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Technically ambitious but artistically underwhelming, this 1961 epic by Anthony Mann (Man of the West) stars Charlton Heston as an 11th-century hero who drives the Moors from Spain. The film has been described as "glum," and that is indeed apt for a story that focuses so much on its central character's losses in the face of his simultaneous, mythic approbation. Then again, Mann has always been interested in the hidden weaknesses in prevailing myths, so that's not unusual. What is unusual in El Cid is the degree to which technology takes over his filmmaking, as it does here with so many grandi
Amazon.com essential video
Technically ambitious but artistically underwhelming, this 1961 epic by Anthony Mann (Man of the West) stars Charlton Heston as an 11th-century hero who drives the Moors from Spain. The film has been described as "glum," and that is indeed apt for a story that focuses so much on its central character's losses in the face of his simultaneous, mythic approbation. Then again, Mann has always been interested in the hidden weaknesses in prevailing myths, so that's not unusual. What is unusual in El Cid is the degree to which technology takes over his filmmaking, as it does here with so many grandiose and bravura moments with a roving camera that don't add up to anything beyond spectacle. As an achievement of Hollywood's technical advancements in the postwar years, and also as part of the filmographies of Mann and Heston, the film is well worth a look. But it is not the artistic equal of other epics of its day, such as Lawrence of Arabia. --Tom Keogh
Now available on DVD for the first time, this sweeping, Oscarยฎ-nominated epic is "one of the most spectacular mega-productions ever made" (Louis Black, The Austin Chronicle). Digitally remastered and loaded with revealing special features, El Cid stars Academy Award-winners Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren in two of their legendary performances. Anthony Mann masterfully directs this classic tale of the 11th-century hero (Heston) who fought to unite Spain. Known as history's "compassionate warrior," the film follows El Cid's remarkable journey from peace-broker accused of treason to the King's fighting champion, and later from exiled hero to legendary martyr. Unequaled in scope, grandeur and adventure, El Cid is an essential part of any film lover's collection.
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Manufacturer: Miriam Collection
Release date: 29 January 2008
Number of discs: 2
EAN: 0796019803991 UPC: 796019803991
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