Watch Palio

Palio is a documentary film directed by Cosima Spender that showcases the famous horse race held twice a year in Siena, Italy. The film takes the viewer on a thrilling ride into the world of Palio, and gives a glimpse into the ancient traditions and fierce rivalries that fuel this historic race. The Palio is a horse race that has been held since medieval times, where ten horses representing ten of the seventeen neighborhoods of Siena race around the city's Piazza del Campo. The race lasts for just over 90 seconds, but the rivalry between the neighborhoods and the passion and pride they have for their horses and jockeys is intense.

Through interviews with past Palio winners and current jockeys, the film delves into the complex relationships between the different neighborhoods and their jockeys, and the lengths they will go to in order to win the race. It also explores the challenges and dangers of being a Palio jockey, and the lengths that these individuals will go to in order to secure victory.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is the way that it reveals the various superstitions and customs that surround the Palio. From the blessing of the horses to the feasting and drinking that takes place before the race, every aspect of the event is steeped in ritual and tradition. The film also shows how important the Palio is to the people of Siena - this is not just a horse race, but an integral part of the city's history and identity.

Cosima Spender does a fantastic job of capturing the excitement of the race, using stunning cinematography and innovative camera techniques to put the viewer right in the heart of the action. The film also features a fantastic soundtrack that perfectly captures the drama and intensity of the Palio.

Overall, Palio is a fascinating and thrilling documentary that captures the spirit of this unique and historic event on film. Even if you know nothing about horse racing or Italian culture, this film is sure to captivate and inspire you. Whether you're a fan of the Palio or simply love great storytelling, this is a film that you won't want to miss.

Palio is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 73.