El Cid

Back in the 60s and 70s epic movies about the past were the norm, and when they were done they were made with a flair that could not be matched. Some were more well known than others, The Ten Commandments, Ben-Hur, Cleopatra, but then some didn't get the fanfare like these films. Even with two big stars like Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren, this film directed by Anthony Mann is just as grandiose as the other epics but over the years this movie has fallen into obscurity.
In the 11^th century Spain was being invaded by Muslim forces, until Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar, El Cid, united the internal warring factions of the nation to fight off the invaders. With cinematography that catapults the audience into the past and musical score that captivates the ear this stunning story of love, loyalty and conviction is as extravagant as any other epic that has been made. Heston is so strong in his role as El Cid, that it should rank right up at the top of the list with his portrayal of Moses and Ben-Hur. Loren with her stunning beauty shows that even in the mourning costume that her character wears, she was one of the sexiest women in the world.
Like most epic films this movie roles out at 3hr 5min, so unless you have the time this will be a daunting task to watch at one sitting. But with the strength of the acting and the skill of the directing it is well worth the time and effort to be watched. It's not often that an older film that has fallen into anonymity is worth watching but here with some of the best elements of film making you end up with a classic that can be watched for years.