Review of El Cid (1961) by Grant S — 19 Mar 2015
Evidence that quantity does not mean quality. 180 minutes long, probably just so that it could earn the "epic" tag, this movie drags on an on, thanks to unnecessary side plots and details.
Clearly not true to history - if El Cid and some of the other characters really acted in the way they did, and made the decisions they did, history would have been quite different. El Cid's adherence to certain (misplaced and misguided) honours and loyalties are laid on so thick, and stymie so many good ideas, that you start supporting his enemies.
Plot-holes and random pointless twists abound.
The acting is incredibly wooden, especially by Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren. The supporting cast aren't much better though.
On the up side, the battle scenes are well done, cinematography is great and costumes look very authentic.
This review of El Cid (1961) was written by Grant S on 19 Mar 2015.
El Cid has generally received positive reviews.
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