rejoice in it.

Indeed. I've heard
of the famous four.

Perhaps you'll indulge me,

allow me to complete
a circuit or two
behind them?

It is never a good idea
to confuse such thoroughbreds

with different
drivers before a race.

MARCELLUS: I do not think
you need overly
concern yourself, Gaius.

There are no animals
comparable to these
in all Judea.

Then you have not seen
Sheikh Ilderim's team.
Senator.

(SPEAKING IN ARABIC)

Cannot that young fool
control himself?

There's no point
in offending Gaius Antonius

before he's even
taken office.

My dear Gaius,
forgive him.

My son has
many good qualities,

but patience
is not one of them.

Ya!

Have some care there.

Nor his concern for the horses
if that's how he begins.

I fear he learnt his
charioteering in war
not in the circus.

Splendid animals.
They belong to you?

Uh-huh.

My name is Judah Ben Hur.

I knew a Ben Hur. Jacob.

He was my father.

He was spoken well of
for a Jew.

That is all
a Jew can ask.

(LAUGHS)

So what is
the son of Jacob Ben Hur
doing dressed as a Roman?

Has he forsaken his faith
and his people entirely?

Not entirely.

But among the Romans,
I'm known as Sextus Arrius.

Ilderim,
Sheikh of the Howeitat.

Sextus Arrius.
You are
studying the form then.

Indeed.

I have a fancy
for Sheikh Ilderim's four.
Are they not magnificent?

You are Sheikh Ilderim.
I'd heard you would be here.

Perhaps we can have a wager
on the outcome?

Perhaps.
Come now, Sheikh.

Are not your steeds famous
throughout the East?

Even in Rome
we have heard of them.

I will venture a sum
on the Sheikh's four.

We are beginning to
see your true colors,
then,

now that
you've come home.

Just to add a little spice
to the event, Senator.

I will be happy to
take your money, Sextus.

BEN HUR: So that is your son.

Yes, of course.
You have not met.

Let me call him in.

It's time he gave
the reins back to Gaius.

I will meet him tonight.

Do not spoil his gallop.

You will find my house easily,
but should you
have any difficulty,

ask the way
to the Hur house.

Octavius Messala
may even know it

from his time
spent in Jerusalem.

A well-known Jewish family
lived there then.

(EXCLAIMING)

They're splendid.
Far too good for an emperor.

Certainly one
who'll never ride them.

We're going to the house
of Sextus Arrius tonight.

I told you of him,
did I not?

He was the slave
adopted by Quintus Arrius,

who then conveniently died
and left him
his name and fortune.

Almost as good as being
the illegitimate son
of a senator.

Would you like
some bread?

Here you go.

For you.

Some bread for you.

For you.

Would you like
some bread?

How long have
you been his whore?

He bought me
when I was 13.

Ha!

My mother was 12
when he bought her
from her father

at a fair price,
he told me,

just so I wouldn't think
I was
the bastard of a bargain.

She's dead,
your mother?

Buried just outside
the city.

The Jews wouldn't
let her be with them.
She wasn't a Roman,

so they put her in
a field somewhere.

How old were you
when she died?

A little older than she was
when she was sold.

So where did you live?

Until he sent for me,

with some Jews in Jerusalem

for almost five years.

Do they still live here?

No, they're gone.

Do you remember
their name?

What was it,

the name of the family
you lived with?

Who cares?

What's wrong, Messala?

What's this?
Why are we here?

This is where
Sextus Arrius lives.

Welcome,
Marcellus, Athene,

most especially
Octavius Messala.

You remember this game,
don't you?

The trick is to
expect it to fall
at every moment.

I thought you did not know
Octavius Messala.

I knew him once.
When we were boys,
we were one another's best.

He lived with us
after his mother died.

With my mother,
Ruth, and my sister, Tirzah.

We were a family,
were we not, Messala?

What's this game, Judah?

This game is one
that you will lose.

What is this?
Who is this man?

Tell him who I am, Messala,
and do not be modest
about your part.

Messala?

Get out of the city,
criminals.
Thank the new governor.

Filthy leper!

What is going on here?
I demand to know.

Your son
condemned me to death,

crucified my friend,

and murdered
my mother and my sister

all to protect
his own position.

And I am here
to have my revenge.

Would any Roman do other?

Sextus Arrius is the same man
you sent to the galleys?

I should have
had him crucified
as Pilate ordered!

What stopped you?

A qualm of conscience.

Did he not share his home,
the fellowship of his family?

Even you, Marcellus,
might have paused.

I'll have no qualms
of conscience this time.

He is a citizen of Rome,
and a rich one.

You think you can
order him executed
or sent into slavery?

I'll challenge him
to combat.

I have seen
this man in combat.

He killed the Thracian
you sent to me.

I don't care how many
Thracians he's killed.

I'll meet him.
One of us will die.

There's more than
one way to skin this cat
than by combat.

Let Athene
tincture his wine.

You think I'd have him
poisoned by a whore?

I'll challenge him
to race me in the games.

You do not have a team.

Let Athene use her skills
to indispose Gaius Antonius.

I'll take
the Emperor's four.

It will be as we said
when we were youths.

We dreamed then of
competing in a chariot race
before a great crowd

with laurels to the victor,
and death to the loser.

So it was for revenge
that you returned.

Not to search
for your family.

Esther, they are dead.

I believed your father dead
and you lost to me forever.

Yes, I came back
for revenge.

And when you have it,
what then?

If you do not die
attempting it.

Then it will be done,

and I will leave this prison

I have lived in
for four years.

And will you
be free then?

Will Ruth and Tirzah
be alive,

or my father live
without pain?

Esther, the knot is tied
and cannot be undone
but with a cut.

Do not be afraid.

I have provided for
Simonides and yourself.

No matter what happens.

I would rather beg
than have such
a promise made to me.

It would make me
part of your madness,

Judah, and do not
tell me you are not mad.

I've seen it,
and I've heard it.

Ya! Ya! Ha!

He drives like a soldier.

Well, that is what
he is, Gaius Antonius.

Well, this is not a war.

Senator, please,
I fear for the horses.

You're right.
He drives them too hard.

Drink up, Gaius.
I will call him in.

I have food for you.

I am unclean.

Take it. Please.

You've been newly freed?

After four long years.

Next time,
I'll bring you
clean clothes.

I am with my mother.

I'll bring something
for her also.

Thank you.

Where is your mother?

She is ashamed
to be seen.

No, it is no shame.
Only misfortune.

Tirzah?

Tirzah! It is me, Esther!

Tirzah?

Tirzah, is Ruth here?

We are not clean.

God be praised.
You're both alive.

Would that it were not so.

No, Ruth,
don't say that.

I've seen Judah.

He is also alive,
and he's here in Jerusalem.

(EXCLAIMS)

(SOBBING)

How long will it take?

He will be unwell today

and worse tomorrow.

Will he die?

What did you
use on him?

Powdered glass.
It will wash out.

But the danger is
if he falls into
the hands of physicians,

they will purge him
and make things worse.

You're a dangerous
woman, Athene.

How else could I have
survived in a world
of dangerous men?

To think of
seeing Judah once more.

He must not know.

What do you mean?

You can't tell
him you've seen us.

He mustn't know
we're like this.

Mother, Judah is alive.

He's here.

And God be praised for it.

But would you have him
ruin his life forever

by revealing
our plight to him?

Judah believes we're dead.

Let us be a memory to him,

not a living nightmare.

But how could I not?

How could I not
in all my life?

How could I not speak of it?

RUTH: Promise me.

Promise me, Esther.

I ask this not for myself,
not for Tirzah,

but for my son.

For him. Promise me.

Judah! Judah Ben Hur!

Judah, you must forgive me.
I left so
hurriedly last night.

You had me at a disadvantage.
That won't happen again.

Speak your piece.
What's your desire?

To see you dead
by my own hand.

Spoken like a Roman.

I'll meet you on the track.
Find yourself a team.
We'll settle it there.

I have not come
to win a chariot race.

I mean to see
the light go out
in your eyes.

A race can be to the death
as easily as to the line.

So be it.

Good.
It will be like
old times.

(MUSIC PLAYING)

(SPEAKING IN ARABIC)

Forgive my uninvited presence,
Sheikh Ilderim.

Do you remember me?
I am Judah Ben Hur.

Those who come in peace
are always welcome.

Sit.

So what do you want of me,
Judah, son of Jacob?

To drive your chariot
in the games.

I already have
a charioteer.

I am willing to pay well
to take his place.
Name your price.

Why this urgency?

You made no mention of it
when we met before.

It is a matter between
one Octavius Messala
and myself.

Ah! The madman who will
soon rule over us.

So you wish to
compete against him
in this race?

This will not be a race.

It is a contest to the death.

To the death?

That is a bitter
finish line, indeed.

If I were to
explain myself...

Before you begin,
it is not my decision
to make.

I thought that
Sheikh Ilderim was
sovereign in his own house.

In such matters,
there are others
who are more important.

It is they
you must persuade.

Come. Come.

Water! Get me some water!

He needs to be
purged of the humors
that gripe him.

I will prepare
an emetic.

Will he recover?

If we act quickly.

What of the race?

He's too weak for that.

Already there is
blood in his stool.
It's a bad sign.

Very well.
I will leave him
in your care.

Well?

He's in the hands
of the physician.

He means to purge him.

Tell him not to.
It'll make him worse.

