Reptileenbu Did you people see the same film I saw?

Pacionsbo Absolutely Fantastic

Doomtomylo a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

Invaderbank The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

bkoganbing The Castilian tells the story of the legend of Fernan Gonzalez who led the first successful resistance to the Moslem Moors in 10th century Spain. For the American audiences and the only actors who did not need English dubbing, Cesar Romero, Broderick Crawford, and Frankie Avalon are in the cast.I kid you not, Frankie Avalon. The then teenage idol is a minstrel who sings a few songs accompanying himself on the lute and does the narration. He does look kind of cute in his minstrel boy outfit, although voices like Orson Welles or Alexander Scourby are normally used for the role of narrator in epics. But Frankie sings real nice.The role of Fernan Gonzalez is played Espartaco Santoni who had a fairly decent career in the Spanish cinema according his list of credits here. He's was no threat to Charlton Heston though.As history and the story line of the film have it, Castile would not have been a betting man's choice as the place that would eventually take over and unite the various turfs that made up Spain. It was a small county caught between two bigger Christian kingdoms, Leon and Navarre, and to the south by the Moors. Everybody wants to be top dog.Allegedly the patron saint of Spain, the disciple James and the patron saint of Castile, Milan long dead were sighted riding in battle against the Moors. That's shown here in the film and for sincere believers it is part of the record.The film was shot at the actual battle locations, no doubt with the great cooperation of the Franco government which never missed an opportunity to emphasize Spain's Catholic tradition. On the other hand, financing was on the cheap, El Cid was done a whole lot better.

ma-cortes This Spanish historical film is based on epic events and real characters , thus it appears : Fernan Gonzalez (923-970) , King Sancho of Navarra , King Ramiro II of Leon and Abderraman III . Movie concerns about count of Castile Fernan Gonzalez (Espartaco Santoni) who helped by his general (Cesar Romero) arranged themselves to unify and make Castile independent from the Leon Kingdom , ruled by Ramiro II (Fernando Rey and married to Alida Valli) and confronted king Sancho of Navarra (Broderick Crawford) . Fernan was imprisoned (943) but was freed later . Fernan Gonzalez , also count of Lara , broke the tribute of the one hundred maids with the Moors governed by Abderraman III (German Cobos) proclaimed caliph independent of Cordoba , granting independence of Bagdag . As the leader of the Spanish kingdom of Castile tries to get the various warring kingdoms of Spain to unite and join forces against the invading Moors . Then , the Christian kingdoms were united against the Muslim enemy and vanquished them in Simancas . Fernan Gonzalez created the county of Castile with inherited title and his successors will separate totally from Leon . Fernan Gonzalez history has been sung and written in poetry by jesters and minstrels (in the film represented by singer Frankie Avalon) .The movie results to be a biographic chronicle about a Spanish hero similar to ¨The Cid¨ (Anthony Mann) but with lack luster and budget . However , the great highlights of the film are , of course , the meticulously staged battles that convey us a spectacular scenario . The picture packs historical events , gorgeous landscapes , glimmer scenarios and battles well staged with hundreds of extras . The film was shot in authentic fortresses and strongholds as the castle of Berlanga of Duero (it appears in the sheet movie poster), castle of Gormaz and Peñafiel ; besides , in locations as Covarrubias and Soria with its monuments and churches as Santo Domingo and Saint Joan of Duero . The flick will appeal to minor epic films buffs . Rating : Better than average and entertaining .

inkybrown The Castilian, about a nobleman leading his people against invaders, takes a look at the medieval Spanish wars between the Moors and the Christians. It tells the tale of a hero, Fernán González, who comes out of exile to become Count of Castile and overthrow the grip of Moorish tyranny with his mighty sword. Gonzáles was one of Spain's greatest heroes and a pioneer of guerilla warfare. Cult star Soledad Miranda has a small part as Maria, a Castilian woman who is to be given to the Moors to appease them. Interestingly enough, this drama was filmed at the actual sites in Spain where the events unfolded. The film might not be entirely accurate historically, but the actors are good and the movie overall is enjoyable to watch.

JBRUimdb While it tells an ostensibly historical story about the rise of Castile as the predominant power on the Iberian peninsula, this period film is filled with stilted acting, raging anachronisms, poor dubbing, and ridiculous scenes. Someone without any knowledge of the history involved, might find it passable as a love story. Any knowledge of the history makes it worthwhile only as a farce.