Ben-Hur
Recommended. Age: 13+. A Catholic review of this movie for parents.
Our review
Ben-Hur is a revenge epic that Christ quietly takes over. Jesus is never seen full face, yet every turn of Judah's life bends toward Him, from a cup of water in Nazareth to blood and rain running down Calvary. The lepers' healing and Judah's release from hatred make the point plain: only Christ ends vengeance. One honest reservation: Judah's conversion comes late and fast, after three hours of grievance.
For parents
Classified A-I, but it runs 3.5 hours and the chariot race, naval battle, and crucifixion are intense; Common Sense says 13+. Ask younger children why Judah's hatred hurts him more than Messala, and what the water Jesus gives him means. CCC 2844 on forgiveness ties the ending together.