Palio

The 2015 documentary film Palio is a mesmerizing cinematic journey deep into the world of the Italian horserace, "Il Palio di Siena," a historic event with roots that date back to medieval times. Directed by Cosima Spender and written by John Hunt, this movie offers an in-depth look at the politics, passion, and pure spectacle that surrounds this intensely feverish race, held twice each summer in Siena, a small city in the heart of Tuscany.

At its most superficial, the Palio of Siena is simply an incredibly gripping and dramatic horse race. Still, beneath the surface simmers a hotbed of long-standing rivalries, secret machinations, and economic interests. The areas or "contrade" of Siena are represented in this race, and each contrada pledges its loyalty to its jockey and horse. The documentary beautifully highlights the fierce passion of the Sienese people, as they don their contrada’s colors and take to the streets to cheer for their champions.

Through the experiences and aspirations of two key figures – a veteran rider named Gigi Bruschelli, who has won 13 races and is on the verge of setting a new record, and Giovanni Atzeni, a charismatic younger jockey, often referred to as 'Titti' who is emerging from his mentor's shadow – Spender unveils a narrative that unfolds like a classical drama. With a strong focus on their thrilling, deeply personal rivalry, Palio delves into the allegiances, the complex horse trades, and the behind-the-scenes connections that define the ultimate outcomes of the race.

It presents a stirring depiction of the intensity, sentiment, and excitement that characterize the competition - almost a battle-feel. The spirit of the competition is beautifully captured - from the trumpeting fanfare that heralds the kick-off to the thundering hooves that race round Siena's Piazza del Campo, one of the most stunning medieval squares in Europe. The race may last just 90 seconds, but the pulsating atmosphere effectively communicates the significance of the centuries-old tradition.

Palio expertly blends sequences of these pulsating races, shots of Siena's spectacular architecture, the festival's pageantry, and candid interviews with the jockeys, city denizens, and Palio experts. These elements combined provide an immersive experience that reveals the event's unique blend of history, culture, politics, and sport.

Although the movie is about an Italian horse race, it is not exclusively intended for horse-racing enthusiasts or sports followers. Rather, the real conflict in Palio is distinctly human. Here, horses and jockeys are pawns in a larger societal game. The fascinating power dynamics, intrigue, deals cut in shadowy allies, and the artful machinations that shape the race lend a unique tonality to the film. What begins as a sporting spectacle transcends into a tale of ambition, rivalry, brinkmanship, and the quest for glory.

Cosima Spender's measured direction and Stewart Le Marechal's excellent production combined with pulse-racing cinematography that puts the audience in the middle of the frenetic action lends a grand scale to the documentary. The powerful score by Alex Heffes perfectly complements the emotional crescendo that builds around the race.

Besides, the insightful insider’s view of this arcane, centuries-old tradition subtly underscores larger themes such as social and economic divisions, power structures, local alliances, and personal and professional aspirations. Through it all, we are given a mirror to reflect upon society at large, and the lengths, people are willing to go to maintain a sense of identity, tradition, and pride.

Watching Palio, you get far more than just a horse race. You get a visceral, thrilling plunge into a singular cultural event, a web of intrigue that permeates an ancient city, and an intimate look into the lives of the men who risk it all for a fleeting taste of glory. Palio, therefore, offers a vivid and visceral experience that draws the viewer into Siena's age-old traditions and the exhilarating world of the fastest horse race in the world, serving up a riveting, stimulating watch.