Watch EL CID

EL CID is a historical drama series that premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2020. Starring Jaime Lorente, Francisco Ortiz, and Alicia Sanz, the show brings to life the fictionalized story of the legendary Castilian general and national hero, Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, who is better known as El Cid.

Set in the 11th century, the show follows the journey of El Cid, a nobleman who served as a warrior and statesman during the reigns of both King Sancho II of Castile and King Alfonso VI of León. He played a vital role in the reconquest of Spain from the Muslim Moors, but faced many obstacles and was often seen as a controversial figure.

Jaime Lorente, who gained international fame for his role as Denver in the Spanish series Money Heist, delivers a captivating performance as the legendary figure. He portrays El Cid as a man who is deeply committed to his oath of loyalty to the king, but also has a strong sense of justice and morality. With his sword, Tizona, by his side, El Cid embarks on a journey to prove his worth as a leader and earn the respect of his people.

Throughout the series, the audience sees El Cid facing a wide array of challenges, both on and off the battlefield. He has to navigate the complex political landscape of medieval Spain, where allegiances can change quickly and betrayals are common. He is forced to make difficult decisions that sometimes put him at odds with his king, and is constantly under scrutiny from his jealous and envious rivals.

Francisco Ortiz plays King Sancho II, who sees El Cid as a valuable asset and trusted ally. However, their relationship becomes strained when Sancho II starts to question El Cid's loyalty and intentions. Ortiz does an excellent job of portraying the king as a man who is torn between his love for his people and his own personal ambition. His performance adds depth and complexity to the character, making Sancho II more than just a one-dimensional antagonist.

Alicia Sanz plays Jimena, El Cid's love interest and the daughter of one of his allies. She plays an essential role in the story, offering emotional support to El Cid during some of his most challenging moments. Sanz brings a much-needed sense of tenderness and vulnerability to the show, and her chemistry with Lorente is undeniable.

EL CID features stunning cinematography and production design that transport the audience to medieval Spain. The battle scenes are intense and action-packed, and the show does an excellent job of depicting the brutality of war without glorifying it. Most of the characters are well-developed and have their own arcs, making it easy for the audience to become invested in their stories.

One of the most impressive aspects of EL CID is how it manages to balance historical accuracy with creative license. While some liberties have been taken with the source material, most of the events depicted in the series are based on actual historical events. This gives the show a sense of gravitas and makes it more than just a typical period drama.

Overall, EL CID is a fantastic historical drama series that is well worth a watch. It's packed with action, intrigue, and a compelling story that will keep audiences hooked from beginning to end. With its talented cast and impressive production values, it's no surprise that EL CID has become one of Amazon Prime Video's most popular shows.