It is not my place
to tell physicians
their business.

They're sufficiently
ignorant of it
themselves.

(GRUNTING)

These are they
who must decide.
My beauties.

Antares, Atair,

Aldebaran, and Akaba.

Come.
Let them know you.

So, Judah Ben Hur,
what is this story
I must hear?

(GROANING)

And the physician
can do nothing?

He's purging him
as we speak,

but he assures me
that he will not be
well enough

to compete
in the games.

PILATE:
As if these damn games
were not trouble enough.

It will only
rouse the populace

if some Syrian or Arab
wins the race.

They'll take it
as another sign,
like this zealot in town.

Can you hear them?
Preaching
the Kingdom is at hand.

Fortunately, we have
a replacement to hand.

Do not tell me
the next governor
will risk his precious skin.

What better way to
announce my arrival?

Your son has
sufficient skill?

Chariot racing
is no amateur sport,

and should he compete
and fail to win,

it would be worse than
not competing at all.

I'll win.
You needn't concern
yourself on that score.

So be it.

If you'll excuse me,
I must attend
to other matters.

You're sure this
will settle the matter
between you and the Jew?

It will for me.

And since he'll be dead,
I should imagine it
will suffice for him also.

(YELLS)

Whoa!

You have their trust.

Do I have yours?

I would rejoice to see
any emissary of Rome
defeated.

But I ask myself,

"What will it
benefit me or mine

"to make an enemy
of Marcellus Agrippa,
a Roman senator?"

Two hundred talents.

Two hundred?

I will give you
200 talents to wager

at whatever odds
you can obtain.

If I win, you pay me back
and keep the rest.

You hate expensively,
Judah Ben Hur.

(LAUGHING)

Two hundred talents?
You must be
mad or under-taxed.

If you're not confident
you are going to win,
I understand entirely.

It is not
a lack of confidence.

Only surprise that
one such as yourself,
Sheikh,

should have
such a fortune to lose.

And let me understand.
You're wagering against
my horses and my son?

In favor of my
own rider and my four.

Take his money.
Yours is safe.

Very well.

What odds?
MARCELLUS: Odds?

You want odds as well?

If you are so sure of winning,
what difference do odds make?

This is Judah's doing,
is it not?

This is his way.
He means to
destroy you, too.

He's a dangerous young man,
this Judah Ben Hur.

ATHENE:
It seems his strategy
is to humiliate Rome.

Would you have it known
that you refused
the challenge?

Five to one.

We are agreed.

And the Sanhedrin
are demanding his arrest.

What do you think?

On what charge, Excellency?

Charge?

He chased the money lenders
out of the temple,
isn't that enough?

The temple is not
under Roman jurisdiction.

If they want him taken,

why don't they do it
themselves?

(COUGHING)

It will not be
easy to find him

with the city crowded
for the Passover.

Well, they have
one of his followers
who will deliver him.

Wait until
after the race
is over,

then take this rabble-rouser

and hand him over.
(COUGHS)

I remind you of
a good, brave man, eh?

Yes?

Do not be afraid.
They can sense it.

Come.
Let him breathe you in.

Why are you here?

To ask you
not to do this, Judah.

It is too late for that.

What if...

Esther, speak to me tonight
of if and maybe.

Until then
it is in God's hands.

What God is that, Judah?
The God of an eye for an eye?

Is there another?

There is the God
who forgives us our trespasses

as we forgive those
who trespass against us.

I do not know that God!

But He knows you, Judah.

He loves each and every
one of us.

Leave this be now!

Must you go through
with this race, Messala?

Do you think I can
let him mock me

the way he did?

Do you think Marcellus Agrippa
would allow it,

given all he's done,

all he's spent?

Damn Judah Ben Hur.

Is it true?
You and he were
once friends?

We were
one another's best.

But it's as
the gods have willed it.

The gods.
They must have
their games, too.

Who are we
to deny them?

Ruth, what if he should die
in this race?

For Messala means
to kill him.

Die and never know
that you and Tirzah
are alive?

And, Ruth,
what if he does not die?

Do you expect me
never to tell him

even if he and I,
God willing,
should marry?

Mother,
listen to Esther.

If he knew we were alive,
he might not do this thing.

Go. Go now.

Halt!

To Jupiter, greatest and best,
Juno, his consort,

and Minerva,
the mightiest one's
mightiest offspring.

May this race
represent our sacred vow

offered on behalf of he
who subjects
the whole width of the Earth

to the rule of the Senate
and people of Rome,

Tiberius Julius Caesar,
the August.

May these, his subjects,
strive to do him honor,

whatever lot
the gods may choose.

In first rank,
from Ecbatana,
Artostes Thuxra.

(CROWD CHEERING)

In second rank,
from the Eternal City,
Octavius Messala.

