Rent El Cid (1961)

Historical Legend. - El Cid review by Steve

Spectacular epic about the 11th Century Spanish warlord and mythic national hero, which creaks under it's own weight but ultimately succeeds because of the awesome production, with the location shoot in Spain with a cast of thousands... in ultra-widescreen and Technicolor. And also director Anthony Mann's narrative expertise which maintains interest all the way to the astonishing climax. 

Most of all it's the presence of Charlton Heston in the title role and Sophia Loren as his feisty queen who make the suspension of disbelief just about possible. There are the usual problems with Hollywood historical blockbusters in the opening scenes. Like the sedate narrative momentum, the overstated performances and ceremonial dialogue...

But the leads blow away these trivialities with the massive dimensions of their star personas. Then there are the awesome Spanish castles and the lavish costumes and interiors. Concerns about authenticity fade away in the incredible three hour pageant of cartoonish adventure, lifted by Miklós Rózsa monumental Oscar nominated score.

There's a simple medieval story of the Christian war with the Moorish Empire, infused with modern themes of forgiveness, tolerance and the moral imperative of peace. There are clanking swordfights, a bone jarring joust and some seriously impressive battle scenes. The '50s-60s historical epic has fallen into disrepute, but this is one which justifies the considerable running time..