El Cid

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El Cid

Released Dec 14, 1961

3h 4m

History

Drama

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Popcornmeter

93%

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14 Reviews

78%

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5,000+ Ratings

Spain is overrun by the Moors and the country's only hope rests in a heroic knight known as El Cid (Charlton Heston). He knows a divided Spain cannot stand and implores his countrymen to unify in order to repel the invaders. But a hitch develops in El Cid's campaign: He gets exiled from his homeland of Castile by the region's power-hungry ruler. In the meantime, he attempts to reunite with his estranged wife, Jimena (Sophia Loren) -- who's still upset by the fact that he killed her father.

Fernando F. Croce

Slant Magazine

To say that El Cid is the most intelligent of the elephantine epics of the early '60s is to damn it with faint praise.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 28, 2008

Full Review

Phil Mayer

Honolulu Star-Bulletin

A beautifully filmed, often very exciting saga.

Mar 17, 2023

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

There are no wasted moments - it starts right into the action from the opening scene and, despite its three-hour running time, keeps up interest and suspense.

Rated: 9/10

Aug 24, 2020

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Starring Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren at their prime, Anthony Mann's grand historical epic is still much admired by viewers and directors.

Rated: A-

Jan 31, 2012

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Robert Roten

Laramie Movie Scope

Charleton Heston is the perfect mythic conflicted hero.

Rated: B

Apr 29, 2008

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Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

Not many filmmakers could make the transition to epic filmmaking with all their signature touches intact; Anthony Mann more or less succeeds.

Jan 17, 2008

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Vitor O

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.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/17/25

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JW B

Timelier today, more than ever.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/30/25

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Chris F

This is a hearty story of valor 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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/23/24

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Mary W

El Cid with Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren is one of the GREAT classical movies. It has romance, history and suspence along with beautiful costumes and scenery.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/27/23

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Shay C

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/14/23

Full Review

John L

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.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/01/25

Full Review

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Anthony Mann

Director

Charlton Heston

El Cid (Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar)

Sophia Loren

Jimena

Raf Vallone

Count Ordóñez

Geneviève Page

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Synopsis

Spain is overrun by the Moors and the country's only hope rests in a heroic knight known as El Cid (Charlton Heston). He knows a divided Spain cannot stand and implores his countrymen to unify in order to repel the invaders. But a hitch develops in El Cid's campaign: He gets exiled from his homeland of Castile by the region's power-hungry ruler. In the meantime, he attempts to reunite with his estranged wife, Jimena (Sophia Loren) -- who's still upset by the fact that he killed her father.

Director: Anthony Mann
Producer: Samuel Bronston
Screenwriter: Fredric M. Frank, Philip Yordan, Ben Barzman
Distributor: Allied Artists Pictures, Miramax Films
Production Co: Samuel Bronston Productions, Allied Artists Pictures Corporation
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 14, 1961, Wide
Release Date (DVD): Jan 29, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA): $26.9K
Runtime: 3h 4m
Sound Mix: Surround