Charlton Heston is the leading man in El Cid (Image: El Cid )
El Cid is a film loosely based on the life of the 11th-century Castilian knight and warlord Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, known as « El Cid ». The film transports audiences to Spain as the nation falls under Moorish invasion, with the country’s sole hope lying with a legendary knight El Cid (portrayed by Charlton Heston).
El Cid recognises that a fractured Spain is doomed and urges his fellow countrymen to unite against the invading forces. However, El Cid’s mission faces a significant obstacle when he is banished from his native Castile by the region’s ambitious ruler. Meanwhile, he seeks to reconcile with his estranged wife, Jimena (portrayed by the legendary Sophia Loren), who remains embittered by the fact he killed her father.
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Whilst the film runs for over three hours, it commands an impressive 93% rating on film review website Rotten Tomatoes. Critical reception has been largely favourable, with one review noting: « A classical tale of medieval heroism and chivalry, this movie is an impressive achievement that, however, is handicapped in its dramatic impact due to its bombast and over grandiosity. »
Another commented: « This is a hearty story of valour and romance set against the backdrop of the battle between Christians and Moors for control of Spain. It is sweeping and epic with no holds barred sword fighting and battle scenes. It is an excellent movie with strong performances all around. »
« I have almost nothing bad to say of this film, other than that it is perhaps a bit too long. Other than that, it’s a beautiful romance in the classic sense of the word, » said a third.
Another posted: « El Cid is the great epic of conflict and challenge; and a love story without equal. As a boy I was enthralled; as a man, even more I am impressed! I recommend you view this film. »
A fifth said: « Gorgeous epic based on the historical courageous exploits of a Spanish hero, El Cid. Made in 1961, this massive epic was filmed without the help of CGIs, and so the thousands of soldiers and horses were thousands of real actors and horses. Only one man could have filled those epic heroic shoes of Rodrigo El Cid. The same man who parted the red sea. The same man who rode the chariots in a do-or-die battle against his childhood friend.
« Yes, its non other than Charlton Heston who had the epic stature, the chiselled good looks and the masculinity to play the role. Before Angelina Jolie, the queen of pouty lips was Sophia Loren. Her smoky hot pouty lips are the dreams of every kissing man. The film is a feast for the eyes on beautiful colourful period costumes, castles, architecture and beautiful Sophia Loren and her arch nemesis. »
However, some reviews highlighted its length and slow pace, with one reviewer noting: « Started off a bit slow and with poor action scenes. But boy, what a story! The continual moral struggle between doing the right thing and also obeying his poor excuse of a king, set against his unconventional commitment to his wife, eventually faced with his own mortality… good film. »
Another chimed in: « Historical epic retelling the exploits of Spain’s greatest hero. For such a long film, it does rattle along quite well and although the battle scenes are pretty unimpressive – the final scene is about as iconic a cinema moment as you can get! » A third commented: « Perhaps not as good as I remembered from childhood viewings, but still a great epic saga. »
El Cid is now available on BBC iPlayer.
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