Palio (2015) User Reviews

revealing and disturbing look at a horse race like no other

[gregking4 · 8/10 · 5 August 2015]

Twice every year the Italian city of Siena hosts the Palio, the oldest horse race in the world dating back to 1400. It is a horse race unlike any other. It's a bare back horse race consisting of several laps around the town's central piazza. Even a horse that has lost its jockey can still win the race! And losing jockeys can be viciously attacked by the crowds. The city is divided into 17 districts, and each district competes for prestige and pride. For the residents of Siena the Palio is a metaphor for the vagaries of life and represents a microcosm of life and traditions of Italy itself. But the outcome of the race is more often than not determined by strategy, bribery and corruption, and side deals between the various jockeys and racing teams. In this fascinating documentary, director Cosimo Spender (Without Gorky, etc) takes us behind the scenes for this revealing and disturbing look at the tradition of corruption that has dominated the sport. He briefly gives us an overview of the history of the sport, and we meet some of the legendary past figures from the sport. In the lead up to the 2013 event Spender has been granted an unprecedented level of access to some of the competitors. He follows several of the competitors, including the arrogant veteran jockey Gigi Bruschelli, who has won 13 Palios, and his younger protégé and main rival Giovanni Atzeni. Atzeni is in it purely for the sport and the thrill of racing, unlike the venal champion who has ruthlessly dominated the sport. Spender and his team of cinematographers and editor (Valerio Bonelli) have captured the frenetic adrenaline-charged and pulse pounding excitement and brutal spectacle of the race itself, but it is the behind the scenes machinations that provide most of the intrigue and drama. Lovers of horses though should be warned that some scenes here could prove distressing.

On of the most iconic event in the world - and a documentary worth watching

[UmpahpahBg · 7/10 · 21 April 2022]

Documentary about the iconic Palio of Sienna, a traditional and famous horse race on one of the most known squares of the world - Placa di Campo. But there is much more - history, tradition, inside of the unique Italian passion and mentality, as well as tension and even drama.

For all of those who are interesting in the event, it is highly recommended, but also for those who know nothing about it. Participants at the event, both well-known legends of Palio, as well as the beginners in the race, bring us closer to the tradition, rules (and please note, there are almost none on one hand and a bunch of them on the other ;) in a relaxed but sometimes also passionate manner, with the culmination of the two races in 20??.

What I lack is a little bit more of a background and in particular about the event customs itself. I find that a great documentary leaves you with good knowledge about the topic, and with Palio 2015 we miss that. On the other hand, it pushes me to look further, and therefore a mark of 7. And surely a recommendation!