Father and child sit together smiling while looking at a smart phone.

Want more recommendations for your family?

Sign up for our weekly newsletter for entertainment inspiration

Parents' Guide to

El Cid

By Charles Cassady Jr., Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Handsome chivalry epic with enduring themes.

Movie NR 1961 182 minutes
El Cid Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

See all
age 11+

Based on 2 parent reviews

gerbowski
gerbowski Parent of 2-year-old
September 12, 2012
age 12+

A sweeping epic and excellent film

A classic medieval story of a noble knight who sacrifices everything for honor and the future of his country. Although it is a bit long, "El Cid" is is definitely worth the viewing. Charlton Heston and Sophia Loren put in great performances in this sweeping epic. There is quite a bit of violence in the form of massive battles and one on one duels, but it is not gratuitous and there is little blood shown. Don Rodrigo is an honorable man who despite all the odds does what is right, even when doing so costs him greatly. This classic is probably alright for most teens, although whether it will hold their interest is another matter.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Alejandro LB
Alejandro LB Adult
June 4, 2011
age 10+

A Great Epic Classic, Not a Documentary

Another issue on this great epic film is about its historicity and interest it may raise on actual events that portrays. Good movies based on real facts or people are valuable because they make people be interested on study that history's period, but parents should warn their kids do not take those films as documentaries.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In war-torn 11th-century Spain, warrior-knight Rodrigo (Charlton Heston) runs afoul of the royal family again and again because of his inflexible morality. He captures Islamic Moorish princes raiding Christian towns and, instead of handing them over for execution, frees them, earning the Moors' friendship and respect. He suspects the new King Alfonso contrived the assassination of his brother over the throne, and is exiled as a result. He even kills the father of his bride (Sophia Loren) in a duel over honor, casting a shadow over their marriage. But Rodrigo's reputation as "El Cid," a wise leader, wins him an army of followers, and bring the Moors to his side, in defense of Spain against a new threat, crazed Arab conqueror Ben Yussef (Herbert Lom). Though Rodrigo is no fan of King Alfonso and is implored to crown himself king, the righteous El Cid chooses a more noble path.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (1 ):

The battle scenes -- thousands of extras on loan from Francisco Franco's army, definitely not CGI -- are rousing, and the costumes and pageantry are sumptuous. But EL CID's pace does seem to drag (the film was originally shown with an intermission) and the castle skullduggery is a little complex for young viewers.

Still, in terms of a faith-based, upstanding hero placed in impossible situations, Rodrigo is as strong a role model as they come (unless you question when he kills people over "honor"). In contrast, the Islamic-fundamentalist Ben Yussef looks just like the Taliban -- historians did their homework well with the costumes and detail.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the conflicts faced by Rodrigo and the wisdom and spirituality behind his choices. Why does he have to support a king unworthy of him? What makes him decide when to take a life or when to show mercy? El Cid is a hero figure in Spain with some of the oldest literature and legends written about him. What hero characters does he resemble in old English and American lore? Also, what other modern-day epic movies can you compare this to? How is it different?

Movie Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended movie lists

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate