Review of El Cid (1961) by Jamie T — 12 Sep 2008

Despite a typically commanding performance by Heston, and strong support from the gorgeous Loren (the acting is general is fairly good), this Samuel Bronston epic never catches dramatic fire like it should, faltering under a weak script that has some brilliant scenes and a number of dry patches; especially in the first part, little actually happens, and there is a feeling at times of time wasted.

But the visual design is extraordinary, and the battle scenes lively, if not as cathartic as they ought to be.