In third rank,
from Nineveh,
Tukulti Esarra.

In fourth rank,
from Meroe,
Taharga Shebitku.

In fifth rank,
from Jerusalem,
Judah Ben Hur.

(CROWD CHEERING)

CROWD: Judah!

CROWD: Judah!

Senator, shall we begin?

Ya!
Ya!

Ya!
Ya!

(CROWD CHEERING)

(LAUGHING)

Ya!

Ya!

Ya!

(SCREAMING)

(CROWD CHEERING)

Ya! Ya!

(SHOUTING IN MERIOTIC)

Come on! Come on!

Whoa!

(LAUGHING)

Did I win?

Did I win?

(WHEEZING)

(CROWD CHEERING)

Twelve years I have
wasted on that fool,

and he ends up making
a laughing stock of me

in front of
a hoard of barbarians.

Not to mention
putting me in debt
to an Arab.

I shall not pay,
of course.

Well?

PHYSICIAN:
He's going to die.

That's all
you have to say?

He has internal injuries
I can't mend.

He's in great pain,
and it will get worse.

So what do you suggest?

PHYSICIAN: I suggest you
alleviate his suffering.

Sorry.
I can do no more.

At least he did not
have the nerve
to ask me for a fee.

You have something
in your pouch

that will do
what is necessary?

I am curious, Marcellus.
Have you no affection
for your son at all?

My feelings for him
are not your concern.

Now if you wish to
see him spared worse,
find a cure.

I must consult
with Pilate.

Must be something we can do
about that Jew.

Judah.

I must see him.

Do you feel better
now you have
taken your revenge?

I feel nothing.

Except that it is over.

There is something
you must know.

It can wait.

This cannot wait.

Why are you here?

To bring a message
from Octavius Messala.

He still lives, then?

Not for long.

He asks for you.

I have nothing
to say to him.

Judah, go to him.
Forgive him.

Esther.

I have no
forgiveness in me.

I am sorry to hear that.

Judah...
Esther.

It is done.

Let it be now.

My mother and Tirzah
are avenged.

Let us hope it
makes them happier
than it does you.

Would it have made
a difference, Judah,

if you'd known
they were alive?

What are you
talking about?

I have seen them.

What?

I have seen them,
talked to them.

When I tried to persuade you
not to enter the contest,

I knew where they were.
You lie!

Then look into my eyes,
Judah, and see the truth.

Why did you not tell me?

I was sworn not to.

By who?

Who would ask that you
agree to such a thing?

Your mother.

No, she would never
ask that of you.

Why would she
not want to see me?
I am her son.

She's a leper, Judah.

That is why.

(GASPS)

(SNIFFLING)

(SOBBING)

Messala, take this
and spare yourself.

You asked him?

He will not come.

You told him I was
soon for the ferryman?

I must have offended him

more than I thought.

I would have him know
I wronged him.

I've never forgiven myself.

Only he can do that.

Then this will ease
all remorse.

A little weariness,

and then a long, long sleep.

I've been here
almost an hour.

You forget I am still
the governor, Senator.

I'm dealing
with other matters.
What can I do for you?

It's a matter
concerning Sheikh Ilderim,

he who lent his horses
to that Jew imposter.

He has a claim
against me.

A wager.

So you owe
the Sheikh money.
How much?

(SCOFFS)

One thousand talents.

That is a very great sum.

Oblige me by
not stating the obvious.

Does the Sheikh
have witnesses to this?

Not for long.

Oh.

So it is to be
the word of a Roman senator

against that
of a Bedouin Sheikh?

Who can doubt
which is to be trusted?

Bear that in mind,

and you may yet
keep your position.

(GRUNTING)

Forgive them,

for they know not
what they do.

Forgive me.

You know, half my performance
is to convince myself.

SOLDIER: Move! Go!

Go on! Faster!

Faster!

Move!

I don't know why or how,
but he's been waiting for you.

Judah.

You came.

I knew you would.

You knew
more than I did.

Forgive me.

Please, forgive me.

(SNIFFLING)

I forgive you, Messala.

You caught me unawares
last time

with the stick.

Try me again.

No, rest yourself.

There's time enough
for that, Judah.

Just try me again.

The trick is
to expect it to fall
at every given moment.

Are you ready?

Ready.

(SIGHS)

Very nearly.

It is done.

You have to go, Judah.

One un-bought kiss

before you go.

Go, Judah.

I commiserate with you
on your loss.

I do not intend
to pay that Arab.

Oh.

Yes, well...

Who knows if he was even mine?
His mother was a whore.
Like yourself.

We are leaving
this accursed place,
so make haste.

(EXHALES)

For the ferryman.

Have him seat you
next to your father.

(THUNDER RUMBLING)