| Which is the better film? | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spartacus | El Cid | |
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Each is a historical epic centering around a real-life hero (Spartacus/Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar) who is forced to bring together his people (The slaves of the Roman Empire/The people of Spain) in order to stave off a corrupt and powerful kingdom (The Roman Empire/The Almoravides) that seeks to subjugate them. The main antagonist (Marcus Licinius Crassus/Ben Yusuf) being a cunning figure of high standing who manages to manipulate circumstances to further his goals. In the end though he is given a chance to leave with his life the hero chooses to die a martyr in order to support his followers in the decisive battle. Ultimately he managed to win a victory of some kind and also gets to pass on knowing that his wife and children (Varinia and their newborn son/Ximena and their twin daughters) will get to live on free in his stead.